A Q+A With Laura Kauffman of Rachael's First Week

By Ashley Paskill on September 14, 2018

For many high school seniors and incoming college freshmen, college seems like the perfect opportunity to finally break free and be independent. However, this newfound can come with impaired judgment and dangerous situations. Rachael’s First Week, an organization started by the loved ones of Rachael Fiege after her death, seeks to help these students make the best choices possible and transition successfully into college life. I was able to catch up with Laura Kauffman, one of Rachael’s best friends and the organization’s Instagram and Snapchat manager, for a Q+A about the organization and who Rachael was to all who loved her.

Ashley Paskill: How did Rachael’s First Week get started?

Laura Kauffman: Our organization began after the tragic death of Rachael Fiege. Friends, family, co-workers and strangers alike all wanted to make sense of the tragedy and offer their help. Through the blur of tear-stained eyes came a vision that has become known as Rachael’s First Week. Our program consists of Medical Residents and a peer panel (Rachael’s friends who share their real-life college experiences).

AP: Who was Rachael?

LK: Rachael was a daughter, a sister, a friend, a teammate. Rachael was the typical teenager; she didn’t get straight A’s, but worked hard in school. She was a great athlete, but wasn’t the star player. Rachael loved her family more than anything and loved her friends like they were family. Strangers were friends in her eyes and she never put herself above others. She worked with economically disadvantaged children on the soccer field and invited the special needs students to sit with her at lunch. Rachael was the girl you went to for a laugh or five. She was edgy, outgoing and had a heart of gold. She was beautiful inside and out.

AP: What is the organization’s mission?

LK: The mission of our organization is to develop the decision-making skills of teens as they enter this time [college] of monumental change in their lives. Our program is dedicated to the concept of “always look out for each other”, which sometimes means making an unpopular decision to save a friend, to save a life.

AP: Where are you based?

LK: Our organization is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. While there has been a lot of nationwide interest, our program is currently only available in Indiana.

AP: What have the responses been like for past events?

LK: The responses from our events have been incredible. At the end of our program, we have a lot of students who will come up to thank us for being there and share the most raw, honest stories that relate to Rachael. Those moments are often supplemented with a lot of tears and hugs. It is so helpful for us to hear the students’ responses, to know that we are making an impact. It keeps us going when the days are dark.

AP: How can students across the country get involved, even if they can’t make it to events in Indiana?

LK: Follow our social media posts and interact with us on social media! They can also go to our website for more info. We can answer any questions and help with resources.

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