Initially this was not the original plan for Jaye’s CLP project and she had to switch directions. In switching, she chose to educate girls in her community about self defense and how to prevent getting put in difficult situations. Jaye found this important because, when met with a difficult situation, it is imperative for one’s safety that they know how to deal with it and escape successfully.
Initially, the project progressed slowly, with limited momentum and engagement, but Jaye took initiative by reaching out to friends and expanding their network to build support and generate interest. Through consistent effort and collaboration, participation gradually increased, allowing the project to gain traction. In addition, they worked closely with their school administration to create a more structured opportunity, ultimately securing approval to host a free self-defense class at the school.
“Even when progress felt slow at the start, I learned that reaching out, building connections, and staying persistent can turn a small idea into something that truly makes a difference for others.” – Jaye Collins-Friedland
Ultimately, the project was a success, as the class was held over the course of two days, providing more than 45 students with the opportunity to learn self-defense in an hour-long session. This achievement was made possible through the efforts of a dedicated team of six volunteers, as well as strong collaboration with the school, which helped bring the initiative to life and ensure its impact on the student community.
Due to the success of the project, Jaye has been asked to organize it again next year. Through her CLP, Jaye’s leadership skills have grown significantly, especially in areas like communication, teamwork, and taking initiative. This experience has given Jaye more confidence in her ability to lead and make an impact, and she plans to continue using and developing these skills in every opportunity she’s given. As Jaye reflected, “This experience taught me that leadership isn’t just about leading others—it’s about growing, learning, and stepping up whenever there’s a chance to make a difference.”
