Philip Lutzenkirchen is well-known for being a record-setting football player, but, more importantly, he was a friend and person of character. Though Philip’s time on this earth was cut short, he made an impact that will last forever. I am so honored to have been awarded the 2022 Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship and hope to continue his legacy through all that I do.

On October 24, 2019, I attended the URKEYS2DRV program at Troy University. That morning, I had no idea what was in store for the day or the lasting impact I would receive. When I heard Philip’s story, my emotions overcame me, and my eyes swelled with tears. Mike Lutzenkirchen spoke of a young man who spread love daily while being a star football player. Though it was my first hearing of Philip Lutzenkirchen, I knew he had fulfilled God’s purpose as by living as a light and someone to learn from. As I participated in the day’s activities, I kept Philip’s story in mind. I learned how easy it was to have an accident behind the wheel. One mistake could change my life forever. Though I knew the dangers of distracted, impaired and unsafe driving, I had never put much thought into the impact it could have.

By the end of the day, my eyes had opened to the monumental consequences of what my actions behind the wheel can have on myself, my loved ones, and others. Just a few days after the URKEYS2DRV program, Mike Lutzenkirchen spoke at my school. Though I still remembered Philip’s story, it was impossible not to pay attention. That day I received a 43 Key Seconds key. The key symbolized so much more than just safe driving; it symbolized the responsibility I have behind the wheel, the impact I can make on others, and how I can live to fulfill my purpose: to be more like Philip. 

Learning about Philip’s story taught me not only the impact of dangerous driving but also the impact my life and actions can have on others. Philip showed love and kindness to everyone he met, no matter who they were, what they looked like, or where they came from. He took time out of his day and went out of the way to make someone smile and fill them with joy. My biggest goal is to be a light for others and to make a positive impact on my community. From learning to live and love like Philip, I have been motivated to make the most out of my time on Earth.

I am grateful to have been in the Troy University auditorium that day, to have heard the story of Philip Lutzenkirchen’s life and his impact. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I know Philip’s life was part of God’s plan. I can confidently say that I have learned not only from Philip’s mistakes but also his virtues. I hope to teach others, verbally and through my actions, about Philip and continue his legacy while leaving a legacy of my own. Philip will live on through the impact he made on the world, by sharing his story, living like Lutz, loving like Lutz, and learning from Lutz.

As I continue my education at The University of Alabama, I look forward to further pursuing my goals of becoming a Rural Primary Care Physician and giving back to others in all I do. Beginning this new chapter is bittersweet, but I am excited to grow personally, gain more knowledge, and share Philip’s story with others.