Yes. And here we have the very crux of the matter. There was indeed risk. Some of us here commend Abby for being willing to take such a risk to pursue her dream; others condemn her and her parents because they view the risk as being foolhardy. That boils down to a difference of opinion, in judgment, in life's experiences. But whatever your view of the risk-taking involved here, worthy or foolish, we can both surely agree that this girl is brave, brave beyond her years, and brave beyond my comprehension. I cannot imagine facing what she did.
I honestly think that's because you're old enough to understand the risk. I remember being 16. I was invincible.