Today I was very emotionally touched. Today Scott Dodge, from Rachel's Challenge visited my school. He told us the story of Rachel Scott. She was killed in the Columbine school shooting.

I was completely engrossed in this presentation, which lasted more than an hour. It went from amazing quotes from Rachel's Diaries (which are in print and can be purchased) to audio/video footage from Columbine. The 2 students who did the shooting worshiped Hitler; they performed the shooting on his birthday to honor him.

We learned how Rachel befriended people who were ignored by everyone else. In one case there was a handicapped boy who was picked on. After Rachel was killed, he told her parents that he was going to commit suicide, but Rachel saved him. He was going to kill himself, but Rachel's kindness gave him one friend.

Rachel made amazing predictions in her diaries; read about them here.

We learned about Rachel's Paper she wrote "My ethics, my codes of life."

Scott told us how similar Rachel and Anne Frank were. They both kept diaries of their experiences and expressed themselves through them with poetry, art and writing.

We were given 5 challenges to attempt:
1) Eliminate Prejudice
2) Choose my influences more carefully
3) Keep a diary or journal
4) Look for little ways to make a big difference.

Scott shows us audio/video/photos of Rachel...by the time the presentation is over she feels like a good friend to you... you feel her loss.

This was a very touching and emotional event. By the end of the show I was holding back tears. There were dozens of people already weeping. After the show was over, everyone was clapping and 2 people stood up. One was my friend's boyfriend. I wanted to stand up but I was a fool and did not have the courage.....I am ashamed of myself for not standing up now. As everyone was filing out of the auditorium, I stumbled my way down to Scott.

My knees were shaking, my heartbeat irregular, and my hand unsteady. I managed to stammer "That...tha..that was amazing!.....Thank you so much!" I extended my trembling hand as he shook it back. My eyes were glassy with un-released tears now. I knew I could not let them go because when I cry I go on for a while and I had a Chemistry test in a few minutes.

I made my way up the aisle to my friend. She (Nikki) was with her boyfriend (Brett) (The one who stood up) they were both weeping, he worse than she. She comforted him and hugged him. He said to me "You probably don't know why....my dad died 3 years ago" This moment was so sad. I really had to fight hard not to cry. I stood and watched as this couple who has been together for a year comfort each other. They are truly in love. It is comforting to know I am not the only one who feels emotions like that; sometimes it seems that way in this town.

Brett, Nikki, and I head down to thank Scott again. He hugs each of them and 2 other people who were crying. We begin to talk; he mentions them needing a new a web designer. I am shocked by this because my dad is a web designer and I would be honored if he helped them in anyway. I didn't get to tell Scott this though because my mind was still all emotional.

I wished I brought the tape recorder attachment I have for my Ipod. Every second of that show was amazing.

Luckily for me, there is going to be another presentation at the other High school in my town. I am most certainly going to be there.

Nikki, Brett and I left the Auditorium to go to our next classes. They tell me that Scott will be having a small meeting for a select few in library. You have to arrange it with your guidance counselor previously though. For the first time in my life I consider cutting a class. But I knew I had an important Chemistry test, and my always present conscience. We go our separate ways. I arrive to chemistry as the test is about to start.

I look at the test....I try to read the questions but they just don't register. They mean nothing to me....I cant get my mind off of the wonderful 17 year old girl who helped everyone she meet. I can't put the images of her out of my mind. As hard as I try to concentrate is it impossible. I begin to fill in random answers on my Scantron because I know reading the questions is too hard...I just can't focus.

After class, I approach my teacher and tell her how the assembly affected me and I could not focus on the test. I told her how I most assuredly failed.

I leave the room with those unshed tears begging for release.

I go to math extra help. I am getting a little better, the glassy eyes are gone, but my mind is still devoted to Rachel.

At this point I have not eaten anything since before school and barely drank any water.

By the time Study hall rolls around 2 periods later, I have returned to normal; lunch, water and a clear mind have returned. Study hall is where I meet up with Nikki again; she tells me the library presentation was very good. We briefly rendezvous with Brett, sporting his "I will not be labeled-The Rachel Challenge" t-shirt.

After school Nikki and I proceed to Photo club and discuss the events of the day more.

I have pledged myself to accept Rachel's Challenge.

"You just may start a chain reaction"- Rachel Joy Scott