Here Lies Rachael Jensen

Obituary

18 passed quietly, leaving behind a trail of tears, fears, and the seeds of resilience that would bloom in years to come.

If 18 could’ve chosen how to go, it might’ve been on a sunlit walk through the hilly campus of Alderson-Broaddus College, headphones in, heart heavy yet hopeful, and mind spinning with the possibilities of what might come next. It was a year of beginnings, endings, and a slow, painful, but ultimately rewarding journey toward independence.

18 arrived with trembling hands, clutching the remnants of a high school relationship that had shattered like glass and left painful shards behind. The halls of the dorm, the laughter of strangers who would soon become friends, and the overwhelming realization of being truly on her own for the first time—it all hit hard and fast.

She began the year as a pre-vet biology major, a choice tied to the expectations of others more than herself. But 18 wasn’t one to linger in the wrong place for long. By the second semester, she boldly declared herself an English and Journalism major, trading the dissecting tray for a notebook and pen, and taking her first steps toward becoming the person she was meant to be.

In a twist of fate, 18 found her lifeline in a group of women she initially joined just to “help with numbers.” The Phi Kappa Delta sorority, which she pledged in her second semester, became a sisterhood she didn’t know she needed. What started as a casual commitment became the cornerstone of her college experience, anchoring her in a way she hadn’t expected. The sorority gave her friendships that would last a lifetime and a reason to stay at A-B College for the next three years.

18 didn’t shy away from challenges. She entered the world of pageantry, competing for Miss Teen West Virginia—not out of vanity but as an act of self-discovery. It wasn’t a path she would walk forever, but it gave her a boost of confidence when she needed it most.

The year was also marked by quiet yet seismic internal shifts. 18 grappled with the constraints of her upbringing and decided to step away from religion, choosing instead to build a life guided by her own principles and beliefs. It was a year of questioning, of redefining, and of letting go.

Not every moment of 18 was easy. Tears were shed, loneliness crept in, and the weight of growing up felt suffocating at times. But 18 kept going, driven by a determination to chase her own dreams and carve out a life that felt authentic.

Preceded in death by the carefree 17 and the uncertain 16, 18 leaves behind a legacy of courage, transformation, and the promise of a future built on her own terms. She is survived by the wisdom of 19, the growing confidence of 20, and the tenacity of the years yet to come.

18’s Year In Review

The Best Thing About 18
Finding a home in Phi Kappa Delta and deciding to stay at A-B College, where lifelong friendships and personal growth awaited.

Music
The soundtrack of 18 was a mix of bittersweet ballads and empowering anthems. Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” album was played on repeat.

Experiences
– First clubbing experience in Morgantown, WV.
– Competing for Miss Teen WV, stepping out of her comfort zone and onto the stage.
– Late-night talks with suite mates who became her first college family.

Decisions That Shaped 18
– Changing her major to English and Journalism, a step toward authenticity.
– Letting go of religion and choosing to believe in herself.

What 18 Was Most Grateful For
The courage to embrace the unknown and do things her way, even when it was terrifying.