Today is Rachael’s birthday.
Birthdays are usually a time to celebrate memories, laughter, and all the things that make someone special. For those of us who love and miss Rachael, it’s also a day to reflect on the lessons her life continues to teach others.
Rachael was an incoming college freshman who left for school full of excitement, dreams, and possibilities. During her first week on campus, a tragic accident changed everything. Her story became the inspiration behind Rachael’s First Week, an organization dedicated to helping students make safer decisions and look out for one another.
College is full of new experiences. You’ll meet new people, attend new events, and face situations you’ve never encountered before.
Sometimes the most important decision you make is saying, “No.”
No to a party that doesn’t feel right.
No to drinking when you don’t want to.
No to getting in a car with someone who has been drinking.
No to peer pressure that pushes you beyond your comfort zone.
You do not have to prove yourself to anyone. The friends worth keeping will respect your decisions and your boundaries.
That uneasy feeling exists for a reason.
If a situation feels off, leave. If a person makes you uncomfortable, walk away. If you think something bad could happen, take action.
Trust yourself. Your instincts are one of the best safety tools you have.
If you have even the slightest thought that your friend might be in trouble, call 911 and get medical help.
Don’t worry about embarrassment. Don’t worry about getting someone in trouble. Don’t assume they’re just sleeping it off. Don’t wait.
When someone is unresponsive, vomiting, difficult to wake, or not acting normally, treat it as an emergency.
One phone call can save a life.
Being a good friend means taking action.
It means staying with someone who needs help, speaking up when something seems wrong, and never leaving someone behind.
College can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to handle everything alone.
Reach out to friends, parents, counselors, professors, or RAs when you need support. Asking for help is strength, not weakness.
Rachael’s story is heartbreaking, but her legacy continues to save lives through awareness, education, and action.
So today, on her birthday, we remember:
You don’t have to attend every party.
You don’t have to follow the crowd.
You don’t have to take unnecessary risks.
And if you ever think a friend might be in danger—trust your instincts and call for help.
One decision can change a life. One phone call can save a life.
Happy Birthday, Rachael. Your story continues to make a difference every day. 💖
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