One of the things we notice around campus is that our students constantly strive to make their next project better than their last. This trait is acutely evident in Jeanette Lam, '19, whose passion for storytelling has propelled her to become a filmmaker and start her own business — all before graduation.

With help from the Office of Alumni and Career Services, she participated in a field-study program in Morocco last fall with 14 other students. During her five-week independent study, Lam produced a documentary short film — which is now being pitched to international outlets — under the mentorship of a New York Times writer, Round Earth Media founder and a PBS producer.

This isn't the first time she's seen her work come to life. Last year, Lam's first documentary short, "Returning to the Homeland: Taiwan," was featured in the Richmond International Film Festival. Not to mention she's also launched a freelance production business, providing event coverage and promotional videos for corporations and nonprofits.

"If there's anything I could say to someone who is apprehensive about studying something they are interested in, for the sake of not finding a job or making money, just go for it," she said. "Of course it won't be easy, but the University of Richmond presents so many resources and amazing opportunities, you have to be assertive enough to take advantage of them."

Congratulations on your accomplishments, Jeanette! We're proud to watch you thrive!