A close friend's tribute to WSU Student Rachel Doseck

WSU student Rachel Doseck died June 24, months after her second heart transplant. Doseck's close friend Rachel Niekamp wrote the following piece about Rachel as a tribute:

Everyone has a unique role in this world.  By embracing our talents, we inspire those around us.  Rachel Doseck epitomized this through her life and the message she shared with those she encountered.

Her experience as a heart transplant recipient motivated her audiences to discover their own abilities and vocation in life.  Rachel actively spread Donate Life’s message to her friends, community and colleagues.  In response, the Wright State Lake Campus community came together to host a 5K benefit for her following her second heart transplant.

Even though the transplant life was not easy, Rachel taught us how to make life memorable.  She showed us how to care for others by her random sticky notes of encouragement left on our cars, surprise bouquets of flowers and the constant support she provided.

Life was always an adventure with Rachel.  Sometimes it was getting lost on a road trip to Indiana or securing boards to the top of her car with string.  Other times, it was throwing keys into trees to see how high we could get them to stay.  You could find her in cowboy boots line dancing to a country song while singing every line.

She was known as the “country girl” in hospitals for her cowboy posters, CMT early in the morning and numerous concert t-shirts.   Despite her health struggles, she remained rooted in her faith.  Rachel reminded us that life is short; we have to make time for what is important.  She made time for frequent visits to her friends and family, no matter the distance.

Even through all the pain, she loved those who wronged her and forgave those who hurt her.  Rachel loved to lead crazy adventures, but she wanted us to embark on our own escapades.  She lived her life as an example to others, and she wanted everyone to fulfill their purpose by living up to their potential.

In her 21 years, Rachel showed that us that living is not determined by a number of years we have.  It’s measured by how you live.