Words cannot describe how honored I am to have received the Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. As a first generation graduate student and two time PFL Scholarship award winner, without the support and assistance from remarkable organizations such as the Lutzie 43 Foundation, the pursuit of my master’s degree would not be possible. My campus involvement led to many experiences that have opened doors for me, inspired me, and empowered me to be a better leader in my community. However, one of the best experiences I’ve had as a young adult actually happened before I went to college.

It was when I was a junior in high school, one of my math teachers won a sweepstakes the Lutzie 43 Foundation hosted. Mr. Mike Lutzenkirchen came to our school to deliver a powerful speech. He told his story and Philip’s story. It was one full of honesty and courage. I can still remember the raw emotions that his words brought. His words deeply touched me and brought tears to my eyes. The assembly ended with my peers and I students taking the 43 Key Seconds Safe Driving Pledge, committing ourselves to a new way of leadership and driving. It was at that moment that a major part of my entire lifestyle changed. That is, how I carried myself as a student, as a driver, and ultimately as a leader. So this year, when I completed the self guided Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum and re-signed the 43 Key Seconds Pledge, it was a poignant reminder of how Mr. Lutzenkirchen made my friends and I feel that day. The same pledge that I take each time I enter my car, checking for a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes, and clicking my seatbelt, ignited a new sense of accountability within me. Completing the modules made me reflect, with more intent, on the responsibility Mr. Lutzenkirchen bestowed upon us that day.

Now that I’m a little older and have navigated some challenging life experiences of my own, I understand that being a PFL Scholar is more than the decisions I make behind the wheel but those that I make away from it too. To me, being a PFL Scholar is about being a role model in your family, in your circle of friends, and in your community. You understand the importance of living your life with purpose, resilience, and respect. You are inspired by the lessons and stories of those who came before you and feel compelled to be a good example. You are empowered to lead your life courageously. Throughout my time in college, I’ve learned the importance of having grit to work towards what you want. After hearing more personal accounts of who Philip was and what he stood for, it inspired me to continue striving towards my dreams. Because that’s all he ever did.

So, in being a PFL Scholar you take a pledge to dare to be different, to work earnestly towards accomplishing your dreams, and help others in the pursuit of their own success. These are the ideals and pillars of our character that we carry as PFL Scholars. Characteristics that are refined in the Safeguarding Your Legacy curriculum, held accountable by the 43 Key Seconds Pledge, and illustrated in Philip’s story. This is a mindset that changes lives.

In being a first generation college student I have overcome several obstacles due to my relationship with the Lutzie 43 Foundation. And I am eternally grateful. Thank you so very much to the Lutzie 43 Foundation as a whole! Your passion and dedication to the vision and mission of the foundation speaks volumes. Your earnest efforts at combating distracted driving are not in vain. Students like myself are taking note of the programming and networking you all are doing on our behalf. As someone who is a part of the next generation of drivers and leaders, I wholeheartedly take on the responsibility to be an ambassador for what the Foundation stands for: to Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz.