Eckerd Community Stands Together- Remembering Rachel Price

By April Minio on March 1, 2013

Friday, March 1 quiet, mournful voices traveled around the usually lively, exciting campus of Eckerd College. E-mails, and text messages surfaced from college officials and students confirming what everyone wished wasn’t real; the passing of 18 year old freshman Rachel Price. Rachel and a close friend had been traveling on US 192 last night, Thursday February 28 when another vehicle going the opposite direction pulled out and struck them, causing a terrific crash to occur, one that took the lives of both Rachel and her close friend, Jamaree. The news of this crash was enough to affect the emotions of anyone who knew Rachel.

As an Eckerd College freshman myself, I was graced with the opportunity to have Rachel as a dormmate for a few short months. Although we didn’t talk much, whenever we crossed each others paths inside and outside of the dorm, we were sure to share a smile towards one another and a simple hello.

On the soccer field Rachel was an extraordinary player. She had a love for the game that was seen by anyone, and her outgoing personality shined through the team whenever she played. Her team members adored her and over a short period of time Rachel created a tight knit bond with all of her teammates, making them part of her family.

Anytime tragedy strikes a college campus it’s stability and strength is tested, but when a small tight-knit college is struck with tragedy, it brings everyone together. Whether you knew Rachel through passing around the campus, knew of her name and her admirable talent on the field, or had the extreme pleasure of calling her a friend, you knew her. The Eckerd College community is working with fellow faculty members to provide a safe and calm environment for Eckerd students so that they will be able to mourn and move on while dealing with this tragic incident. Grief counselors will be available at the college for anyone that needs aid and officials are urging students to take advantages of these opportunities.

Memorial services will be planned on campus over the next few days to honor Rachel’s life, and to bring the community of Eckerd together to celebrate her short, but accomplished life. As we honor the life of Rachel we remember her for her outgoing personality and her way with others. During this hard time it’s important that together we focus on the good in Rachel’s life rather than the bad.

Life can change within the blink of an eye, without warning and without reason. Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes those reasons aren’t clear.

Rest in peace Rachel. The Eckerd community will always remember you and we’ll continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.