I am absolutely humbled by the trust that the Lutzie 43 Foundation has shown in me by awarding me the Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship in Philip Lutzenkirchen’s memory. As a minority and immigrant student, winning this scholarship is a reassurance in my ability to lead and succeed.

As all students were having fun and making the best of their junior year of high school, a fear resided within me. The fear that college was approaching fast and how I will be able to pay for it, given the modest financial background of my parents. Despite economic challenges, my parents have always been adamant about my education. They have always encouraged and supported me to strive for academic excellence. Therefore, not going to college was not an option for me.

The fear turned into a tiny ray of hope when my counselor passed along information about the PFL Scholarship. I was hopeful, but thought of myself as extremely ordinary. I didn’t think that I would get it even if I applied. When I read Philip’s story, I was moved – it had so much to teach me. First, Philip’s death taught me how life is incredibly precious and unpredictable and we never know which breath is the last one. Life is too short to not take chances, so I convinced myself to apply for the scholarship and am honored to be part of the 2022 class of awardees.

Applying for this scholarship was a way to take personal action by signing the 43 Key Seconds Safe Driving Pledge to never drink and drive. For me, the pledge was meaningful and I promise to abide by it as long as I live. For me, it is not a mere pledge, it is a part of my faith to never drink in any circumstances and put myself and others at risk. I made my friends sign the pledge too since it was a way to spread Philip’s legacy of caring for others.

The PFL Scholarship fund is primarily run by Philip’s family and a prestigious board of directors which shows how much he was loved, cared for, and valued because he was always kind, generous and helpful. This is a motivation for me to live a life that is impactful, so when I leave this world, I have people to pray for me and carry on my legacy. Today, this scholarship is helping me which encourages me to establish a scholarship fund when I become financially stable to help others like me.

This scholarship has brought many firsts: the first scholarship that I have ever received, the first student from Shades Valley High School (Irondale, AL) to receive this scholarship and the first person who plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Fall of 2023 to receive this scholarship. For all these firsts, I am grateful.