From Student to Literary Trailblazer: Meet Emily, an RMIT Graduate Shaping Melbourne’s Literary Scene

Meet Emily, an RMIT graduate blending her passion for writing with contributions to Melbourne’s vibrant literary scene.

When Emily completed her Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University, she didn’t just walk away with a degree – she left a lasting mark on Melbourne’s literary scene.

Combining her academic journey with her love of writing and storytelling, Emily's passion shines through in her work, whether it’s editing a student anthology or reviewing events like the Odyssey Literary Festival.

Chasing Her Passion

Emily’s path to writing wasn’t conventional.

“I initially left high school and got a degree in Criminology,” she shares. “After working for a year, I realized it wasn’t too late to chase my real passion and decided to come back to university to pursue writing.”

Emily credits educator Yannick Thoraval for providing opportunities that shaped her career.

“Yannick was instrumental during my time at RMIT. He recommended me to write articles for Melbourne Victory FC, which was such a rewarding experience. He wanted us to get out there and gain experience, and I couldn’t have done that without his help.”

Emily also thrived in RMIT’s vibrant campus life.

“RMIT’s events were a great way to make friends outside of my course. I’ve had so many fun times and made lifelong connections,” she says.

(L) Emily holding her PWE anthology (R) The first page of her piece in the book.

A Festival Worth Writing About

Emily recently attended the Odyssey Literary Festival, a celebration of storytelling and creativity held at RMIT’s Capitol Theatre. Reflecting on the festival, she describes it as an electrifying day that brought together students, authors, and readers.

“Planned and run entirely by students of the Professional Writing and Editing program, the festival explored the theme ‘phases and futures.’ It featured lively panel discussions, passionate poetry readings, and interactive exhibits,” she recounts.

“The panels flowed with enjoyable conversations dotted with laugh-out-loud moments, like when young-adult author Biffy James exclaimed to teenage attendees, ‘Thank you for your service!’”

The event also marked the launch of the student anthology At What Cost and the magazine Visible Ink, projects that Emily had a hand in creating.

Our final-year project of creating the anthology was both challenging and rewarding. As part of the editing team, I worked nonstop to ensure the final product was the best it could be. Getting my hands on the finished anthology was incredibly gratifying.

Left image shows close up photography of letters written pinned to a display board and right image shows students at Capitol Theatre watching a small panel group of stage present during the Odyssey festival.

The Odyssey Literary Festival, a celebration of storytelling and creativity held at RMIT’s Capitol Theatre.

With her degree in hand, Emily is ready to take her next steps.

“After my upcoming trip to Japan, I plan on applying for internships to continue gaining experience in multiple areas of the publishing industry,” she shares. “I’ll also keep writing and editing on a freelance basis.”

She leaves a piece of advice for future RMIT students: “Take every opportunity that comes! Getting thrown in the deep end can be scary, but when a chance to gain real-life experience comes your way, grab it with both hands. You never know where it might take you.”

Emily’s enthusiasm for writing and editing is matched only by her excitement for what lies ahead.

“I’m most excited to continue creating my own content and sharing it with the world,” she says. “And I hope to keep crossing paths with my fellow Professional Writing and Editing students.”

You can follow Emily's writing journey and work here.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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