Featured Brave Chick "One Brave Chick” – Jennifer Choudhry Being brave and courageous is not freedom from fear it is feeling the fear, acknowledging fear exists and then making a decision to face it and take action. I have known Jennifer Choudhry for four years. I am a teacher, baseball coach and have lectured in many colleges, universities and spoke on television regarding addictions. I know fear, but my honor has come as being the supervisor of the Craft Club that Jennifer had organized when she was a freshman in high school. It is not too often to cross a path of one like Jennifer’s.

Most students when they are freshman are worried about excessive self-image and acceptance. When Jennifer entered her high school years she side-stepped the pressure traps of adolescent years and was developing a club that took the time to make crafts to be sold so the proceeds could go to local charities. This was not only selfless, but gutsy. Jennifer organized this club, sought out members and accomplished her goal. She would take the time to create works of art and as a leader she would guide her club to be creative. These works of art would then be set out before the high school students to be sold. The vulnerability of opening up creative art within your high school peers is spirited and courageous. High spirits is the foundation of any change and commitment becomes the next level. Despite the years of a student’s high school progression both academically and socially and when goals seem to change daily, every September Jennifer had organized and stated her goals for the new school year. The dedication and commitment of Jennifer is the cornerstone of change and that is unique among our society. Jennifer Choudhry’s valiance as Craft Club founder during her high school years will resonate down the halls for eternity.

In a time of uncertainty, fear dictates decisions. It becomes safe to walk the trodden road. Courage is having faith to step on to a different trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a speech to Harvard College in 1837 called “The American Scholar.” It was 60 years after the United States declared independence and it was a time of uncertainty just as it is in today’s society. Emerson alludes to the concept of a “man thinking and a thinking man.” A ‘person thinking’ relies on books and facts and the ‘thinking person’ integrates facts and unworldly guidance to change specifically the society in which they live. I have witness Jennifer Choudhry assimilate her approach to academia and public service into actions that will change society. Her work ethics coupled with her demeanor and prudence ignites bravery around her.

On February 4, 2010 of her senior year in high school, I witnessed Jennifer Choudhry gather and organize facts about a situation concerning a teacher in her high school. While other seniors in high school are dropping their guards and looking forward to the summer months, Jennifer was standing before the Board of Education and speaking on behalf of one of her teachers. She was visibly nervous, as most people with passion for their subject are, but she composed herself with a tall posture, facts and faith. Jennifer spoke before the public with confidence and dignity. Her eye contact revolved over the room and valor grasp everyone attention. The words I heard that night, the demeanor of their deliverance and the passion behind them is what changes society. Change is terrifying. We need One Brave Chick. Jennifer Choudhry should walk between the velvet ropes, down the red carpet and into a nomination of one of the most courageous people I know.