Fletcher Cleaves is a Memphis native whose story is full of resilience, hope and inspiration. Following a life-altering event, he discovered a passion for public speaking and began to promote the importance of safe driving and overcoming adversity through special appearances including: College Game Day, ESPN TV, ESPN radio, SportsCenter, Outside the Lines with Bob Ley, and a National Safety Transportation Board (NSTB) event in Washington D.C., as well as at many schools, colleges, sports teams, community organizations, and businesses.

Fletcher's journey began in the fall of 2009. During this time, he was a lively freshman enjoying his first semester of college on a football scholarship at Lambuth University when, suddenly, everything changed. On September 10, 2009, he was involved in a tragic car accident caused by a distracted driver, who was suspected to have been texting while driving. This event left Fletcher paralyzed from the chest down, and he was challenged with the task of starting his life over. Now, a quadriplegic, he had to relearn everything in order to adjust to his new circumstances.

Following the accident, Fletcher and his family endured a number of obstacles, including both of his parents losing their jobs in order to become his full-time caretakers. However, through all of the setbacks, Fletcher was determined to prevail. After a year of intense rehabilitation, he decided to re-enroll in school at the University of Memphis. There he attained a degree in Computer Science and joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as well. Fletcher's recovery helped him recognize that sharing his journey could not only motivate others, but also save lives.

Adversity is something we all will be faced with in life sooner or later. Whether it’s family, school, work, or personal, crappy stuff happens to everyone. However, it’s not what happens to you that defines you, it’s how you respond to it! Adversity does not say, "I will be back later". There is no perfect time, but understand it’s up to you to make time to start living your life today! The Sky is NOT the Limit. There are no limits.

How big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail? When I was faced with the most difficult obstacle of my life, I had to focus on what's important, NOT what's easy to obtain my dreams. Focus is not picking out one dot and staring at it. Focus is having 1 million dots and knowing which ones to stare at. Life can throw 1 million distractions at you at one time. Learn to focus on what’s important in this phase of your life to prepare yourself for the future.

Driving is the most dangerous thing you will do on a daily basis. Eliminate distractions! Distracted driving injuries and fatalities are increasing as technology expands. Eliminate distracted driving by paying attention to the road and your surroundings. Distracted driving crowd activity is included.

You won't be young forever. Father time is undefeated. Education is the passport to the future! I was a freshman on a football scholarship. Who knew that football would end so soon? Thankfully, I took my education seriously and re-enrolled in college and graduated with a Computer Science degree. You never know when your body will fail you. Take your education seriously so you can always rely on your mind!

Why cry over spilled milk? Let the past be the past and let’s focus on the future. My car crash was caused by someone else. I had to learn how to forgive, have faith, and move forward! You can too.