When I was twelve years old, I came home to my sleeping mother and my little brother choking on a quarter. I immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver which, thank God, I’d learned that day in class. This event was one of my moments of truth. I had saved my brother’s life. This showed me how one simple act can be the difference between life or death. Other personal moments of truth have tested my ability to be an involved bystander. Each time, I’ve helped in some way shape or form and have taught me a little more about myself and my abilities. These experiences have driven my desire to aid. In turn, when given the opportunity to be Red Watch Band trained, I took it. Red Watch Band is a program in which they provide knowledge and skills in order to prevent alcohol related deaths. In the future, I plan to get involved with the Green Dot program as well which involves bystander intervention.

For others, it isn’t as easy to intervene in what could potentially be a dangerous situation because factors such as social rejection, educational circumstances and judicial consequences may occur; however, what’s worse than all of these factors combined is the fact that someone lost their life or hurt themselves and you could’ve done something about it.