I am both thrilled and humbled to have been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. With gratitude, I thank the Lutzie 43 Foundation for choosing to invest in me. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my personal and educational dreams while allowing me to be a voice for this organization.

I relate closely to Philip’s story, and I have learned from an early age that people who truly do not even know you will be the first to judge everything you have worked hard for. My life made an abrupt change at the age of six, and I found myself preparing to testify in court against my abusive father. As I have grown, the one man who is supposed to love and support me unconditionally has done everything in his power to take my confidence away from me.

Though I have experienced obstacles, it has not discouraged me from spreading kindness and love at every opportunity, just like Philip. Philip Lutzenkirchen always had a smile on his face and truly spread joy to all those that came into contact with him. Philip was humble, ambitious, and never turned down a challenge. When he sustained a football injury, he never stopped finding ways to share his light with the world. My favorite aspect of Philip’s life was that he never wanted to be defined by his talents, skill, or fame. He wanted the world to see him for who he was on the inside. This is exactly the version of myself I want to give the world. Even with obstacles and others doubting him, Philip paved a path to show others they have the power to change the world just by being their best self.

After graduating from Enterprise High School in May of 2023, I decided to pursue my bachelor’s degree in nursing this fall at Auburn University. Due to my tough financial situation, I have worked hard to create a path for myself, so that I can achieve my career goals. I feel like I have known Philip my whole life. As a frequent visitor to my uncle’s lake house on Lake Martin, my cousins and I would pass by Chimney Rock while out on the lake and I recall seeing “LUTZ 43” spray painted in massive orange and blue letters on the rocks. Since that day Philip has been impacting my life. I carry my 43 Key Seconds lanyard with me every time I get behind the wheel to remind myself to make safe choices on the roads.

I strive to share the impact the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative has had on my life by being an ambassador for safe driving at Auburn University. I am beyond grateful to receive this scholarship. I am thankful that the Lutzie 43 Foundation has given me the opportunity to pass the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen onto the next generation. Finally, thank you Philip for showing me that I am not a victim of my circumstances, and though I do not get to choose the beginning of my story, I can start right where I am and create my own ending.