Aaron - you did an incredible job.  After I dropped you off at the airport and returned to campus.  I was there for less than 5 minutes before a group of students came up and asked if they could see you again (they were hoping you were still around).  Since then I've had several other students find me just to tell me what an impact your story had on them.  I had a call this morning from one of our middle school parents (whose older child heard you speak) asking if, and when, we had plans to bring you back for 6th, 7th and 8th graders.   This afternoon I had a young lady come by and see me because your story inspired her to take a closer look at her own drinking.  She is most definitely in need of help and it scares me to think of what could have become of her had she not be present for your talk. Aaron, you speak with an incredible amount of humility, grace and strength.  I hope you continue to be successful, professionally and personally.  Parker Palmer, one of my most favorite authors, says "True vocation is where your deep gladness meets the world's deepest needs."  You are truly doing what you were meant to do.  I love it when tragedy births miracles.
Thank you,

- Michelli Gomez, Alamo Heights School District

Aaron was a great speaker! I think we could better relate since he was a student athlete and he honed right in on two important things: don't let sports be the only thing you care about and be cautious of your competitive nature. His slogan was unique, and very applicable to young adult athletes. We definitely have a hard time believing that anything bad will happen to us; knowing that he thought that way too, but something did happen, makes the possibilities more realistic. We try to do anything and everything because of that pride, but I'm glad Aaron mentioned that it takes a bigger man to admit he shouldn't drive drunk, even if that means wake up his mom and have her come pick him up. Yes she might get mad for being woken up, but you don't know how many lives you just saved. Aaron did a great job keeping the audience engaged, using visuals, and more; it was by far the best alcohol awareness speech I've been to. Instead of just "don't do this because it's wrong", Aaron showed us the very real life-long consequences that can happen as a result. Thanks for having him come to share his story.

- Jey, Student Athlete

"Dear Mr. Aaron Cooksey,

You don't know who I am, but a few weeks ago you came to Mount Union College and spoke to my freshman class and told us your story. I just want to say "Thank you so much." I do not drink, but living on a campus where drinking is a big part of people lives has changed me as a person. Hearing your story truly has impacted not only my life, but the lives of this campus. After you were done speaking and we were all outside, people were still silent. It was amazing. What you did for this campus is incredible. Drinking still goes on and I doubt anyone could stop that from happening, but you have really given everyone something to think about.
I just want you to know, that what you are doing is awesome. I know that the circumstances that led you to this are not the greatest, but God is using you now in such an amazing way. Thank you for coming to MUC and changing this campus."

--Vanessa

"Today you spoke at Rootstown high and I was one of the many students there. I’ve never really cared about what people told me about drunk driving and vie always ignored it but today you changed my life and I really appreciate it. I honestly will never drink let alone drive while drunk thanks to you."

--Jason

"First off-wonderful speech...very powerful words... I just want you to know my best friend and I got into a fight because I drank and drove over the summer. I recently told him that I wanted to drink, and since we used to date he is really protective and doesn't want me to drink... we broke up because I felt he was being over protective... Your talk not only seems like "words from my higher power" but also the perfect timing. I don't really like to drink and multiple times I drank and drove and became close to getting into an accident! Thank you for reminding me that not only does drinking affect dreams but also can cause ending of relationship. I still feel indecisive and confused about the drinking situation but your story was appreciated and touched everyone in that room.

I was also wondering where I can get one of your key chains because it will remind me of what I am living for and making good choices for!"

--Christina