Sean Coughlin:
CLASS OF 1989
Clermont High SchoolClass of 1989
Clermont, FL
Sean's Story
Where to begin.... During my senior year, I thought I had life figured out. I was enlisted to the Army on the Delayed Entry Program. I was excited to know that I'd be going into the Army as a Helicoptor Support Tech, and then Warrant Officer School to learn to fly them. After graduation, I enjoyed the 2 weeks before induction into the Army. However, on the day I shipped out for induction, I ended up getting deathly ill. Long story short, I spent 3 weeks in the hospital.
I missed my entry date for the Army. Bereft of direction I went into a somewhat of a tailspin. So for the remainder of that summer of '89 there was nothing but sand and surf. At the end of summer, reality set in. Job or school. I did a couple of odd jobs thinking I'd get in school later. New year rolls around, still no school but a new job seemed to be what I needed at that time in my life.
In 1990 I was hired on at Disney World in Outdoor Foods. After less than a year at Disney, I had the opportunity to transfer into the position that I'm still in to this day. I have worked for Disney for almost 19 years and of those 18 have been with Banquets and Special Events. Disney has been a great work experience and many of my life long friends have been made there. My best friend, who I met at Disney, is my wife. She is an incredible woman.
We bought our first house in South Clermont/4 Corners area in 1995 and were married later that year. In 1996 we had our first son. In 2000 we had our second son.
In 2007 we decided to move further into Clermont and built a house off of Hartwood Marsh Rd. My sons go to Lost Lake and Windy Hill.
From the time I moved to Clermont with my mother when I was 12 years old, I KNEW this is where I wanted to be. In my chaotic upbringing it just felt like home. Though, Clermont hardly looks the same as it did those 25+ odd years ago, it's still home.
I wasn't a "popular" kid in high school. At the 10 year reunion I got more "Who are yous?" than I'd have liked but it didn't matter. Probably didn't help that I had no Senior Picture in the Year Book. However I talked with everyone and had a blast. It didn't matter that not everyone remembered who I was, it mattered that we all had a common history that we could share with each other.
I didn't come from money, I had a drug addicted mother that abandoned us and a father that worked hard to take care of us but no time for us. I tried shutting out the reality of my home life. I didn't get into things that could have gotten me in trouble largely due to the friends and their families. So the friends that I did have meant a great deal to me. Each of them gave friendship not on what I had but who I was. The best lesson from those friendships is, Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Shout Outs! (in no particular order)
These guys each had a great impact on my life in one way or another. Some in obvious ways others through life long lessons.
Jeff Waalewyn - I can't put in words what your friends...Expand for more
hip has meant to me. So much history for us. From room mates to best men. All I can say is thank you... To this day I know I could call on you or you on me and we would help each other.
Derrick Bursler - You were the reason I wanted to join the military. You had the strength of character and resolve to do what was good for your country and I looked up to you for it. You were there when things weren't great for me at home. Btw, I still might owe you $50 on a bet about a song being on a particular album! =P
Jeff Honey - You were a great friend on many levels. You showed me at a young age that a strong work ethic is very important. You were funny, energetic and always had an open door.
Marvin Wootsen - I still remember the day in 8th grade I met you. You became a great friend to me in our junior and senior years. From our time working at McD's and walking and talking our way home from work at night to getting our first cars and making late night runs after work to that arcade in West Orlando. A life lesson from you is that friendship crosses all boundries. That is a lesson that is very very important that I pass along to my children.
Jonathan Brownell - You had two speeds fast and faster! It was always a rush to be around you. Sitting here thinking of some of our adventures puts a smile on my face. 'Cause when we hung out, it WAS and adventure! Beaches, concerts, bars..... Good times!
Craig Ulmer - Summer of '89 How can you thank a guy that basically kept you from a downward spiral of self pity? Scrounge up $1.48 and head to the Beach 6 times a week! Craig you helped me get through a tough summer after graduation. To this day I still remember all those trips to the beach with warm sandwiches and half a gallon of gas in the tank...
There were a few girls that had a positive impact on my life, but out of respect for my wife, I'll not post who. You all know who you are. =)
Most of that was in the past tense, some of you guys I haven't seen in 15+ years, but it felt good to say those things, even if they never get to read it. It felt good for me to say it.
Am I the same person as I was almost 20 years ago? No... But neither are you. You are shaped as a person by your life experiences and the people you meet. I've tried to live my life in a way that honors friends from the past and friends I have now and friends I will make as the years go by.
Mr. Henderson taught me that spoken word is the here and now, written word is eternal. Having said that, this was a great reflection of who I was and how I came to be the man I am today.
"Never Tear Us Apart" INXS
Dont ask me
What you know is true
Dont have to tell you
I love your precious heart
I
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never tear us apart
We could live
For a thousand years
But if I hurt you
Id make wine from your tears
I told you
That we could fly
cause we all have wings
But some of us dont know why
I
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never ever tear us apart
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