An Alabama woman was pulled over for speeding. Instead of a ticket, the officer gave her some life-changing advice.

Birmingham, Alabama — When those blue lights appeared in her car's rearview mirror about two years ago, Abbie Rutledge, then 20, knew she was doing the wrong thing at the wrong place at the wrong time. But that changed after she spoke to the police officer who pulled her over.

“I think it was the right person, the right time and the right words were said,” Rutledge said.

She told JT Brown – the Alabama State Trooper who pulled her over for speeding in August 2022 – that she couldn't afford a fine. She was broke and had a job with no prospects for advancement.

“And I said to her, 'Well, how about we talk about it then?'” Brown told CBS News.

Rutledge said their conversation lasted “about 10 to 15 minutes, just talking about different career paths.”

They decided Rutledge would make a great nurse, so Brown let her off with just a warning.. And he wrote: “Promise me you'll go to cleaning or nursing school and drive slower, then you won't get a ticket.”

However, Brown said he “never” thought she would take the matter so seriously.

“As soon as he left and I got where I wanted to be, I started focusing on this career,” Rutledge said. “And now I'm here.”

Rutledge completed a two-year surgical technology degree at Bevill State Community College in Jasper, Alabama, last month.

She now works as a surgical assistant at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. She says she loves her new job and thanks Brown, who was there for her graduation.

“I wanted him to see the impression he made on me,” Rutledge said. “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 it might happen.”

Brown went beyond demanding licensing and registration by providing Rutledge with guidance and motivation. By following the advice contained in the warning, Rutledge not only helped herself, but she also returned the very same favor.

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