Emma Slonina has a way with words.

And by sifting through the pages of Lyceum, you can see why.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn student is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the campus’ literary and fine arts journal. She capped it off this year as editor-in-chief.

“Over the years, I have performed every task in Lyceum at least once, from the basic drudgery of office maintenance to doing the final edit on the journal and sending it off to the printer, and everything in between,” she said.

That, along with her academic success, earned her the title of “Difference Maker.”

But her road to success wasn’t an easy one. Lyceum hadn’t published for 18 months when Emma took over. She not only had to increase the journal’s visibility, but also ensure its overall success.

Mission accomplished.

“Emma, as the editor of Lyceum, has reinvigorated that organization this year and has revitalized ways for students to express themselves in positive, creative outlets,” said Kris Day, director of student activities. “She has worked extremely hard to clean up the unfortunate situation she walked into.”

And after graduation, she doesn’t plan to stay away from academia too long. Emma plans to pursue a doctoral degree in political science, with hopes to teach at the university level. She long debated on whether to pursue a career in publishing, but her passion for political philosophy won out in the end.

“My education is the most important thing to me, and I want to bring that passion to students, just as my professors brought it to me,” she said.

And although her career plans involve higher education, she’d still like to someday publish her own literary arts magazine.

“My time with Lyceum on campus has been so inspiring and fulfilling that I want to continue my activities in the literary world, even if it isn’t my lifelong career,” she said.