SOUTH KINGSTOWN –Emily Levine, a current student at the University of Rhode Island is striving towards getting her Bachelor’s degree in journalism.

          Levine, born and raised in Little Silver, New Jersey, knew from the very beginning that she wanted to get out of her home state when it came time for college. Wanting to put herself into a bigger, more diverse setting, she found herself looking at out of state schools that offered her what her hometown couldn’t.  

         “I grew up in a town that is predominantly white and I wish that as a child I was exposed to a way more diverse environment,” said Levine.

In high school, Levine took a creative writing class for the entire four years, during which she realized her love for writing. At the time, she had no idea the career path she wanted to take, and this class set that up for her. Writing became more than just words for her, it was a way for everyone to connect different ideas, their lives, problems, and have a way to be able to share anything.

        “My teacher made writing so fun, and so different. She created a free space for us and it made me fall in love with writing,” said Levine.

Levine had no set idea on what she wanted to do with her life until this class came along and made the decision for her. She soon decided that she would like to write for a newspaper or a magazine, and hopefully be able to travel the world doing what she loves.

        For Levine, her schoolwork is extremely important to her and her family stands as her motivation for not only that, but for life in general. At a young age, her dad ran a successful business and was able to support their family, all without a college degree. Leading to her mom eventually deciding to go back to school for her Masters degree, which she now has her own private practice as a psychiatrist.

 Growing up watching her family succeed, and especially her mother who did all of that while raising two kids motivated her to always push her limits.

        In July of 2016, Levine experienced a bad breakup that led her to learning more about herself and making her a stronger person as a whole. Coming out of a two-year-long controlling relationship was hard for her, but she realized that in the end that she would be ok without him.

Currently in her sophomore year, Levine is still happy with the choice she made to leave her home state and venture out on her own. Being so far from family and friends can be tough sometimes, but the one thing she really misses is the food. Bagel Masters, her favorite bagel place at home, are the best New Jersey bagels around to her.

       Levine is also an avid reader when she has the time, and loves to write. She also loves going on bike rides whenever she can, and said she could go to the beach at any time of day and automatically feel happier and more relaxed.

In the long run, Levine biggest goals are to obtain her Masters degree in Journalism, and ultimately get a successful job in whatever aspect of the field she chooses to pursue.