MARSHFIELD, Wis. -- In Marshfield, where woman found slain near campus on Wednesday is from, many are mourning and trying to come to terms with Brittany Zimmermann's killing.

Many there said they are finding it difficult to understand how something so senseless could happen to such a well-liked person.

Staff and former teachers at Marshfield High School said they remember Zimmermann as a bright student with a great attitude who was always smiling.

Most heard about her death on Wednesday night, and said they were shocked.

Liz Dostal, Zimmermann's former guidance counselor, said Zimmermann made her mark at Marshfield High School.

"I think it is difficult to realize that someone so young and so full of potential is gone from us so quickly," Dostal said.

Zimmermann is being remembered as a well-balanced, driven and outgoing member of the class of 2005. Dostal said it was Zimmermann's dream to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"She was jumping up and down, waving the letter," Dostal said. "(She was) just so satisfied with herself and what she had accomplished."

Dostal never thought that three years later, Madison would be the place where Zimmermann's life would be taken so tragically.

The hallways at Marshfield have been very somber over the last few days. Former teachers said it is still hard for them to comprehend why something like this would happen.

Zimmermann's former English teacher, Bill Zuiker, said the school community is having a very tough time coming to terms with the death.

"Not only is it one of our own from the town and this school -- but I think (it's) the setting of what happened to Brittany," Zuiker said. "It's very random and seems so senseless."

"They share with you their hopes and dreams," Dostal said. "And when they leave you, you just think, 'I've done my job; I'm going to be happy to see the next step.' And with her, that's gone now. And that's what I struggle with."

Zimmermann has a younger brother and several cousins who currently attend Marshfield High School. Counselors have been made available for them and for any other students or teachers who find they need help with grieving.