Jenna Lemieux has truly utilized the interdisciplinary approach fostered through her time in the Peace, Conflict and Justice program. In her role as programming staff for a Toronto-based non-profit, she’s worked in a multi-dimensional setting where, as learned through PCJ, everything is connected. Graduating in 2019 with a degree in Peace, Conflict and Justice and Sociology, Jenna has used this combination of studies to analyze the social policy implications of themes like genocide and human rights. The questions posed during her time in PCJ continue to be relevant and fuel her work in the field of social policy.
What initially drew you to PCJ?
What initially drew me to the PCJ program was its interdisciplinary nature. The program allowed me to test the waters of multiple fields in the early years of my undergraduate degree, giving me the freedom to explore my interests and determine my areas of focus, while also satisfying the requirements for the program. I was also drawn to the holistic approach of the program that resists the ease of looking at topics from a single, oversimplified perspective.
What does a typical day at work look like?
Over the past year, I have been working in programming for a non-profit organization based in Toronto that focuses on the themes of genocide, human rights, and diaspora-homeland relations. Broadly, I assist in the conceptualization, execution, and communication of the organization’s programs. In practice, this looks like many different things – from working with scholars to develop conferences and seminars, to copyediting publications, and broadening the reach of the organization through research and marketing! I am hoping to continue my education with a graduate degree within the next couple of years, focusing on social policy.
What influence did PCJ have on your path both at U of T and after?
During my time at U of T, the program facilitated relationship building between students and professors, which have contributed to my personal and professional growth. Because PCJ brings together students with unique expertise and experiences with a common grounding in peace, conflict, and justice studies, the ways that we approached challenging questions as a group were often diverse and innovative. Along the same line, the program encouraged me to think critically about complex problems and potential solutions on a local and global scale, which I also applied to my sociology major.
Throughout the program, I studied the genocide in Rwanda quite a bit. In fact, I wrote both my first and last PCJ essays on topics relating to the genocide in Rwanda. After U of T, this experience, and the relevance of the program to international work, contributed to my success in a competitive internship process that allowed me to work with the United Nations Development Program in Rwanda. Aside from this very concrete example of its influence, the skills that I practiced throughout PCJ, specifically critical thinking, writing, and analysis, have been highly influential to the professional opportunities I have had thus far.
The program challenges its students with some pretty daunting questions. How do you find the questions discussed during your time as part of PCJ are still relevant to your career field now?
Since I am currently working for a non-profit that focuses on the themes of genocide and human rights, questions that I considered during the program are still very much a part of my day-to-day work. Some of these relevant questions include: What are the factors that influence the likelihood of escalating violence? What role does identity play in how groups make decisions? Why are stories and different voices important in the way that we approach reconciliation and problem-solving? These questions, both in PCJ and in my career, rely on a willingness to keep an open mind, a curious mind, and a critical mind to find responsible and equitable ways to approach the various dilemmas we face both locally and globally. I anticipate these questions will remain relevant even as I take the next steps of graduate school and beyond.
What is your favourite aspect/memory of PCJ?
My favourite aspect of the program was the dedication and sincere interest that was displayed by the professors who taught core PCJ courses. As a student, I always find it much easier to be engaged when a professor is noticeably passionate about the subject that they are teaching and wants to have those difficult conversations that help students grow. This attitude toward teaching was frequently displayed throughout my time in the program.
What's one piece of advice you can offer to either current or prospective students?
Take advantage of the small class sizes and get to know both your classmates and professors. With “weak ties” being one of the most reliable sources to gaining access to different opportunities, building these relationships will not only help you during the program but likely in the future as well! As for professors, they are not nearly as intimidating as we often think. Whether for seeking better understanding during the program, professional development opportunities, or future studies, professors are your friends.