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Episode 18: Beginner Guide to Dorm Life: Your New Mojo Dojo Casa Dorm

Join us for this episode of SafeTEA, where the Three College Idiots take the reins as guest hosts. Tune in to hear Sam and Evan share hilarious tales from their freshman year, coupled with invaluable advice for first-time dorm movers and essential safety tips.

Samantha Myers & Evan Lesniewski

Co-Hosts of  Three College Idiots Podcast

Sam & Evan guest host this episode of SafeTEA.  They are the co-hosts of our sister podcast, Three College Idiots.  From practical advice, to safety tips, to hilarious stories, listen from college students’ perspectives on navigating college into adult life.

Mariellen Jacobs

Co-Founder of Rail Against The Danger

Mariellen Jacobs is the founder of RAD and co-founder of the College Safety Coaltion (CSC). She is also on staff at Shepherd Center where her son was rehabilitated after his accident. A devoted mom of two and a resident of Georgia for 31 years, her passion is to drive for lasting change in institutional bed design and college campus safety data collection.

Clark Jacobs

Co-Founder of Rail Against The Danger

Clark Jacobs, (Mariellen Jacob’s son) is co-founder of RAD and a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering school at Georgia Tech. He is the driving force and inspiration behind RAD and is motivated every day to tell his story to every college student he can reach. Clark returned to GT in August 2016, 19 months after his loft bed fall and graduated in the summer of 2020.

Nanette Hausman 

Founder of College911.net 

Nanette’s son Corey died from what began as a preventable injury on a campus pathway just 15 days into his freshman year at the University of Colorado Boulder. Shockingly, this was the third student death that semester.  Equally concerning was the level of emergency care provided to many students.

After Nanette’s son Corey died from a preventable injury on campus, she became driven to help colleges and injury prevention professionals acquire the data and resources needed to minimize the risk of injury and loss of life. Discoveries about how unprepared most families are for emergencies and how college safety is defined, measured, and managed left Nanette in disbelief.

She beccame equally committed to provide tools to prevent other families from living with the devastating loss hers does, every single day. College911.net™ .

Accidents are the leading cause of student fatality on college campuses, accounting for 10.8% of deaths according to a study by the American College Health Association. In comparison, homicides—which are required to be disclosed under the CLERY Act—account for only 0.53% of on-campus deaths. Improving transparency by reporting these serious accidents will better allow for informed decision-making and will encourage colleges and universities to make campuses safer for students.

Learn about the College Operational Reporting of Emergencies Involving Teens and Young Adults (COREY) Safety Act .

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Episode 19: The Phone Hack that can Save Your Life

How have you readied yourself for the possibility of a serious injury or medical crisis involving your son or daughter? What’s your plan for receiving notifications? Remember, all smartphones offer Emergency SOS services that can be set up to notify you in the event of a medical crisis.

Visit our EMERGENCY SOS SET-UP FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE webpage to learn more.

This podcast is dedicated in memory of Nanette Hausman. 

Founder of College911.net 

Nanette’s son Corey died from what began as a preventable injury on a campus pathway just 15 days into his freshman year at the University of Colorado Boulder. Shockingly, this was the third student death that semester.  Equally concerning was the level of emergency care provided to many students.

After Nanette’s son Corey died from a preventable injury on campus, she became driven to help colleges and injury prevention professionals acquire the data and resources needed to minimize the risk of injury and loss of life. Discoveries about how unprepared most families are for emergencies and how college safety is defined, measured, and managed left Nanette in disbelief.

Accidents are the leading cause of student fatality on college campuses, accounting for 10.8% of deaths according to a study by the American College Health Association. In comparison, homicides—which are required to be disclosed under the CLERY Act—account for only 0.53% of on-campus deaths. Improving transparency by reporting these serious accidents will better allow for informed decision-making and will encourage colleges and universities to make campuses safer for students.

Tragically, Nanette recently lost her life  battling a medical illness prior to seeing the culmination of her work – just a few short years after her son,  Corey.  You can help Nanette continue her work by checking out College 911.net and the College Operational Reporting of Emergencies Involving Teens and Young Adults (COREY) Safety Act .

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Episode 17: Travel Safety Abroad - Part 2

In PART 2 of our Travel Safety Abroad podcast, we hear more from Ros Thackurdeen and Elizabeth Brenner. Ros and Elizabeth talk about the tragic losses of their sons in overseas study programs, and we learn how they met and formed Protect Students Abroad, an organization striving to make study abroard programs safer.

If you are a student or parent whose son or daughter is considering traveling abroad as part of their educational career, we highly recommend visiting Ros & Elizabeth’s website, Protect Students Abroad.

Check out the TODAY Show episode with Ros & Elizabeth, Today.com.

Ros & Elizabeth are currently working on a documentary, ‘STUDY ABROAD – Trip of a Lifetime’.  This documentary follows the story of Ros and Elizabeth’s sons’ deaths, what these two moms learned in the aftermath, and their steadfast efforts to makek student travel programs safer.  Told by Emmy-winning filmmaker, Robyn Symon, who tells their stories in conjunction with other families, with commentary by industry experts and video diaries of students traveling abroad. Please consider donating to help raise funds to so that this documentary can be produced, Donate Here.

Elizabeth Brenner

Co-Founder of Protect Students Abroad

Thomas Plotkin

Thomas, Elizabeth’s son, when looking for a study abroad program searched one out for the “cultural immersion” and “the world’s best guides.” As part of the program they were hiking. One month into the program, walking on a slippery, 6-ft wide path, dark, tired, with little supervision, Thomas slipped and fell over 300 ft into the Gori Ganga River where he tragically died. Listen to our podcast to learn more about Thomas’s story and Elizabeth’s mission.

Ros Thackurdeen

Co-Founder of Protect Students Abroad

Ravi Thackurdeen

Ravi, Ros’s son, did his study abroad trip in Costa Rica. Near the end of the trip the program he was traveling with decided to celebrate by taking the students to Playa Tortuga. This is a beach the locals won’t even swim at due to it’s dangerous rip tides. While Ravi and his friends were standing in less than knee deep water, Ravi and another student were pulled out by the undercurrents. The other student was rescued, however, Ravi was not.  He spent over 30 minutes treading water, waiting for a resuce that never happened. Here more about Ravi’s tragic story and how this has become Ros’s mission.

 

Carrie Pasquarello (featured on Part 1)

CEO and Co-Founder of Global Secure Resources, Inc.,

Carrie is a victim advocate who took her overseas experience with the State Department and turned it into a platform to help others navigate safe travel. You can find her book, “Study Abroad Safety” on Amazon and listen to her invaluable advice on this podast. If you are a student planning on traveling during your educational career this book is a must read!

Episode 16: Travel Safety Abroad - Part 1

In this podast episode we delve into student travel, the positives, negatives and tips everyone should know in order to travel safely.  We speak with Ros Thackurdeen and Elizabeth Brenner, two moms who lost their son’s to tragic accidents when traveling abroad. These amazing moms share their stories and what they’ve learned in order to help other parents.

We also have Carrie Pasquarello, CEO and Co-Founder of Global Secure Resources, Inc., a victim advocate who took her overseas experience with the State Department and turned it into a platform to help others navigate safe travel.  She offers invaluable tips on staying safe when traveling.

Left to right: Elizabeth Brenner, Carrie Pasquarello, and Ros Thackurdeen

 

Elizabeth Brenner

Co-Founder of Protect Students Abroad

Thomas Plotkin

Thomas, Elizabeth’s son, when looking for a study abroad program searched one out for the “cultural immersion” and “the world’s best guides.” As part of the program they were hiking. One month into the program, walking on a slippery, 6-ft wide path, dark, tired, with little supervision, Thomas slipped and fell over 300 ft into the Gori Ganga River where he tragically died. Listen to our podcast to learn more about Thomas’s story and Elizabeth’s mission.

Ros Thackurdeen

Co-Founder of Protect Students Abroad

Ravi Thackurdeen

Ravi, Ros’s son, did his study abroad trip in Costa Rica. Near the end of the trip the program he was traveling with decided to celebrate by taking the students to Playa Tortuga. This is a beach the locals won’t even swim at due to it’s dangerous rip tides. While Ravi and his friends were standing in less than knee deep water, Ravi and another student were pulled out by the undercurrents. The other student was rescued, however, Ravi was not.  He spent over 30 minutes treading water, waiting for a resuce that never happened. Here more about Ravi’s tragic story and how this has become Ros’s mission.

 

Carrie Pasquarello

CEO and Co-Founder of Global Secure Resources, Inc.,

Carrie is a victim advocate who took her overseas experience with the State Department and turned it into a platform to help others navigate safe travel. You can find her book, “Study Abroad Safety” on Amazon and listen to her invaluable advice on this podast. If you are a student planning on traveling during your educational career this book is a must read!

Episode 15: Life Saving Emergency SOS

What if you son or daughter has a serious injury of medical emergency while at college? How will you be notified? What kind of information can health care providers share with you?

In this episode, Angi Fiege, talks to parents about the importance of setting up their student’s smartphone for Emergency SOS services when they head off to college. To learn how to set up these services, visit our EMERGENCY SOS webpage.

Listen to our simple 3 step plan to help create a “safety net” around your student in preparation for their life in college.

 

Episode 14: It will never happen to you, Until it happens

Every day hundreds in the U.S. are affected by sexual violence.

On college campuses sexual assault is especially prevalent. Among undergraduate college students, 26.4% of females and 6.8% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.*

Why is this so common on college campuses and what can we do to stop this?  

*https://www.rainn.org/statistics/campus-sexual-violence

RAINN Safety & College Students

Barb Bachmeier is an Advanced Practice Provider and Forensic Nurse at IU Health.  We have been fortunate to have Barb on a past episode about Human Trafficking.

 

 

Christy Fogg has graced us with her expertise on several podcasts. She is a wife, mom, and therapist. Her practice, Journey to Joy Counseling, is located in downtown Carmel.  Christy loves talking about all things mental health and enjoys working with teens, young adults, and individuals.  Christy is happy to support RFW and bring awareness to the unique challenges that today’s high schoolers and college-aged kids are facing.   

Seema Patel is an Emergency Medicine-Pediatric resident at the IU School of Medicine. She is a volunteer for Rachael’s First Week, helping with both the live program as well as our SafeTEA podcast.

 

 

National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free. Confidential. 24/7

www.RAINN.org

Call 800.656.HOPE

 

Episode 13: Eating Disorders 'No Body is Perfect'

An eating disorder is not just about food. It’s a mental illness that involves unhealthy thoughts and behaviors about food, weight, and your body shape. During the college years the stress of classes, making friends, and just trying to fit in can lead students into come really unhealthy habits that can eeasily evolve into dangerous eating disorders.

Dr. Mallery Neff

Dr. Neff is a psychiatrist as well as  being pediatrically trained. Her course of study and practice since graduation from residency has been broad but is currenlty she is focusing on the treatment of eating disorders.

 

Dr. Kimberly McBrayer

Dr. McBrayer is currently an adolescent fellow in her third year. She is  pediatric trained and also did a year of internal medicine.  Her primary interest is in addiction medicine and she is hoping to do another fellowship in that, as well as continue to work in  the eating disorder realm. 

Laura Kauffman

Laura was one of Rachael’s best friends. She recently moved to Louisville, KY from Seattle for her job as a medical device sales rep. She has a bad habit of rescuring animals, loves food, and spends as much time as possible with friends and family.

She is also proud to say she has been recovered from her eating disorder for 10 years and to thank Rachael for being the most supportive friend throughout those years.

 

 

Episode 12: Human Trafficking in the Modern World

In 2020, 10,583 human trafficking cases were reported (via the https://humantraffickinghotline.org) and those are just the cases that were reported. “Human trafficking is the business of stealing freedom for profit and is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world.” (humantraffickinghotline.org)

“A lot of times those that are trafficked have no idea that they’re in danger let alone aware that they are being trafficked.”

Barb Bachmeier

Advanced Practice Provider and Forensic Nurse at IU Health

Latorri Jones
Case Response Specialist |  National Human Trafficking Hotline

polarisproject.org

humantraffickinghotline.org

Call: 888-378-8888
Text: BeFree (233733). Text “Info” or “Help”
Webchat features can be accessed through the website.

Kerry Hyatt Bennett

Chief Legal Council for the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Rebecca Bender 

CEO of the Rebecca Bender Initiative and Founder of Elevate Academy

For nearly 6 years, Rebecca was trapped in the dark, violent world of sex trafficking. When she escaped her trafficker, she knew she wanted to fight to change culture and offer hope to survivors

 

 

Episode 11: Give the Gift of Life through Organ Donation

Today over 113,000 people are on the transplant list and while 95% of all Americans support organ donation only 52% are actually designated donors. So have a conversation with your family, express your wishes, and understand the wishes of those you love. Give the gift of life. 

Andi Amburgey, Education Specialist at Indiana Donor Network.
Kristin Kroft, Registered Nurse at Indiana Donor Network.

Taylor McLean, sister of race car driver,  Bryan Clauson. Bryan Clauson died in a midget car crash back in 2016. As a registered organ donor, he was able to save five lives and his harvested tissue helped 75 people. 

Taylor continues to support organ donation as an Education Specialist at the Indiana Donor Network. She works with the Driven2SaveLives program which raises awareness around organ, tissue, and eye donation, and inspires race fans to sign up as organ donors.

 

Episode 10: What Type Are You?

What type are you? Blood type that is! During the season of giving we’d like to ask that you consider giving blood. Did you know that 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives?! This simple, life-saving act can help others and it’s so easy to do. Give back this December and save lives, donate blood. 

Not sure where to donate blood, check out the Red Cross website to locate blood drives near you, www.redcrossblood.org

 

Episode 9: The Bystander Efect

The Bystander Effect is a phenomenon in which the more people present in an emergency situation, the less likely someone will help another in need. Most people, if asked, would say that in an emergency situation they would call for help, but studies have shown that really only about 10% help out in this situation. What affects whether someone is willing to help? How can we overcome this phenomenon and become a society that always looks out for each other?

Listen to 2 students, Evan and Sam, along with Sam’s mom, recount a traumatic incident that occurred at a football tailgate and the reactions of those around them. Then listen to an expert talk about the Bystander effect and how we can overcome it in order to help those around us.

Christy Fogg is a wife, mom, and therapist. Her practice, Journey to Joy Counseling, is located in downtown Carmel.  Christy loves talking about all things mental health and enjoys working with teens, young adults, and individuals.  Christy is happy to support RFW and bring awareness to the unique challenges that today’s high schoolers and college-aged kids are facing.     

 

Episode 8: A Mental Health Crisis Among Today‘s Teens & Young Adults

We are seeing larger numbers than ever suffering from mental health issues. Many students may not know how or where to get started including what kind of provider they need where, to begin, or even what kind of questions to ask when seeking help. Listen about the journey of one college student and how she navigated her mental health issues. Learn from an expert on what to look for in yourself or others and how to find resources and get help.

 

Christy Fogg is a wife, mom, and therapist. Her practice, Journey to Joy Counseling, is located in downtown Carmel.  Christy loves talking all things mental health, and enjoys working with teens, young adults, and individuals.  Christy is happy to support RFW and bring awareness to the unique challenges that today’s high schoolers and college-aged kids are facing.     

Therese Hinkley is a 20-year-old aspiring mental health advocate who recently published her first book detailing her own struggles with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and the general pressures of adolescence in today’s world. She is currently in her third year of studies at Ohio State University and hopes to eventually attend medical school. Above all, she hopes that the publication of her story will elevate the normalcy of imperfection and help others feel less alone in their struggles. She is thrilled to be making her first Podcast appearance on Rachael’s First Week!

Therese’s book, Through The Darkness, can be found on Amazon.

 

Episode 7: College Hazing: How do we stop it?

September 20th starts the week of National Hazing Prevention Week. In this podcast hear the harrowing story of hazing survivor, Tyler Perino, why he thought it couldn’t happen to him, and how his story is bringing awareness to this issue.  News Story:Hazing survivor hopes to change minds in sharing near-death experience.

You’ll also hear from an expert, Judson Horras, President & CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference, and how his organization is working to stop hazing and prevent any further senseless deaths of college students. 

 

Judson Horras is the President & CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference. After more than 18 years serving Beta Theta Pi—over eight as the Administrative Secretary—he took on this role in 2016 to lead the NIC into the future. Jud is a graduate of Iowa State University; he lives in Indianapolis with his two children, Anna and Andrew, who he hopes will enjoy meaningful fraternity/sorority experiences in the near future. 
Tyler Perino is a former Miami University student and survivor of a near-death hazing experience. After his experience, Tyler moved closer to home and switched his focus. He is now studying psychology and law. Tyler spoke earlier this year at the statehouse in Ohio to help pass ‘Collin’s Law’ for hazing. He has spoken to other organizations and colleges in order to share his story and bring awareness.

Collin’s Law is named after Collin Wiant, a victim of hazing. Wiant was an Ohio University student in 2018 when he attended a Sigma Pi fraternity party, where a coroner’s report said he died of asphyxiation due to ingestion of nitrous oxide.

Collin’s Law expands criminal penalties for hazing and implements education and prevention procedures, particularly within Ohio colleges and universities. This law creates harsher penalties for hazing and increases transparency on college campuses.  

July 6th, 2021. Collin’s Law was signed into law by Ohio Governor Dewine.

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Episode 6: Recap of Season 1, Sneak Peek of Season 2 + Top Ten College Tips

We are so excited to present Season 2 of SafeTEA by Rachael’s First Week podcast.  In this episode, you’ll hear a quick recap of Season 1 as well as get a sneak peek of what Season 2 has to offer.  Listen to the end so you don’t miss out on our Top Ten Tips for College Students.

Stay tuned…our next podcast will drop on September 20th for Hazing Awareness Week.

 

SafeTEA Top Ten Tidbits of Advice for Incoming Freshmen

1. Your first semester will not determine your entire college experience.
2. Remember when you go out if you see someone that is not okay, whether you know them or not, offer help.
3. Don’t settle for college bookstore prices.  Shop around on Amazon or other sites and check to see if your bookstore price matches.
4. You’re not invincible. Bad things do happen so be aware of what’s going on around you and be prepared.
5. Go out with people you can trust. Use the buddy system and look out for each other.
6. Be able to recognize signs of depression in yourself and others.
7. It’s okay to stay in and have alone time. You don’t have to say yes to everything.
8. Don’t be afraid to utilize campus resources if you feel overwhelmed, whether that be contacting your professor or the mental health serices your college offers.
9. Schedule classes at times work for you. If you’re not an early person avoid 8 am classses.   
10. Don’t be afraid to do the right thing.  If you see someone in trouble call 911. A drinking ticket is nothing compared to losing a life.
Episode 5: To Vote or Not to Vote - That is the Question!
From TV commercials to social media, you can’t get away from talk about the upcoming election. 
Are you planning on voting? Why or why not? What are the issues that matter most to you? Our “man/woman on the street” spoke with college students. Listen to what other college students are thinking and feeling heading into the 2020 elections. Do you agree or disagree? 

     

    Episode 4: Medical Amnesty Laws Save Lives
    Medical Amnesty, the Indiana Lifeline Law, and the importance of calling 911. DO NOT miss this important episode. Shelby, a college student, tells her compelling story about “making the call” against friends’ resistance and saving her friend’s life. Senator Jim Merritt speaks on the Lifeline Law, along with Jill Lees, IU Bloomington Chief of Police, and the IU Director of Student Legal Services, Stacee Williams.
    Learn more about the Lifeline Law at, http://indianalifeline.org.
    NOTE:  This episode makes reference to services provided at Indiana University.  Information in this episode is applicable to all Indiana colleges and universities. 

    Guest Speakers

    Senator Jim Merritt

    Author of Lifeline Law, Indiana

    Jill Lees

    Chief of Police, Indiana University – Bloomington

    Stacee Williams,

    Director Student Legal Services, Indiana University

       

      Episode 3: The COVID Crush

      Is COVID crushing your soul? Is your social life turned upside down? What about parties? What about football? Will it ever end? Hear what other students are saying about these weird times. And don’t forget to share your thoughts with us as well at @RachaelsFirstWeek. 

       

      5 Take Away Points…

      1. Be a good human being. 
        1. Wear a mask in public
        2. DO Physically distance – DON’T social distance
        3. This means you need to have social interaction – you just can’t go around touching people to get it.  Be more social and less physical
        4. Wash your hands – 20 seconds – seems like an eternity.  Make it go faster by listening to 20 seconds of your favorite song – just not in double time
        5. Be flexible.  Let’s face it – you are not in control of any one’s response to this pandemic but your own.  Develop the skill to roll with it
      2. Have a plan if you’re forced to leave your dorm and transition to online classes
        1. Have the basic necessities easily accessible if you have to survive for a few days – food, money, a place to go
        2. You don’t need to stay packed like a natural disaster is about to strike, but stay organized 
        3. Fully understand the contingency plans for changes in face-to-face as well as e-learning for each of your courses….and get it in writing.  Referring to the playbook during the semester will help you stay on track if things suddenly change
      3. Understand your student loans and how the CAREs act may or may not protect you
        1. Your financial counselors and your parents are your best resources.
        2. Be aware of scams.  As more of your personal and financial information goes online, there is always someone willing to help themselves to it without your permission.
      4. Go to your happy place
        1. Stay in touch with family – remind them you need care packages – weekly – or more often
        2. Ramp up your endorphins with a bit of physical exercise – fall is an amazing time outdoors
        3. Write down your memories for posterity.  Just like you’ve had to endure listening to your parents tell you how rough it was when they were your age, you can one-up them and create a masterpiece to share with others when you get to your parents’ age
        4. Help someone else.  There is no shortage of people needing a helping hand nowadays and there is no better way to put your problems in perspective than helping someone who is struggling.  
        5. Netflix and …… keep it creative, legal and physically distance while you’re doing it
      5. Be in tune with your body
        1. Are you sleeping more and still feel tired – or are you sleeping less
        2. Has your weight changed because you are eating more or less
        3. Are you finding people more annoying and getting short with them
        4. Do you find yourself wanting to be alone
        5. Are you drinking large amounts of alcohol or smoking – anything
        6. These are all signs of depression. It is the second hit of this pandemic. Just like any illness, recovery is much quicker and less painful the earlier you seek treatment.  All universities have mental health resources so take advantage of them.  And if it’s a friend or acquaintance who is in need, walk with them to get the help they need.  

      Remember: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is September 6-9. Check out www.ActiveMinds.org to get involved or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline if you or someone you know need immediate help. The number is 1-800-273-8255. Someone is there 24-7.

         

        Episode 2: The Rachael Fiege Story: After the Fall (2 of 2)

        The aftermath caused by the death of college freshman, Rachael Fiege, continued to have a ripple effect long after the fall. Following the devastating news, her friends and family pull together and look for the positives hidden in this tragedy in an effort to prevent other college students from suffering a similar heartbreak. Learn how Rachael’s story is just the beginning as her friends and family take this tragedy and create a program designed to help other young people. 

        Episode 1: Rachael Fiege Story: One Night Changed Everything (1 of 2)

        Rachael Fiege Story: One Night Changed Everything (1 of 2)

        The death of college freshman, Rachael Fiege, rocked the small community of Zionsville, Indiana. Rachael left for college one day and was gone the next. No one could have foreseen the accident that would take her life and would change the lives of those around her…forever.

        Bios

        Laura Kauffman

        Laura and Rachael were best friends growing up. Laura lived behind Rachael for most of their lives and the two were inseparable. Laura has been on Rachael’s First Week team since the beginning. Despite living in Portland, Oregan, you’ll often Laura on the friends panel at an RFW program discussing her “exit strategies”. 

        Laura graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for a year, she took a job with Stryker where she has risen to International Sales Rep.

        Sarah Hirschman

        Sarah graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and is finishing her doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine.

        Srisha Pillay

        Srisha and Rachael became best friends through soccer and was a member of the famous, “Core 4”.  She has been a part of Rachael’s First Week program and the student panel and hopes that hearing Rachael’s story has made a difference to others. Srisha graduated from Purdue with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Sciences, then went on to Northwestern University where she completed her Master’s of Medical Sciences as a Physicians Assistant.

        Annie Weber

        Annie completed her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications at Butler and now works as a media planner and buyer for a local Indianapolis advertising agency. She also finds time to volunteer as a youth soccer coach for a local girls travel team.

        Hannah Elliot

        Hannah and Rachael played soccer together through high school, sharing many great memories, including being part of the “Core 4”. Hannah has been with the Rachael’s First Week program since the beginning, often serving on the student panel. She still attends programs when she is available. Hannah graduated from Ball State with a Bachelor of Health Science and a minor in developmental psychology. She went on to graduate from the University of Indianapolis with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

        Sammy (Maethner) Kelly

        Sammy and Rachael met on their childhood soccer team. The two became extremely close and shared an abundance of laughs and crazy times together. Sammy has been with Rachael’s First Week since our first program. Sammy completed her bachelors degree at the University of Evansville and is now in her fourth year of Veterinary school at the University of Illinois.

        Mary Baluyut

        Mary met Rachael through soccer and high school where they became best friends. Mary was another member of the famous, “Core 4”. Rachael was a big influence on Mary’s choice to attend IU. Mary helps with RFW to share Racheal’s story so students can be prepared, educated, and keep others safe. Mary graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Neuro sciences and then completed a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She is now married and lives in Michigan where she works in a Trauma Center at Butterworth Hospital.

         

        Special thanks to Healthcare Initiatives Inc. for making this podcast possible through their generous support.

        Healthcare Initiatives Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation supporting the advancement of human health and well-being.

        A huge thank you to Zionsville Community Enrichment Grant for supporting this podcast through their generous grant.

        Zionsville Community Enrichment Grant. Launched in 2021, the community grant program enhances the quality of life for residents, business owners, and visitors to the Town of Zionsville. The Zionsville Community Enrichment Committee serves as the instrument for evaluating and awarding financial assistance to local community-serving organizations. 

        About Rachael’s First Week

        Rachael’s First Week LIVE! is a program dedicated to   protecting the lives of high school seniors and college freshmen as they transition into young adult women and men. 

        These can be tumultuous years when peers often look to each other for guidance as they encounter novel and potentially dangerous situations, rather than engaging experienced mentors to provide solutions. 

        The mission of Rachael’s First Week is to develop the decision-making skills of teens as they enter this time of monumental change in their lives.

         LEGAL DISCLAIMER


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        ©2023 Rachael's First Week

        ©2023 Rachael's First Week

        Ask Your Legislators TODAY to SUPPORT and PASS the COREY Safety Act of 2023!
        CLICK HERE to support this initiative and help keep our college students safe. 
        To learn more about this initiative, visit our College Safety Coalition Webpage. 
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