“Be a light for all to see”
Life’s happenings are unpredictable. One day you are spending happy hours with your family and friends, and the next you may find yourself facing something far greater than you ever thought you could handle. That is what happened to a close friend of mine: Elena Iori.
In October 2023, she lost her brother in a car accident. He was riding his scooter to work when a car, driven by a young man, hit him. The driver was later found to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Unfortunately, this is one of many similar tragedies we hear about, at least in Italy. But what makes this story different? And why is it worth telling?
Elena went through several very difficult months. She had to be strong and brave not only for herself, but also for her parents and her nephews. For a long time, she kept asking herself “why.” What makes her story different, however, is that she was eventually able to find a purpose in the fact that she is still here: “Be a light for all to see”
“Purpose” is a powerful word in English, and it is difficult to find an exact equivalent in Italian. It goes far beyond a simple goal; having a “purpose” is not the same as having a target. A “purpose” is what guides every action you take and every decision you make. It is the underlying reason for your daily life, the energy that sustains you every day, despite the challenges and difficulties.
Elena has made it her mission to organise initiatives and campaigns to prevent similar tragedies from happening again, so that no one else has to endure the same pain she has experienced.
She began working with the traffic police to organize events in schools for 18–19-year-old students, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of driving safely and asking for help when needed. Real help, not hiding behind alcohol or drugs.
The project is called ‘ABC’: you can find more information here:
During these sessions, students are shown the real impact and consequences of reckless decisions, such as driving after drinking. The events are interactive and include driving simulators as well as screenings of impactful films such as Young Europe: https://www.mymovies.it/film/2012/youngeurope/
Elena openly shares her story, engaging in dialogue with these young people and, above all, listening to them.
She is not only finding a purpose in such a tragic event; she is also building a legacy for future generations. She is doing so through these awareness campaigns, as well as through another, even more tangible initiative. Among other related projects, she is promoting the installation of white benches in specific locations.
White benches serve as a symbol of remembrance for all the victims of road accidents, as well as workplace accidents.
I am sharing Elena’s story not only to highlight her courage and strength, but also to raise awareness of the ABC Project and to emphasise to the public just how important it is to educate people, especially young people, and not to write them off as lost causes.
As long as there are people like Elena, and as long as institutions help to promote a constructive approach to education, there will be hope.
By Cinzia Costi
