By Karenlyn Barone
The story behind this tragic transition makes him the perfect motivational speaker for high school students.
Hawkins made a bad choice during his senior year in high school, After attending a party where there was drinking, Hawkins got into a car with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. The young driver lost control of the car on the short drive home, and Hawkins was thrown from the vehicle. He sustained life-threatening injuries, and some would say he was lucky to walk away with his life -- so to speak. What Hawkins lost was the use of his legs.
I made a bad decision, says Hawkins, thinking back to the accident, which happened 20 years ago. My bad decision had a lifetime effect, so I share my story so that kids can learn from my mistake."
Hawkins visits high schools and talks to students about recognizing the possible consequences of their actions. "The kids can identify with me," he said. "I was their age [at the time of the accident], so it puts it in their arena."
Hawkins admits that nobody can stop someone who is underage from drinking, but his story does make them think about being thrown from a car at 90 mph. The 40-year-old wants to make teens aware of the two mistakes he made: "Number one, I gave up responsibility for myself to someone else without checking with them to see if they could accept that responsibility," he said, "and number two, I didn't keep myself sober and aware enough to judge whether or not the other guy was OK to drive."
Nassau County District Court Judge Scott Fairgrave thought Hawkin's message was so powerful that he has enlisted him to share his story with those already convicted of drunken driving.
"The problem with our society is that every celebration includes a toast with alcohol," said Hawkins. "And when you are talking about a prom for 17- and 18-year olds, that celebration should not include alcohol."
