Emra discovered her passion for writing when she was a child by learning how to read in a language she couldn’t understand. Despite English being her second language, she always had a book in her hand, and that passion for writing followed her into adulthood. Emra graduated summa cum laude from Western Kentucky University with two Bachelor of Arts: English, with a concentration in creative writing, and Film.

‍

During her time at WKU, she worked as a teaching assistant where she collaborated with multiple professors to help facilitate three freshman-level courses. One of these courses was part of WKU’s Summer Scholars program where Emra not only led class instruction but also ensured that incoming freshmen felt confident in their new academic environment. Emra was also a peer-tutor for two organizations at WKU:The Advising & Career Development Center and The Writing Center. Emra has expertise in tutoring subjects such as English and grammar, literature,history, film studies, as well as essay writing and composition along with creative writing genres like fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting and poetry.

‍

When Emra wasn’t tutoring students or planning lectures with professors, she was editing hundreds of submissions for Zephyrus, WKU’s fine art magazine, where three of her own pieces were published. Additionally, she was the third place winner of the Mary Ellen and Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing Contest in 2021 and a finalist in 2019. Her passion for writing didn’t stop there as she was also a featured writer for Spalding’s School of Writing, The Louisville Review & 21c Museum Hotel’s “Voice and Vision” event in 2021.

‍

Emra's love for reading and writing expanded into education, leading her to be an essay coach and academic mentor for ESM as well as a tutor for Ignite! Reading where she works to ensure students are both reaching and surpassing their reading level.

‍

As a first-generation college student who had to navigate the complexity of college academics, Emra knows how scary this new chapter can be. Her approach to mentorship is focused on making students feel seen and their voices heard. Emra’s one-on-one approach creates an environment where students can express their voices in order to tell stories they want colleges to hear.

‍

When Emra isn’t working with students, she is making independent short films. Her short film "Workshop" (2022) won Best Student Film at The 2022 Creator’s Festival, and a film she produced,"Happy Mombie’s Day" (Kunish, 2022), won at the National Academy of Television and Sciences Ohio Valley Chapter Student Production Awards.