2008 Woodie Awards
DUI: A very powerful lesson
Devaka Balasuriya
Issue date: 4/12/06 Section: News
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"DUI., A Powerful Lesson," a speech given by guest Mark Sterner, was meant to illustrate the severe consequences associated with drinking and driving. Sterner's story is relevant and chilling because it was based on true events.
Sterner headed to his first spring break with his four buddies and thought of nothing but fun and graduation. Six days later, Sterner lay unconscious in a hospital and faced three counts of manslaughter when he woke up.
After five nights of responsibility, no one wanted to miss out on their last night of fun.
Three people paid with their lives, and the two survivors were left with nightmares for the rest of their lives.
In addition, Sterner spent three years in a maximum-security prison.
Through his program, Sterner was able to relate to the audience through the retelling of his personal story.
During the program he showed a home video chronicling the fateful night. Sterner and his friends were having fun and drinking heavily; they even drove the rental car at 100 mph on the way to a bar.
Although the audience was sparse, those who were present were profoundly affected.
"It was moving; I liked the format. He made you think of how it affected your family, not just how (DUI) affects you," said Lisa Schwallie, an urban affairs major.
People think they are invincible, that it could never happen to them, said Sterner.
Each time people drink and drive and get away with it, their life is one step closer to the day they don't.
Sterner debunked the saying that time heals all wounds: "I live with it every day…it doesn't go away, doesn't get easier." Instead of being the first person from his family to graduate college, he was the first person to go to prison.
"I never felt like such a failure," said Sterner. He urged everyone present to think about the people closest to them and how they would be affected in a situation like his.
Students who attended were able to take away food for thought the next time they think of drinking and driving.
"The program was very beneficial. It was big of him to tell his story. I think he is the best speaker we have had on campus this year," said Courtney Cunningham, a member of Student Government who was part of the committee that brought Sterner to campus.
People need to plan their ride home before they go out, Sterner said.
More people spend time on their clothes before they go out than thinking about how they are going to get home, said Sterner.
"There is no fashion police," said Sterner. However, there are consequences with drunk driving - consequences that people, and those close to them, will have to live with for the rest of their lives, said Sterner.
For more information on Sterner's story go to Campus Speak, or go to Legal Services.
