Once sitting in a jail cell for a decision that turned tragic,
Matthew Maher stood before students of Arthur P. Schalick High School
Monday to pass on the story of a shattering drunk driving accident that
changed his life.
After getting behind the wheel drunk in 2009, Maher, then 25, crashed resulting in the death of a Philadelphia man.
After serving more than four years in state prison, Maher took his conviction upon his shoulders and made it his mission to help others make the right choice by learning from his mistake.
Maher, now 30, vulnerably spoke to the high school students Monday morning with the hope of guiding them down a different path and exposing the truth of his own fatal mistake.
"This was my reality — this was my nightmare, and I was wide awake," Maher said to the quiet and somber crowd.
I've heard often, that perception is real, but what if your perception is off, because mine was. Take my nightmare and use it as a stepping stone. So many of you may be thinking, 'this will never happen to me,' and that in itself, is not reality," the 30-year-old continued.
Maher relived that night, when he was driving down the Atlantic City Expressway, in the area of Hamilton Township, when he struck another vehicle that resulted in the partial ejection of the Philadelphia man who was pronounced dead on the scene.
Once a professional soccer player, and graduate of Middle Township High School, Maher attended Temple University on a full scholarship. But with one bad decision, he traded in all of his success for one heavy charge.
Maher was charged with first degree aggravated manslaughter, but much more came with it, he said.
"It brought pain to two innocent families — mine and the victim's — a life lost and immeasurable pain," Maher recalled. "It's a decision you can't take back."
Maher was released in August 2013 and has spent his time reaching out to youth in an effort to challenge their own decisions.
"One text message can affect a lifetime, one pull of a joint, or one sip of alcohol will take you. These decisions will lead you to a place you never though you'd be. I remember thinking how I saw them on the side of the road, believing they were okay, and then my heart dropped to my toes," he added.
Seniors Max Collins, 18, and Lia Stiles, 18, were taken back by the harsh and encouraging message.
"It's definitely inspirational and makes you think about your own future," Max said.
Lia and senior Zach Johnson, 18, reflected on how decisions impact others, and to be cautious.
"The decisions you make can affect all the people around you," Lia said.
Maher dared each student to put themselves in his shoes.a
"Suddenly, the face of a drunk driver just became your face. If you only see me as a murderer, that's fine too. See me as a bad decision you don't have to make. You have your whole life ahead of you," Maher said.
"Look at my face and remember it. Hold each other accountable by making the right decisions," he said.
For more information on Maher's story and his outreach, please visit www.themattmaherstory.com or Facebook.com/themattmaherstory.
After getting behind the wheel drunk in 2009, Maher, then 25, crashed resulting in the death of a Philadelphia man.
After serving more than four years in state prison, Maher took his conviction upon his shoulders and made it his mission to help others make the right choice by learning from his mistake.
Maher, now 30, vulnerably spoke to the high school students Monday morning with the hope of guiding them down a different path and exposing the truth of his own fatal mistake.
"This was my reality — this was my nightmare, and I was wide awake," Maher said to the quiet and somber crowd.
I've heard often, that perception is real, but what if your perception is off, because mine was. Take my nightmare and use it as a stepping stone. So many of you may be thinking, 'this will never happen to me,' and that in itself, is not reality," the 30-year-old continued.
Maher relived that night, when he was driving down the Atlantic City Expressway, in the area of Hamilton Township, when he struck another vehicle that resulted in the partial ejection of the Philadelphia man who was pronounced dead on the scene.
Once a professional soccer player, and graduate of Middle Township High School, Maher attended Temple University on a full scholarship. But with one bad decision, he traded in all of his success for one heavy charge.
Maher was charged with first degree aggravated manslaughter, but much more came with it, he said.
"It brought pain to two innocent families — mine and the victim's — a life lost and immeasurable pain," Maher recalled. "It's a decision you can't take back."
Maher was released in August 2013 and has spent his time reaching out to youth in an effort to challenge their own decisions.
"One text message can affect a lifetime, one pull of a joint, or one sip of alcohol will take you. These decisions will lead you to a place you never though you'd be. I remember thinking how I saw them on the side of the road, believing they were okay, and then my heart dropped to my toes," he added.
Seniors Max Collins, 18, and Lia Stiles, 18, were taken back by the harsh and encouraging message.
"It's definitely inspirational and makes you think about your own future," Max said.
Lia and senior Zach Johnson, 18, reflected on how decisions impact others, and to be cautious.
"The decisions you make can affect all the people around you," Lia said.
Maher dared each student to put themselves in his shoes.a
"Suddenly, the face of a drunk driver just became your face. If you only see me as a murderer, that's fine too. See me as a bad decision you don't have to make. You have your whole life ahead of you," Maher said.
"Look at my face and remember it. Hold each other accountable by making the right decisions," he said.
For more information on Maher's story and his outreach, please visit www.themattmaherstory.com or Facebook.com/themattmaherstory.
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