Early Thursday morning the country learned of the senseless death of Nick Anderhart, a 22 year old pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels. After pitching his first start of 2009 on Wednesday evening, the car in which the young athlete was riding was struck by a drunk driver. Anderhart and two other passengers were killed in the crash.
One of these passengers, a 20 year old CSU-Fullerton Alpha Chi Omega, was in my audience in November when I presented at the University. When I read stories of this tragedy, its proximity to the university and the ages of the passengers, it became apparent very quickly how close to this crash that I was.
This morning, I wrote to Nick Katz, the director of Greek Life at CSU-Fullerton. After spending the day with Nick when I was on campus, I've come to know him as a friend. When I learned that the CSU-Fullerton student had indeed been in my audience, my heart went out even more to that university's community. Such a senseless crash... and one which could have been easily prevented.
This morning, I sent a message to the president of the Alpha Chi Omega chapter and I'd like to include it here. It's nothing profound because there's simply nothing to say other than, "I'm sorry." This crash shouldn't have happened and three young people should not have had their lives cut short by an impaired driver.
Again, I send my sympathy to the CSU-Fullerton community, the family and friends of Nick Anderhart, the Angels pitcher, and the young law student whose life was also lost...
**********
To the ladies of Alpha Chi Omega,
Last fall, you may remember a keynote speech I delivered for the Greeks at CSU-Fullerton. In this program, I shared my experiences after being blinded and nearly killed by a drunk driver. After the tragedy this week in Fullerton, I wanted to write and extend my sympathy to you, the Alpha Chi Omega chapter and the entire CSU-Fullerton Greek community.
Any death makes us stop and take a different look at life. When this happens to a young person with their entire life in front of them, it has the tendency to leave everyone reeling. And when the death is such a senseless and preventable tragedy as you experienced this week, the unanswerable question comes up again and again: Why?
When that question arises, it often leads to anxious, gut-wrenching pain... because there is no good answer. This simply should not have happened. While you'll probably never get an acceptable response to "Why?", I do hope this will somehow help you, your sisters, your family, friends, fellow CSU-Fullerton students and maybe many others understand just how precious (and precarious) life is. I also hope it will encourage you to hug your loved ones a little closer, always knowing the world can change in an instant.
No one can ever know precisely what another person is going through. We simply can't step into another's skin and mind to feel what they feel. We can sympathize, but never accurately empathize. Still, having experienced vast amounts of frustration and anger over a useless lost due to another's irresponsible choices, I've been helped so, so much by helping hands and listening ears of others. If I can return this favor by helping the sisterhood, please don't hesitate to contact me. I can't promise an answer to the question of, "Why?", but I can certainly be a hand to hold and a shoulder to cry upon.
With sympathy,
Marcus Engel
Orlando, FL
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs
A suburb of Milwaukee is trying an innovative approach to curb underage drinking: intelligence.
Just like the NSA or the CIA (just on a smaller scale), law enforcement officials are monitoring Facebook and MySpace for "chatter" about upcoming keg parties serving minors. Plus, the ears of school teachers and administrators are open and they're relaying info to the cops. Between these two intelligence gathering avenues, cops have been able to more closely monitor the underage drinking problem.
Plus, if police learn of a party, they'll contact the property owners (usually the parents of a high schooler) to let them know what they've learned. Additionally, parents can be proactive.
If parents know they'll be leaving town, they have the option of contacting local law enforcement. The cops will then go out and place a sign in the front yard of the property where the party is to be held. The sign talks about how underage drinking is a crime, shows tombstones of 17 and 18 year olds and gives a strong anti-DWI message.
Will this approach work? Hard to say...but it certainly keeps the lines of communication open with parents, the school district and law enforcement.
Just like the NSA or the CIA (just on a smaller scale), law enforcement officials are monitoring Facebook and MySpace for "chatter" about upcoming keg parties serving minors. Plus, the ears of school teachers and administrators are open and they're relaying info to the cops. Between these two intelligence gathering avenues, cops have been able to more closely monitor the underage drinking problem.
Plus, if police learn of a party, they'll contact the property owners (usually the parents of a high schooler) to let them know what they've learned. Additionally, parents can be proactive.
If parents know they'll be leaving town, they have the option of contacting local law enforcement. The cops will then go out and place a sign in the front yard of the property where the party is to be held. The sign talks about how underage drinking is a crime, shows tombstones of 17 and 18 year olds and gives a strong anti-DWI message.
Will this approach work? Hard to say...but it certainly keeps the lines of communication open with parents, the school district and law enforcement.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
You're Fired...Because Your Drinking Effects Your Work
One of my guilty pleasures is watching "Celebrity Apprentice." I'm a sworn hater of reality TV, but watching non-business people trying to work in the corporate world is an interesting lesson in communications, marketing, sales and customer service.
This season's "Celebrity Apprentice" contains folks like Clint Black, Scott Hamilton, Joan Rivers, Dennis Rodman, Andrew Dice Clay and a bunch of others. In the episode I caught last night, Dennis Rodman was the project manager for a challenge whereby the two teams had to provide customer service for a luxury hotel in NYC.
I've never been a follower of the NBA, but even if you're like me, you've had to have become familiar with Dennis Rodman over the last decade or so. Once one of the most talented players for the Chicago Bulls, Rodman made his mark on the sport not so much by his playing abilities, but by his appearance and behavior: facial piercings, tattoos, multi-colored dyed hair. Plus, he was known for his extreme temper and attention-seeking antics. He's one of the only professional athletes who would show up in Times Square wearing a full bride's gown and veil, then turn around and watch clips of him kicking a cameraman right square in the crotch.
This kind of personality on "Celebrity Apprentice" was sure to be a train wreck... and with this hotel's customer service being placed in the hands of Rodman, we got to witness some extremes.
What I didn't expect to see turned out to be, well, just sad. Rodman's teammates (Clint Black, Hershel Walker, Jesse James, etc.) were totally behind him when the task began. Rodman really tried to make a go of it by helping guests, bending over backwards to be courteous, going the extra mile for customers.
Then, his demons came out. And by that, I mean he started drinking.
From the time he got his first drink, the whole thing went downhill. He not only became more belligerent and loud and hateful, but at one point, he simply disappeared. Without warning, he left his post, went to dinner and came back hours later... more drunk.
When Donald Trump took all the players into the board room, it turned from a firing process to an intervention on Dennis Rodman. Major, MAJOR props to Jesse James for having the guts to stand up to Rodman, point out how his alcohol use is out of control and do it in the most loving and supportive manner possible. Reason being? James has been down that road of addiction and abuse... and he's been clean for nearly a decade. His handling of the Rodman situation was nothing short of impressive.
As the board room episode moved on, the mood became less about the challenges and winning... and more about showing Rodman that he needs help. Tears were shed because, simply put, it's just so sad to see someone in the throes of alcoholism.
The very most impressive thing, though, was a subtle PSA as the show ended: the contact info for Alcoholics Anonymous.
We all hope that if viewers saw themselves in Rodman, they'll get help... and we hope Dennis Rodman will, too.
This season's "Celebrity Apprentice" contains folks like Clint Black, Scott Hamilton, Joan Rivers, Dennis Rodman, Andrew Dice Clay and a bunch of others. In the episode I caught last night, Dennis Rodman was the project manager for a challenge whereby the two teams had to provide customer service for a luxury hotel in NYC.
I've never been a follower of the NBA, but even if you're like me, you've had to have become familiar with Dennis Rodman over the last decade or so. Once one of the most talented players for the Chicago Bulls, Rodman made his mark on the sport not so much by his playing abilities, but by his appearance and behavior: facial piercings, tattoos, multi-colored dyed hair. Plus, he was known for his extreme temper and attention-seeking antics. He's one of the only professional athletes who would show up in Times Square wearing a full bride's gown and veil, then turn around and watch clips of him kicking a cameraman right square in the crotch.
This kind of personality on "Celebrity Apprentice" was sure to be a train wreck... and with this hotel's customer service being placed in the hands of Rodman, we got to witness some extremes.
What I didn't expect to see turned out to be, well, just sad. Rodman's teammates (Clint Black, Hershel Walker, Jesse James, etc.) were totally behind him when the task began. Rodman really tried to make a go of it by helping guests, bending over backwards to be courteous, going the extra mile for customers.
Then, his demons came out. And by that, I mean he started drinking.
From the time he got his first drink, the whole thing went downhill. He not only became more belligerent and loud and hateful, but at one point, he simply disappeared. Without warning, he left his post, went to dinner and came back hours later... more drunk.
When Donald Trump took all the players into the board room, it turned from a firing process to an intervention on Dennis Rodman. Major, MAJOR props to Jesse James for having the guts to stand up to Rodman, point out how his alcohol use is out of control and do it in the most loving and supportive manner possible. Reason being? James has been down that road of addiction and abuse... and he's been clean for nearly a decade. His handling of the Rodman situation was nothing short of impressive.
As the board room episode moved on, the mood became less about the challenges and winning... and more about showing Rodman that he needs help. Tears were shed because, simply put, it's just so sad to see someone in the throes of alcoholism.
The very most impressive thing, though, was a subtle PSA as the show ended: the contact info for Alcoholics Anonymous.
We all hope that if viewers saw themselves in Rodman, they'll get help... and we hope Dennis Rodman will, too.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Southern Wesleyan University
This week, I had the opportunity to do several programs for Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina. In addition to SC now being my home away from home, it was awesome to work with such a fantastic group of students! Thanks to Nurse Lori Herron for bringing me to SWU, to all the students who attended Tuesday and Thursday chapel services and especially to the group of ladies who came to the Wednesday night faith-based program – you guys are awesome!
Thanks for helping reinforce why South Carolina is one of my favorite places in the land!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
John Carroll University
Cleveland rocks! Cleveland rocks! And so does John Carroll University! I had the pleasure of speaking with John Carroll students in recognition of their disability awareness week on Wednesday, March 25. Throw in extra programs with the IFC and Pan-Helenic Council AND the Relay for Life leadership team and you've got a fun-filled day in Cleveland!
Special thanks to Brandi Rizzo, Mike Greco and Jill Smyrna in the Office of Students with Disabilities for being such great hosts (and for introducing me to one fantastic chicken philly sandwich in the cafeteria!)
A special thank you to Mike Veneri, Grand Master of the Kappa Sigma chapter at JCU for helping promote the mission of our college fraternity... AEKDB, Brother Mike!
And Carson wants to send a special "Thank You!" to Caroline for having a really great set of nails!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Lesson From Justin Timberlake
February has always been Grammy month. For a music lover like moi, this is a big thing. When I was 14 and smack dab in the middle of my O.G. phase, I'd fire up the old VCR (remember those?), tape the Grammys and watch L.L. Cool J and Run DMC over and over and over again. Ah, good times!
But this year I admit I just wasn't that interested. This could mean I'm getting old, or that the glitz just isn't as impressive without Adidas sweat suits and ginormous gold chains. Yee-ahhh, boyz!
Either way, the day after the broadcast I heard a story from behind the scenes that made me wish I'd paid more attention. A couple hours before the curtain lifted, one of the acts pulled a No Show. The panicked producers began to brainstorm on who could pull off a last minute - Grammy worthy performance. Justin Timberlake had just finished his dress rehearsal when the producer cornered him. Seeing the look of panic on the producers face - before even knowing the problem, Timberlake immediately asked, "What can I do to help?"
Within half an hour, they'd pieced together an all-star duet by the Rev. Al Green and Justin Timberlake, backed up by Boyz II Men with Keith Urban on guitar. Even if you're not a fan of any of these musicians, ya gotta admit, it's a ton of talent for one stage to hold!
In a moment of crisis, when someone steps up to do something that isn't required, we usually call that person a hero. I may not go so far as to call Justin Timberlake a hero, but the producer sure might!
Truthfully, I'm not even real familiar with Justin Timberlake's music (other than "In A Box" from SNL - one of the funniest moments on that show... EVER!)
But, I am a HUGE fan of the, "What can I do to help?" attitude.
The reality is, we're living in some tough times. Some may even call it a crisis. No doubt about it, the economy and all the stress revolving around, well, pretty much everything might make you want to be the one looking to receive help. But here's something I believe is important: If you're feeling vulnerable - stop! Help someone else!
Having the "What can I do to help?" attitude immediately makes one feel prosperous and fortunate. And the help doesn't have to be financial; there are so many ways to offer assistance to another. And when you do, you'll automatically feel a little more stable and secure.
Anyone with any amount of success who is honest will tell you they didn't do it alone. We all need a little help, now and then. When you see another's crisis and step in to offer help, it creates a reciprocal attitude that will come back to help in your moments of need. That's just how the universe works.
Lend a hand. Give a dollar. Share your prosperity. Step in at the last moment to do a duet with Al Green (wouldn't mind doing this myself!) Whatever you can do to help another is assistance that benefits... everyone!
Marcus Engel is a professional speaker/author who inspires audiences to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Blinded by a drunk driver at age 18, Marcus battled through two years of recovery and 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery to reach his goal of returning to college. After graduating from Missouri State University in 2000, Marcus began sharing his story professionally to audiences nationwide. In 2002, Marcus founded his own publishing company with the release of his autobiography, "After This...An Inspirational Journey For All the Wrong Reasons." His latest book, "The Other End of the Stethoscope" was released October 2006. His messages of empowerment and motivation have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands through his keynotes, his autobiography and his monthly newsletters. Marcus Engel is a speaker, a message, a story you will never forget! Visit http://www.MarcusEngel.com for more information!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Engel
But this year I admit I just wasn't that interested. This could mean I'm getting old, or that the glitz just isn't as impressive without Adidas sweat suits and ginormous gold chains. Yee-ahhh, boyz!
Either way, the day after the broadcast I heard a story from behind the scenes that made me wish I'd paid more attention. A couple hours before the curtain lifted, one of the acts pulled a No Show. The panicked producers began to brainstorm on who could pull off a last minute - Grammy worthy performance. Justin Timberlake had just finished his dress rehearsal when the producer cornered him. Seeing the look of panic on the producers face - before even knowing the problem, Timberlake immediately asked, "What can I do to help?"
Within half an hour, they'd pieced together an all-star duet by the Rev. Al Green and Justin Timberlake, backed up by Boyz II Men with Keith Urban on guitar. Even if you're not a fan of any of these musicians, ya gotta admit, it's a ton of talent for one stage to hold!
In a moment of crisis, when someone steps up to do something that isn't required, we usually call that person a hero. I may not go so far as to call Justin Timberlake a hero, but the producer sure might!
Truthfully, I'm not even real familiar with Justin Timberlake's music (other than "In A Box" from SNL - one of the funniest moments on that show... EVER!)
But, I am a HUGE fan of the, "What can I do to help?" attitude.
The reality is, we're living in some tough times. Some may even call it a crisis. No doubt about it, the economy and all the stress revolving around, well, pretty much everything might make you want to be the one looking to receive help. But here's something I believe is important: If you're feeling vulnerable - stop! Help someone else!
Having the "What can I do to help?" attitude immediately makes one feel prosperous and fortunate. And the help doesn't have to be financial; there are so many ways to offer assistance to another. And when you do, you'll automatically feel a little more stable and secure.
Anyone with any amount of success who is honest will tell you they didn't do it alone. We all need a little help, now and then. When you see another's crisis and step in to offer help, it creates a reciprocal attitude that will come back to help in your moments of need. That's just how the universe works.
Lend a hand. Give a dollar. Share your prosperity. Step in at the last moment to do a duet with Al Green (wouldn't mind doing this myself!) Whatever you can do to help another is assistance that benefits... everyone!
Marcus Engel is a professional speaker/author who inspires audiences to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Blinded by a drunk driver at age 18, Marcus battled through two years of recovery and 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery to reach his goal of returning to college. After graduating from Missouri State University in 2000, Marcus began sharing his story professionally to audiences nationwide. In 2002, Marcus founded his own publishing company with the release of his autobiography, "After This...An Inspirational Journey For All the Wrong Reasons." His latest book, "The Other End of the Stethoscope" was released October 2006. His messages of empowerment and motivation have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands through his keynotes, his autobiography and his monthly newsletters. Marcus Engel is a speaker, a message, a story you will never forget! Visit http://www.MarcusEngel.com for more information!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Engel
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
If You Must Get Drunk... Do It In Birmingham
We're all familiar with some generous taxi companies and limo companies who offer their services for cheap (or free) on New Year's Eve.
But what if a cab company did it all year long?
That's exactly what Yellow Cab in Birmingham, Alabama is doing!
The president of the company saw such a wide appeal for free rides for intoxicated individuals that they're keeping it around all year long for 2009.
Here's how it works:
Drunk goes up to the bar, asks for a cab. Bartender calls Yellow Cab, takes the would-be driver's keys, seals them in a special envelope. When the cab arrives, the bartender gives the envelope to the driver who returns them to the would-be driver when they arrive at the would-be driver's destination.
The president simply said, sure, that Yellow Cab will lose some money, but it's nothing compared to the cost of a human life.
Next time I go to Birmingham, I'm taking Yellow Cab. No drinking involved, I just want to patronize a company which takes such an active interest in keeping drunk drivers off the street.
But what if a cab company did it all year long?
That's exactly what Yellow Cab in Birmingham, Alabama is doing!
The president of the company saw such a wide appeal for free rides for intoxicated individuals that they're keeping it around all year long for 2009.
Here's how it works:
Drunk goes up to the bar, asks for a cab. Bartender calls Yellow Cab, takes the would-be driver's keys, seals them in a special envelope. When the cab arrives, the bartender gives the envelope to the driver who returns them to the would-be driver when they arrive at the would-be driver's destination.
The president simply said, sure, that Yellow Cab will lose some money, but it's nothing compared to the cost of a human life.
Next time I go to Birmingham, I'm taking Yellow Cab. No drinking involved, I just want to patronize a company which takes such an active interest in keeping drunk drivers off the street.
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