Profile of Ema Bekic

Written by Alexander Zampedri

Ema Bekic is a second year senior Creative Writing major at IAA. While being a native to Ontario, Canada, Ema has been living in the Grand Rapids area for the past 10 years. 

Her passion for creative writing began when she was five, as she liked to tell stories to others, and discovered writing as a way to show her true self. “Throughout my life, writing has been the one consistent way to express myself,” Ema said.

Ema found love at IAA due to the supportive faculty and community that would support her endeavors as a writer. Her favorite memory from IAA is arriving on campus, and realizing that the moment she dreamed of was finally real. To her, it was a new beginning where she got to meet new people. 

Her favorite part of her major is seeing other people’s writing and getting to work in the Writing House. When asked about why she likes the Writing House, Ema said, “I like how cozy the building is, and how it has a very ‘ski lodge’ feel to it. This is especially true in the winter, when the Writing House is decorated.” 

To Ema, the “ski lodge” feel of the Writing House reminds her of skiing with her family. According to Ema, “My mom has been very supportive of me attending IAA, and has been with me every step of the way.” Ema’s relationship with her mother is very strong, hence why she is Ema’s inspiration. The hard work she sees from her mom is something she wishes to apply to her everyday life. 

While Ema’s path is currently unknown, she aspires to be a writer for Vogue magazine in her future.