Alumni Feature - Emily Lif '14

-
After working for a library for several years and observing the different groups, clubs, and activities that are held there, Emily Lif ’14, decided to start one of her own – a Creative Writing Group for teens and young adults.
Emily has drawn from her lessons and experiences at Lewis University to help teens and young adults in the local community. She started as a Circulation Page at the Lockport branch of the White Oak Library District, putting away books and organizing the shelves. Last summer, she was promoted to Circulation Clerk, a position in which she assists patrons at the front desk of the library. 
“I decided to take advantage of this great platform and run a writing group for patrons,” says Emily.
This is a club for writers to share their work with other writers like themselves and learn different forms of writing aid and tips. This group meets every month and is open to the public and free of charge with no registration necessary.
“My goal is to offer a comfortable environment for people who write, whether they have been writing for a long time or are new to the game,” she adds.  
Emily hopes this group will encourage members of the community to view the library as a place for more than just studying or borrowing books. “We have so many programs and clubs already, so I am hoping that running this new group will open the door to even more people,” says Emily.
Emily graduated from Lewis with a bachelor’s degree in Creative and Professional Writing. During her time on campus, she was involved with the Philip Lynch Theatre and was an editor for Jet Fuel Review.
“I met people, had experiences, and created things that have shaped me into whom I am today and who I am still in the process of becoming,” Emily says.
Inspired by Dr. Jackie White and Dr. Simone Muench, Emily finds herself calling upon several of the exercises she used in their creative writing classes for inspiration in her new writing group. “These two professors are two of the most brilliant people I have ever met,” says Emily. “I am forever grateful for the help they gave me and the lessons they provided during my time at Lewis.”
Emily hopes that this group will continue as a monthly meeting and evolve into a writing discussion group where members can discuss pieces they wrote and share tips and tricks among one another.
“My goal is to reach a point where I do not have to lead the group, but where we can work together and move forward as one group,” Emily says confidently.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Traci Gaydos ’02

-
Image
Lights, curtains, action! Traci Gaydos ’02 came to Lewis University to study Theatre and Music. While pursuing her BA in Theatre, she stumbled upon Stage Management. Stage Management was the springboard for her successful career in event production because it provided her with a transferable skillset. “My Lewis Experience was exactly what I needed for that time in my life: highly connected instructors who met my individual learning style and needs, and a department full of folks cheering each other on to success on and off the stage,” explains Gaydos. After graduating from Lewis and interning at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Traci applied to the University of Illinois’ MFA program in Stage Management.   After completing her MFA, she continued in opera and theatre production roles until she landed the Production Manager and Marketing Director role for the University of Northern Iowa’s Theatre Department. Traci stayed in Cedar Rapids for three years before being selected to serv...
Read more

Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN '68 '93

-
Image
Fostering community through service has been part of Lewis University’s mission since its inception. Lewis alum, Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN ‘68 ’93, exemplifies these values through his vocation as a Registered Nurse whose passion is to help our nation’s heroes.  Garret’s story began in 1968 when he graduated from Lewis University with his Sociology degree. By 1969, Garret had enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic at Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco. After serving as a medic, he enrolled at Saint Xavier University School of Nursing and graduated with a BSN in 1974. Eisen then began his nursing career as a Registered Nurse at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, where impacted the lives of his patients through his dedicated service. He later returned to Lewis and graduated in 1993 with a Master’s in Nursing. Eisin acknowledged the important role Lewis played in his life in better preparing him to live out his calling as a nurse. Garret stated, “My education at Lewis Un...
Read more

Leigh Agustin '16

-
Image
  Lewis University alumnus and United Airlines pilot, Leigh Agustin '16, reflects on a journey that began as a commuter student and has led him to fly international routes, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He chose Lewis University for its renowned flight school, located conveniently close to home, allowing him to balance his education and personal life. "My experience at Lewis was incredible. The smaller classes meant professors truly knew me, which made a huge difference in my education," he recalls. These close-knit connections not only enriched his academic journey but also shaped lifelong friendships. In fact, four of his Lewis classmates stood by his side as groomsmen at his wedding. Graduating from Lewis gave him a competitive edge in the aviation industry. "The flight program covered every aspect of professional aviation, preparing me well for my career. I felt ready, and that confidence helped me secure a position with United Airlines." After spending...
Read more