During the summer of 2025, I was introduced to the Lutzie 43 Foundation and its goal to end distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving through the 43 Key Seconds initiative. While working through the Safeguarding Your Legacy curriculum, I took time after each lesson to reflect and connect what I learned to my own life. The deeper I went into the program, the more I realized how powerful a few seconds of decision-making can be especially behind the wheel. I began implementing the 43 Key Seconds Pledge every time I got into a car, both as a driver and as a passenger.  I didn’t know then that those lessons would become deeply personal just a few months later.

That commitment took on a new meaning on the night of September 28, 2025, I experienced firsthand the life-altering consequences of distracted driving. At around 8:35 p.m., I was a passenger in a truck traveling down a familiar road when an oncoming vehicle driven by a distracted driver drifted into our lane. Everything happened in seconds. Our driver swerved, we clipped the side of a bridge, and the truck flipped off the road. We landed deep in the woods, colliding with a tree. The sound of crushing metal, the shattering glass, and the force of the impact replayed in my mind for days afterward. By the grace of God, I escaped with only a burn from the airbag and a few cuts from the shattered glass. Miraculously, the driver beside me was also unharmed.

In those terrifying moments, I felt the presence of my angels protecting me. When I saw my family’s fear afterward, I understood in a new way how deeply one distracted decision can ripple through so many lives. I am forever grateful that God allowed me to stay here longer because I believe He has a purpose for my life. Since that night, I have carried an even stronger conviction to drive and live with a clear head.

Phillip Lutzenkirchen’s story reminds me that legacy is not about achievements on a scoreboard; it’s about choices, character, and impact. His life teaches that every second matters and that a single moment can change everything for ourselves and for others. That truth motivates me daily to model safe driving habits and encourage my peers to do the same. Every time I start the car, I think about the responsibility I hold for the lives around me. We owe it to our passengers, our loved ones, and even strangers on the road to protect them by making smart choices.

The Safeguarding Your Legacy curriculum taught me more than how to be a responsible driver. It taught me how to be a leader. It challenged me to think about the kind of influence I have on others. I believe these lessons should be part of every high school driver’s education program because they leave a lasting impression on young drivers. Since completing the program, I’ve tried to live out its message by reminding friends and family to take their “43 key seconds,” by refusing to use my phone while driving, and by speaking up when I see unsafe behavior. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about titles, it's about action, accountability, and courage in everyday moments.

For me, keeping a clear head extends beyond the road. It means choosing the right influences and surrounding myself with people who uplift and believe in me. It also means being that same source of support for others. I want to be the kind of person who smiles through adversity, offers encouragement, and helps others believe in themselves when they can’t. When negativity arises, I see it as an opportunity to respond with patience and kindness, living out the same character and selflessness that the Lutzie 43 Foundation inspires.

While searching for my senior quote, I came across one from Phillip Lutzenkirchen: “I know God is working, so I smile.” I chose it because my smile is my trademark. It reflects my gratitude and faith even in difficult times. Paired with Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others,” this verse reminds me daily to live in a way that spreads light, hope, and purpose.

Whether I’m advocating for safe driving, serving in my community, or pursuing my goals, I want my actions to honor God and reflect the kind of legacy Phillip Lutzenkirchen left behind. My experience, my faith, and the lessons I’ve learned through the Lutzie 43 Foundation have given me a mission: to live every day with a clear head, a full heart, and a purpose-driven life.  A life that safeguards my own legacy and helps protect the lives of others.