Students leave their mark in all sorts of ways, but Ellie White has a clear sense of what makes a Difference Maker: For her, it’s the ability to see a need and do something about it.

White has stepped up to better the UM-Dearborn community in any number for ways. But one of her proudest accomplishments is being one of a trio of students who launched the new student organization Writing Center After Dark. As a creative writer herself, White knew firsthand how difficult it could be to put yourself out there and share your work — and also how critical that is to growing as a writer. Now, because of her efforts, UM-Dearborn’s community of writers and poets has a creative, safe space to support each other and hone their craft.

White’s other big passion is language (German, specifically), though she said it was almost something she skipped out on in her college studies.

“I had originally placed out of the language requirement [for my degree],” White said. “However, the diverse community at UM-Dearborn impressed upon me the importance of engaging in the global community. So while I had always been interested in language, the community here gave me the encouragement to pursue this interest more fully.”

It turned out to be a great move. This summer, the honors student and active German Club member is heading to Vienna, Austria, to teach in a language program. And after a 2020 graduation, White has a near-future career goal of teaching language overseas.