KEEP FRIENDSHIP ALIVE

My program, “Keep Friendship Alive,” is designed to relate to college audiences.  It was only 5 years ago that I graduated from college.  My goal is not to lecture, but share my story and hopefully help students see drugs and alcohol in a new light.  Using a combination of videos, music, and my first hand account, my message strikes a chord with students.

“Erica’s speech was incredibly touching and really taught a lesson.  Because Erica is a young female who recently graduated, we could relate to her. She shared a real life story, and it was very beneficial to us.  When we were leaving, I was listening to people say “Wow, you really never know things like this can happen until you hear a first hand experience.”  I liked how Erica included clips of news reports and personal interviews about Joey.  It made the presentation very interesting.”

Madison Conway
Syracuse University Student

My story is not just about what happened to my brother, Joey.  It is also about my experience with drugs and alcohol.  In college I used to think that going out all the time and getting wasted was normal.  I was just “partying” and I deserved it right?  I couldn’t have been more wrong.  According to a recent study alcohol related deaths claim the lives of 1,700 college students each year.  There is nothing “normal” about this.  I encourage students to not only take a closer look at their own alcohol and drug use, but also take a look at their friends’ behaviors.  Had I been able to see my brother’s symptoms and say something, I could have saved his life.

"Erica's experience is a reminder to our students that life is fragile.  Erica delivered a powerful message to our college audience on how they can be a positive influence and help their closest friends overcome potentially deadly behavior and not be a passive bystander.  Her story engaged our students from the moment she began to when she ended, captivated by the similarities of her story and their own lives.  Erica's a perfect wake-up call that binge drinking and drug use is not a part of being a normal college student."

Kurt Foriska
Sr. Coordinator of Greek Life
The Ohio State University

The best case scenario after students hear my program is for them to make safe choices regarding drugs and alcohol, and also talk to a friend if concerned about his/her well-being.  But we are human, and as the statistics show, accidents happen all too often.  That’s why I share tips on what to do in an emergency situation.  Most students who die alcohol related deaths are surrounded by friends the night they die, as my brother was.  It can be as easy as picking up the phone and dialing 9-1-1 in the nick of time.  Knowing what to do in an emergency situation is imperative to saving a friend’s life.  Click here for tips.

I pray that I am able to help students not live my tragedy.  College is supposed to be fun, a time in life when possibilities and dreams are endless.  I pray that I can make a difference, and I think I can.

For more information on my program or to book me to speak on your campus, please contact me.