Create in me
—Nothing.
Invest in me
—Nothing.
I will create my own dream,
my own image, my own future.
No one else can do that for me.
—signed Rachel Joy in her journal, in which she wrote immediately above the poem, in prose: "I am my own responsibility. Feel no obligation, because I will be no one's success story but my own."
Spurred on in part by writings in the notebooks and diaries left behind by his daughter, Darrell Scott — the son of an Episcopalian minister, though he himself is adamantly non-denominational — quit his job, set up a non-profit organization called The Columbine Redemption, and embarked on a grueling schedule of speaking engagements all across the United States to spread his message.
On May 2nd, Rachel wrote in her journal: “This is my last year Lord. I have gotten what I can. Thank you.” She also drew a picture, known as Rachel’s Tears; it has two eyes with thirteen tears falling down. Her parents believe that Rachel somehow knew that she and twelve other people were going to die within a year.
Darrell Scott said: "Rachel had a unique way of tilting her head to the side when she was thinking seriously. And I remember her beautiful smile. Rachel had an inward motivation to accomplish as much as possible. Whenever she sensed an injustice being done to someone, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it was, indignation rose up within her. She was always ready to stand up for anyone who she felt was mistreated."
According to Dana Scott, Rachel's big sister, she had a great sense of humor. She once recorded a voicemail on their home phone that said, “You have reached Queen Rachel and her humble servants … please leave a message after the beep.” Her middle name, Joy, was truly one of the best ways to describe her fun-loving personality.
Rachel's Challenge was started by Rachel's dad and stepmom, Darrell and Sandy Scott, when they realized that the writings and drawings Rachel left not only had an impact on her friends and classmates, but also resonated with students around the world. Although Rachel was a typical teenager who wrote about her "ups and downs," she had a passion and conviction that she would someday change the world. The Scott family knew her story and passion had to be told to inspire others to make their world a better place. More than 18 million people have been touched by Rachel's message, and they continue the legacy of making a difference in their communities. Each year at least two million more people are added to that number. In one survey, 78% of students indicated they would definitely intervene in a bullying incident in their school after seeing Rachel's Challenge. In a recent 24 month period, Rachel's Challenge received more than 450 emails from students who indicated that they changed their mind about taking their own life after hearing Rachel's Challenge.
Rachel's Challenge is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization based in Littleton, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.
This lovely, touching poem was written for Rachel Joy Scott the night of her death, by her cousin and close friend Sarah Scott:
Angel of Mine
by Sarah Scott
Looking down, seeing despair
Only leaving a soul searching for air
Feeling the warmth, seeing the light
Reaching for wings for the eternal flight
Slipping away from this world today
Angel of mine you've found your way.
Let my love be the wind beneath your wing
As you rejoice in heaven and sing.
Angel of mine
Your face will make the heavens so bright
With your beauty, grace, and loving spirit.
Darrell Scott is the father of Rachel Joy Scott, the first of the thirteen victims of the Columbine High School massacre. Rachel was a beautiful 17-year-old girl, and an aspiring writer and actress. Her father wrote the poetic lines below four days before speaking to Congress on the subject of the mass killings of students and teachers, the role of the NRA, and gun control:
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage.
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms.
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere.
And ask the question "WHY"? ...
I will put honesty before the risk of humiliation.
—Rachel Joy Scott
Trust and honesty is an investment you put in people.
—Rachel Joy Scott
I admire those who trust and are trustworthy.
—Rachel Joy Scott
How many of us have enough trust, strength, and faith to believe that we could do the impossible?
—Rachel Joy Scott
Here are some of the comments written on Rachel's casket by her friends and loved ones ...
Rachel's Casket: an Outpouring of Love and Affection
Tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance.
—Rachel Joy Scott