The Matt Maher Story & Protecting Yourself from Alcohol
"Matthew Maher grew up achieving in every area of his life. He was a role model, active in his community, excelled in academics and athletics, earned himself a full scholarship to Temple University, and eventually signed a professional contract as a soccer player. Matthew’s entire life was marked by good decision-making and thoughtful steps toward each of his goals.Until the early hours of Saturday, March 7th, 2009, when Matthew made the fatal decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Traveling at a high rate of speed on the Atlantic City Expressway, Matthew struck the vehicle of 55 year-old Hort Kap, a father of six children. Mr. Kap was pronounced dead at the scene and Matthew was arrested and subsequently charged with aggravated manslaughter. Matthew's poor decision to drink and drive would tragically change many lives. In January, 2010, Matthew was sentenced to 5 years 5 months in prison, of which he served 85 percent (55 months) and was released on August 3, 2014." (The Matt Maher Story, see link below.)
This is not where Matt's story ends, it is really only where it begins. He knows he can't change what has happened, but he has committed his life to talking to teens and young adults about the dangers and risks of drinking. For Matt's full story and what he is doing to make a difference you can either see the following short video introducing the Matt Maher story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg01zhK1ZeY or go his website: http://themattmaherstory.com/.
This is not where Matt's story ends, it is really only where it begins. He knows he can't change what has happened, but he has committed his life to talking to teens and young adults about the dangers and risks of drinking. For Matt's full story and what he is doing to make a difference you can either see the following short video introducing the Matt Maher story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg01zhK1ZeY or go his website: http://themattmaherstory.com/.
The Discussion
Now that we have viewed Matt Maher's story, in this discussion you will have a chance to share your thoughts and feelings on the video as well as think about alcohol use and abuse.
- Answer the following questions in paragraph format (at least 2-3 full paragraphs):
- Think about the Matt Maher Story and reflect on choices that you have made that may have had consequences. Would you think twice about the choices you made? Is Matt much different than any of us? What can you do to prevent yourself from being "THAT GUY
- Many things could occur while under the influence. List 3 examples of things that we have learned or that you have known to happen while under the influence. You may use your own knowledge or search the web. Please list your examples with a brief description.
My Initial Post
I was very saddened by the Matt Maher video. The consequences of his actions created such a ripple on so many lives, not only his own. Although Matt seemed sincerely sorry for his actions, it will never change the outcome. I was glad to see that he was trying to make a difference in other peoples lives and hopefully he has influenced others from making the same choice. When we decide to have a drink we all make choices, do we have another, maybe several more, do we get behind the wheel of a car? But the fact is that once you have a drink, whether you believe it or not your judgment does become impaired. It's easier to believe you are not intoxicated because you don't really feel the buzz or say yes to things you might not normally do. For this discussion you ask us to reflect on choices in our own lives and whether or not we would think twice about the choices we've made. I don't have an example to share but I know that being in my early 20's to being in my 40's changes one's perspective. I would probably not taking as many risks when I was younger.
As we all know, driving while under the influence can cause irreparable damage. However, as we watch the news, read a newspaper or browse the internet, the are great risks of over indulging in alcohol.
In fact, recently, there was an incident where a young college student from UC Berkeley opted to spend spring break with his friends in Los Angeles. He attended a fraternity party at USC where he indulged in excessive alcohol. At some point during the party, he decided to take a walk. Obviously, not being familiar with the area, he roamed around trying to find his way. He then cut across the freeway, was hit by a car and killed. It was not for several until they discovered his identify because he was not carry a wallet or ID and his phone was so badly mangled information was irretrievable.
It's just a fact that alcohol impairs one's judgment and can cause a person to do things they normally would not do. We've all watched movies (the Hangover series, Walk of Shame to name a few) where someone wakes up in bed the next morning not know what they've done, where they are or who they are. Although these may be funny on screen, the fact is life is not a movie. Taking these risks can lead to consequences such as exploiting yourself to unprotected sex, defaming or causing injury to one's body, placing yourself in a traumatic or life threatening situation and of course the emotional and mental backlash it may cause.
Although alcohol abuse can cause one to make poor decisions, it is also important to remember that moderation can and should is acceptable for the average person. It's important to know what your body can handle and to say no when you've hit that limit.
As we all know, driving while under the influence can cause irreparable damage. However, as we watch the news, read a newspaper or browse the internet, the are great risks of over indulging in alcohol.
In fact, recently, there was an incident where a young college student from UC Berkeley opted to spend spring break with his friends in Los Angeles. He attended a fraternity party at USC where he indulged in excessive alcohol. At some point during the party, he decided to take a walk. Obviously, not being familiar with the area, he roamed around trying to find his way. He then cut across the freeway, was hit by a car and killed. It was not for several until they discovered his identify because he was not carry a wallet or ID and his phone was so badly mangled information was irretrievable.
It's just a fact that alcohol impairs one's judgment and can cause a person to do things they normally would not do. We've all watched movies (the Hangover series, Walk of Shame to name a few) where someone wakes up in bed the next morning not know what they've done, where they are or who they are. Although these may be funny on screen, the fact is life is not a movie. Taking these risks can lead to consequences such as exploiting yourself to unprotected sex, defaming or causing injury to one's body, placing yourself in a traumatic or life threatening situation and of course the emotional and mental backlash it may cause.
Although alcohol abuse can cause one to make poor decisions, it is also important to remember that moderation can and should is acceptable for the average person. It's important to know what your body can handle and to say no when you've hit that limit.
Reflection
Matt Maher's story is one that is heard too often. There is a point in a young person's life when they consider themselves to be invincible but learn way too young and the very hard way that life offers severe consequences. I remember when my oldest son was a freshman in high school and there was a story about two seniors that had lost their brothers when they were freshman in a terrible car accident. At first I thought it was rumor and probably fabricated, but unfortunately not. What happened was, a bunch of kids went out, they were celebrating a birthday. There were a couple of cars full of kids but in one car there were two sets of brothers. One of the older brothers had been drinking, was driving, let his guard down and took too many risks and the accident left two families without their sons. I can't imagine being in the car when my loved one died, but really what struck me is the fact that is alcohol to readily available. How did these boys get the alcohol, are the consequences of driving drunk not taken seriously enough? We teach our children about the effects of alcohol, the same is reinforced in school, on TV, but it's just as important to set the example. I hope Matt's story is heard and taken to heart not only by the young adults but the maturer adults. Like the signs on the freeway say, driving buzzed is driving drunk. Remember to designate a sober driver.