I am so grateful to be one of the 2024 Lutzie Foundation’s Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship recipients. The scholarship will help me to continue my education at Samford University in the fall, and I am honored be an ambassador for an organization that I believe is doing so much good for the world.

I stumbled across the Lutzie 43 Prepared for Life Scholarship this year as I was applying for scholarships. I knew little about the foundation or Philip’s story. I had heard a little about Philip from my family because Mr. Lutzenkirchen had spoken at my high school, St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama. My parents met at Auburn, so I also knew Philip because they happily remembered him from the 2010 football season and his famous touchdown dance from the Iron Bowl. As I completed the scholarship application process, I was able to learn more about Philip’s story and the impact that he had and continues to make on people’s lives, including mine.

The primary reason that I was drawn to the Lutzie 43 Foundation was their mission and how they effectively accomplished it. I admire the fact that they are taking a tragic story and using it for good. Philip lived a full and vibrant life, and though he died young, the foundation ensures that his zest for life lives on. I have always loved stories and recognize their impact on other people’s lives. In fact, I am studying stories as I learn the history of Western thought, as a University Fellow at Samford University next year. Stories have always helped me, true stories especially. That is why Philip’s story really hit home with me. Through him, I saw the seriousness of driving, that every time I drive, I hold someone’s life in my hands. I also really appreciate what the Lutzie 43 Foundation does with Philip’s story. They tell the story of someone who worked really hard to develop and uphold good character. By showing Philip’s story in this light, they inspire others to follow in his path, to care for others as he did, and to understand that driving will take discipline and good character. Driving is important and should be taken seriously.

In order to apply for the PFL Scholarship, I first needed to complete the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum. I was a little hesitant at first, because I have known many disengaging online curriculums, but I found the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum interesting and informative. The curriculum teaches the importance of character and legacy by telling the story of Philip Lutzenkirchen. While going through the curriculum, the trait of his that stood out to me the most was his love for others. Person after person, from his college professor, to his parents, to his coaches and friends, spoke of how Philip really cared about other people. I specifically remember a teacher reminiscing about how Philip would come and talk with him after class for no other reason than to chat and show that he cared about him. This touched me because I, like Philip, love to spend time with other people and get to know them. Through Philip’s example, I realized that little conversations and moments can have large, lasting impacts on others.

I will be the first to admit that before I learned more about 43 Key Seconds, I was not a good driver. I was often anxious while driving because I was running late. I never took time to calm down before driving which, though never causing a crash, definitely endangered my life and the lives of the passengers in my car. Through the 43 Key Seconds, I realized that I needed to take just a minute or two to take a deep breath and calm down before I left the driveway, and I realized the importance of getting ready to leave in advance of going somewhere so that I was not anxious. Each of these things has made an impact on my ability to drive well and safely, and I have shared them with friends and family as an important reminder that taking 43 Key Seconds is worth your life and the lives of those you love.