Whiz Kid: Jennifer Lu (Video)

When Jennifer Lu started volunteering at the East Brunswick Public Library as a freshman, she was part of the Teen Buddies Program, which helps youngsters improve their math and reading skills by partnering them with older peers.

Now a 16-year-old junior, Jennifer is still at the library, but has branched out. She can now be found working with the Library Board of Trustees as its teen representative, and has begun work as a documentarian and filmmaker, including work on Public Service Announcements and a piece that looks at how the Federal Government is seen in the community.

For all her efforts and hard work, Jennifer has been named this week’s Patch Whiz Kid. The East Brunswick Public Library’s Teen Librarian Chris Miller nominated Jennifer for her work there and in the community.

The longtime volunteer said she is hoping to study business and film in the future, and she would like to do it at New York University if possible. In addition, over the past year she has been working on several PSAs that are expected to be broadcast on EBTV, as well as her documentary.

“It’s about how students and teens, or just people in general, in the country can turn their passions into a profession based on programs and activities that are available on the local level,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer said she would encourage her peers to volunteer, and that finding something that excites them is a big part of making sure they’re happy with their choice.

“The main thing is that you have to be willing to look for opportunities,” she said. “If you have a focus or something you want to do and have a commitment for it, you have to go after it. The main thing is to keep up with it.”

Each week, East Brunswick Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to john.saccenti@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

▪                Nominator's Name

▪                Nominator's E-Mail

▪                Whiz Kid's Name

▪                Whiz Kid's Age

▪                Whiz Kid's School

▪                Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

▪                Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

▪                A high-resolution JPG photo of your Whiz Kid

Questions? E-mail East Brunswick Patch Editor John Saccenti at john.saccenti@patch.com.