Rachel Scott had a passion for writing and a philosophy for kindness. Now, almost fifteen years after her death during the Columbine shooting, Rachel’s Challenge carries on her legacy and spreads kindness throughout the world.
Rachel Scott was the first to die in the 1999 Columbine shooting. Two boys, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, entered Columbine High School killing and injuring over 40 students and staff. At the time of her death, her true effect was unknown, and would not be known until the discovery of her journals.
In the six journals she left behind, Rachel spoke of her visions for the world and how she wanted “to make an impact”. She had a theory that an act of kindness could start a “chain reaction”. And she believed on act of kindness could change the world. Rachel practiced what she preached and encouraged her community to show their compassion. Shortly after her death, the Scott family received multiple calls from her peers. Her fellow students called to tell the family about Rachel’s impact on their life by her simple acts of kindness.
To this day, Rachel still affects people around the world with Rachel’s Challenge. The challenge was created in the hopes to equip people with the ability to be compassionate. Rachel’s Challenge focuses on five challenges: stopping prejudice, dreaming big, choosing positive influences, speaking kindly, and starting your own chain reaction of kindness. In a survey from rachelschallenge.org, 78% of students said that after seeing the presentation for Rachel’s challenge, they would intervene when bullying occurred at their school, which shows that the presentation impacted them.
At Woodland Regional High School, students said Rachel’s Challenge gave them a new, positive perspective. The presentation made students, such as Sophomore Class President, Alyssa Varesio, understand that they needed to appreciate what they have because it all can be taken away.
“[The presentation] was very powerful,” said Varesio, “and sent a good message.”
Lindsey Gabianelli, sophomore, understood that the program made her look within.
“It got to me on a personal level. It made me rethink how I treated people,” said Gabianelli. “It showed that people are actually affected by the things you do.”
The presentation did not just change students’ outlook, it also put them in to action.
“Someone asked me that day [of the presentation] to sit with me, and I said ‘yes’ without knowing them,” said Valbona Vinca, junior.
Teachers like Megan Geary, Woodland for Women Worldwide advisor, hope that the presentation makes kindness last.
“[Rachel’s Challenge] brings awareness to the fact that students need to be kinder; that there is a power in kindness,” said Geary. “[Kindness] will only last if those who were affected make it last.”
Bethany Didato, Woodland advisor for Friends of Rachel, hopes that the presentation changes the environment in Woodland.
“I hope the message of kindness and compassion will bring our community together,” said Didato.
Rachel’s Challenge is beginning to make an impact on Woodland through the Friends of Rachel (FOR) club. The Friends of Rachel club with be incorporated with Hawks Wings/Peer Helpers group. Didato says it will be used to interject into how compassion and kindness can be used as an outreach.
Rachel Scott wanted to impact on the world, and she has. After her death she is remembered through Rachel’s Challenge and Friends for Rachel, but those who knew her personally remember the kindness and compassion she expressed to everyone around her. The challenge has changed people’s perception on life and inspires them to start their own chain reaction.
