An Alabama woman tells how a police officer who stopped her for speeding inspired her to change her life.

In August 2022, Abbie Rutledge, then 20, was driving on a Birmingham freeway when she saw red and blue police lights flashing behind her. Speaking to CBS News for a story on Friday, Sept. 6, she said she never imagined a traffic stop could fundamentally change her life.

According to Rutledge, when she was stopped by Alabama State Trooper JT Brown for speeding, she told him she couldn’t afford a fine and was “broke and in a dead-end situation,” as the newspaper put it.

Brown simply replied, “‘Well, how about we talk about it then.'”

Their conversation “lasted about” 10 to 15 minutes, Rutledge told CBS News, as the two “just talked about different career paths.” Eventually, they came up with an idea together – she should become a nurse.

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Brown didn’t give her a ticket, just a warning. He then wrote: “Promise me you’ll go to cleaning or nursing school and drive slower, then you won’t get a ticket.”

Now, two years later, Rutledge is doing exactly what she promised Brown she would do.

“As soon as he left and I got to where I wanted to be, I started focusing on this career,” she told the outlet. “And now I’m here.”

According to CBS News, Rutledge began studying surgical technology at a nearby community college – and Brown even attended the graduation ceremony after graduating.

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“I wanted him to see the impression he made on me,” Rutledge told the outlet. “Talking to someone for five minutes, even if you don’t know them, can have the biggest impact on your life. You never know when that could happen.”

Today, the 22-year-old works as a surgical assistant at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. She told CBS News that she loves her job and attributes much of her success to Brown.

“I think it was the right person, the right time and the right words,” Rutledge said, reflecting on their conversation during that fateful traffic stop.

“She has made my entire career worthwhile,” Brown added.