Jenny Yu JENNY YU China What began as a fourth year University of Windsor Communications Studies project evolved into an inspirational documentary worthy for submission to the World Film Festival. Jenny Yu, a Chinese international student double majoring in Communications Studies and Visual Arts, directed an inspirational documentary about overcoming one of the most gruesome human tragedies in history, the genocide in Rwanda. “Before this project, I had no idea that in 1994 genocide took place in Rwanda but after this I learned a lot of things,” said Jenny, Director of Rwandan Survivors. “I learned that we are all people with more similarities than differences and that war is never a solution to any conflict or problem.” Jenny and her film crew, consisting of a producer, an editor and a camera operator embarked on the topic of war and genocide after one of the crew members shared the story of a political science Rwandan classmate who is a survivor of the genocide. “I never expected the documentary to be this big, we had a vision that if we did a good job then it would make a difference especially in helping the survivors of genocide.” said Jenny Yu. “We wanted to promote the message that there are people who experienced war and they are around us like the person sitting next to you in a classroom as we have discovered,” explained Jenny. This encounter of Rwandan genocide survivors living in Windsor propelled Jenny’s need to raise awareness of the Rwandan community rebuilding their lives in Windsor. Since the completion of the documentary, Jenny was compelled to promote peace. Perhaps the road to human harmony is through relating to people of all cultural backgrounds, as Jenny discovered. “One of the most important lessons I learned at the University of Windsor is how to accept cultural diversity and how to fit into these different communities,” said Jenny. This model student had a very busy four years at the University of Windsor. Among Jenny’s accomplishments was the University of Windsor’s Bill Eansor Award for demonstrating leadership ability and active involvement in community and school life. How active was she? Jenny worked part-time as a graphic artist, sold one of her paintings for $300 and was a DJ and art director for The WorkSteadySoundSystem, a sound system for events hosted by the University. Jenny also maximized her academic experience by working as a Teaching Assistant for first year Communications Studies classes and English Language Improvement Program (ELIP). “Windsor widened my whole vision of how many possibilities life can offer and to never give up,” said Jenny. “I am a very optimistic person and Windsor helped me in maintaining my positive outlook and to have faith in myself.” Jenny has recently graduated from the University of Windsor and her range of skill-sets has now landed her a one year post-graduation position with the University of Windsor's own International Outreach team. One of her first duties will be to organize international alumni so they can stay connected to their alma mater. “My parents are very proud of me and it is the best feeling in the world,” said Jenny.