Coming of age is that time in each of our lives when we begin to see the possibilities. The world opens up in ways that mature our vision and give us a sense of responsibility and gratefulness. Connor had just started college and loved being at that stage in his life where he could eat all the pizza he wanted, yet engage in adult conversations with his parents about the responsibility to make life better for others. Connor's optimism was infectious. There was so much he could do, and so much he could become.
But it all ended one night when Connor was distracted while driving on a Colorado high-way. A young man, who gave off so much light, suddenly went dark.
Connor's father, David, took it particularly hard. A father sees more than his own traits (性格) in his son; he sees greater possibilities than he achieved. Taking that hope away left David feeling at a loss. But Connor's optimism was one of those traits passed on to him by his father. So, David got to work.
First, he established the Honor Connor Scholarship Fund to reward students who served in the community. Next, he went to work creating a research-based curriculum that educates University of Colorado Boulder students and their families about the dangers of texting while driving. It includes a very simple three-part promise: Do not text or use social media while driving, speak out if riding with a driver who is distracted and encourage friends and family to drive phone-free.
David now works with lecturers at various colleges and high schools, ensuring young minds understand how statistically at risk they are when they text while driving. He's become a passionate advocate for preparing young people to drive safely and not reach for their phones while they're at the wheel. "I just don't want other parents to go through what I did when I lost Connor, "says David. "It's just so preventable. "