On March 24, 2009, I completed a project that I had been working on for quite some time. The program is called "Every 15 Minutes" and it is a drinking and driving simulation for high schools across the nation. The program is titled so because every fifteen minutes someone is killed or critically injured from someone driving under the influence in a car accident.
This program was quite an undertaking. Foothill had never presented the program and some told me that I couldn't do it. But I felt driven to present this topic. Alcohol has had a huge presence in my life unfortunately as my uncle was killed in a car accident because he was driving under the influence. I wanted my peers to realize how instantaneously life can be taken away and I wanted them to realize how important it is to not drink and drive or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
I could never have done this program without the immense support from the Foothill staff, faculty, and janitor. Also, I am so grateful for AMR, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Coroner, and the helicopter crew. Another thank you to our make-up artist and our actors who did such a great job. We had so many helping hands that cared about this event just as much as I did.
I think the student body really responded to the event which was the main purpose. Of course, there will always be the jokers and the teasers, but I think many students lives were changed for the better. I know mine was.
The following day we had California Highway Patrol Officer, Anthony Pedeferri, come in to speak to the school. He is a paraplegic because of an underage DUI Driver and his story is one of the most inspirational that I have heard. I was so honored that he was able to attend and speak to our students- he has the power to change lives on a daily basis.
