As you may have seen on my Facebook page, I was interviewed on KETV (Channel 7) about my platform and how I came to choose it. For those who may not know, my brother Bobby was killed by a drunk driver when he was 21 years old, I was 12 at the time. He was a world champion baton twirler, a motivational speaker, a National DECA Officer, and a fierce friend and loving family member. Bobby was my mentor and my coach. At the age of 12, I had to deal with a devastating loss and was also forced to grow up and learn sooner than many kids my age, that any day can be your last. His motto was "Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy," and I have worked every day since he passed to keep his legacy alive. I do so by speaking to audiences of all ages about the dangers of distracted driving (with a focus on texting and talking on the phone behind the wheel).
My platform is called "Hang Up and Drive." Even though Bobby was not killed by a person on their cell phone, I know what it is like to lose a family member due to the carelessness of another driver. It has become my mission to do my part to prevent such accidents from happening. I have talked to many groups including high schools, DECA students, and college fraternities and sororities about the dangers of texting and driving. I have created a pledge for people to sign after my presentations, and have gotten over 1,500 signatures on that pledge. I will never know if I have saved lives by doing this, but all I can do is do my best to inform others of the risks they face if they choose to use their phone while they drive.
KETV took an interest in my platform and my story, and asked me to come in and share my message. I have attached the link to the news cast at the bottom of this blog post. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Alexandra Hoffman for interviewing me and writing such a wonderful story in memory of my brother Bobby.
Getting the mic on for the interview
Alexandra and I during the interview
Alexandra was Miss South Dakota 2008, so after the interview we got to chat about pageants!
Thank you for having me KETV!
Future anchorwoman?
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share my story on KETV Channel 7, thanks again to Alexandra for having me in for an interview!
Here is a link to the newscast!
There are two weeks left until I leave for the Miss Nebraska pageant, and there is still much to do! I have many appearances set up for the next two weeks, not to mention the shopping and the rest of my pageant preparation that needs to be completed. All in all though, I am so ready for the pageant this year and cannot wait to get out to North Platte to spend a week with 13 of the most amazing girls in the state!!
Until next time,
Rachel
Miss Lincoln
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