Veterans inspire UCS students

By Austin Kotas
UCS Alternative Learning Center

Two military veterans, James McKelvey and Allen Opra, came to Utica Alternative Learning Academy to share with students their perspectives on how they overcame personal challenges in their lives.

McKelvey, an Army EOD technician, lost his hand while diffusing a bomb in Iraq in 2004; Opra a Marine, served in Beirut, Lebanon during the 1984 bombing, lost his leg to a drunk driver in 2011.

Prior to meeting both McKelvey and Opra, English students studied empathy and each veteran’s story before writing them individual letters.

In the letters, students asked questions, shared their personal stories and extended how they appreciated their service.

Students expressed how hearing the points of views these men shared was touching, and thought provoking. During the presentation, both veterans told students to follow their dreams.

“A good point that was put across, was that the only thing stopping you, is yourself,” stated Senior Alesha Karpinski.

McKelvey and Opra wanted to give students a new outlook and more motivation in their everyday lives.

Both men stressed how despite the mental and physical obstacles they faced they still participate in everyday activities and never gave up. Students were told they are all capable of doing great things in their lives too.

According to Kyle Derouin, “My dream is to graduate obviously, but listening to these guys helped me think about my future.”