ThinkFirst for Teens
Decisions Matter Video VIP's

Crystal
Who I Am

I enjoy fishing, listening to music and playing cards.  Favorite past time is spending time with my family and friends by the river.  Favorite quote ------- Before you quit......TRY!!

Age When Incident Occurred
21
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst Carbondale, IL
  • Car crash
  • Hit by drugged/drunk driver
  • 3 passengers killed
  • TBI
Advice

Safety first - think before you act.....brain and spinal cord injuries are permanent. The decisions of those around you not just yours matter.

Jim
Who I Am

Loves sports.  The middle of 3 children with an older sister and younger brother. I love "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol.  Fav food: Iced coffee in the summer, but hot if it's below 50 degrees.  Ben and Jerry's Half Baked ice cream.  I love to golf and hope to run a marathon by the time I'm 40.  I enjoy going to warm climates to golf and escape cold winter.  I write as a way to share my story and hopefully inspire others, but hesitate to call it a talent. Along with public speaking, I really just hope to help others. My book about my experience is called More Than A Speed Bump and can be ordered on Amazon by clicking the link.

Age When Incident Occurred
23
About VIP
  • Northeast Rehabilitation Health Network ThinkFirst Chapter, NH
  • Drinking/car crash
  • TBI
Advice

"Be who you are, not who you were".

I've been very blessed in my life, yet still find that difficulties arise that are totally out of my control.  Take whatever steps you can to stay safe and give yourself the best future you can. Decisions you make affect more than just yourself - it can change you, your family, your community, your friends and those you don't even know.

Kevin
Who I Am

Nickname is smiley because I smile everyday.  I really like watching Jeopardy and exercising daily. I played was a standout athlete in high school which lead to my tryouts at the NFL combine.

Age When Incident Occurred
18
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst Central Ohio
  • Drinking/motorcycle
  • TBI
Advice

I wish I known then what I know now. My advice to everyone is if you have to think about something more than once it's probably not worth doing. The decisions you make today guide your future.

 

Maria
Age When Incident Occurred
15
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst South Carloina LowCountry Program
  • Hit by impaired driver
  • Lap belt only
  • SCI

Marlana
Who I Am

I've always been an upbeat and positive person. Who always believed in the best of people and the world.

Age When Incident Occurred
17
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City
  • Drinking/distracted driving
  • SCI
Advice

The amount of pain, grief and struggle you invite into your life from making poor decision, and the effect on the lives of those you love, by not thinking first isn't worth it. Not by a long shot! Decisions Do Matter.
 

Micah
Who I Am

God is why I’m still here, my mother is my strength, my family is always there, my golden retriever is my constant and music helps me breathe.

Favorite scripture verse:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me 
Philippians 4:13

Favorite quote:

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.”
~Willie Nelson

Other favorites:

  • my family
  • my dog (playing frisbee is our favorite)
  • music (We can’t live on a small amount of oxygen and limiting myself to one song is just as impossible.)
  • friends
  • concerts-live music
  • BrainSong -- my brain injury foundation (specifically for women) – sharing about my injury and life with a TBI, working with fellow brain injury survivors, and public speaking regarding brain injury
  • volunteer work (nursing home, adult disability facility, animal shelter)
  • the beach
  • mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • coke
  • ranch doritos
Age When Incident Occurred
23
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst Genesis, Ohio
  • Pedestrian/hit by car
  • TBI
Advice

My dreams of working in the music industry that I was so close to fulfilling were stolen from me by someone who chose to drink drunk. Choose wisely. You have your life and possibly the lives of others in your hands. Don’t drink and drive.

Michael
Who I Am

I am a goofball at heart. My favorite thing in the world is to see people cry laughing, especially if it was my doing.

Age When Incident Occurred
20
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst Oregon
  • Bike crash wearing helmet
  • TBI
Advice

You should always ThinkFirst because your decision don't just impact you, but the entire world around you.  Quote: "We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one." - Confucius

Sam
Who I Am

I love biology and was a scientist at Harvard medical school. I was a soccer captain/goalie in high school, was a drummer in a symphony band and enjoy music. I love ultimate frisbee and I am an Eagle Scout. I was in pre-med when I had my crash that changed my life.  I hold US  Paralympics records in shot put, javelin and discus in and am graduating from college in one semester, finally! 

My favorite song is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.  Favorite ice cream is chocolate moose tracks and my favorite Starbucks drink is a hot Mocha. I also love animals, kids and people, in general.

Age When Incident Occurred
18
About VIP
  • ThinkFirst MidMichigan Health
  • Distracted driving/reaching for phone
  • TBI
Advice

I was 2.3 miles from home when I reached for my cellphone and crashed. Whatever is on that phone can wait.  It only took 3.6 seconds for all my dreams to go up in smoke.  When you are driving ... just drive. ThinkFirst before you use a cellphone when driving a car.

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