Known as a lover of the written word and helper of students looking to perfect their writing skills, Emmy Ammirati shines as the assistant director of the ACU Online Writing Center. Having a wide range of skills in English, art and education, Emmy has proven herself to be a reliable and friendly face for students who feel hopeless when it comes to writing essays, dissertations or even public speeches. In just a short period, Emmy has supported the writing center in more ways than one, including tirelessly working with students, faculty and staff. Hoping to make the writing center more well-known and welcoming to all online students, Emmy is ecstatic and grateful to work in a place as inviting and life-giving as ACU Online. 

Sweet Carolina

As a self-proclaimed southern girl, Emmy was born and raised in Florence, South Carolina – a “small southern town, just like the ones you see on T.V.” Shy, quiet but curious about the world around her, Emmy decided to attend college at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she majored in art and art history. And while she doesn’t regret the degree she earned, she quickly realized her options for work were slim. However, like the avid learner she was, she started looking for alternative graduate degree programs that could lend to better job opportunities. 

“I just remember looking up after my degree and wondering, ‘What do I do now?’” Emmy said. “I knew there wasn’t an art graduate program near me, so I kept wondering where I was supposed to go now.”

Pondering her options, she learned of a potential graduate program at Francis Marion University, where she could earn her Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis on learning disabilities. Intrigued about the possibility of teaching, she decided to go for it. Fast forward a few years, Emmy began teaching at local schools with student populations that had developmental issues. Soon enough, she went through another life change: a son. Excited to be a mother, Emmy saw some issues in her son. Having trouble swallowing and cognitively understanding, her son was diagnosed with autism; she couldn’t bear to leave him alone. Without thinking about it twice, she left her job and began looking intensively for a remote position. 

“It wasn’t that hard of a decision when I think about it,” Emmy said. “My son needed me and I couldn’t imagine leaving him behind to help other kids. So, I really needed to have faith and look for a different path and job.” 

And just like that, a new job appeared. For the next 13 years, Emmy worked for Pearson Education in several positions including tutoring and teaching students to build executive functioning, literacy, and language skills. However, life once again, hit. Her division was shut down and she was forced to look for a different job once again. 

An Open Door at ACU Online

In her search for a job that would allow her to care for her son, Emmy remembers looking high and low for the perfect job. After a few weeks passed, she found herself looking at a job posting for an online writing tutor at ACU Online. Without having super high hopes, she applied. Luckily, she was exactly what they were looking for. Working for a few months under the leadership of Julie Archer, Emmy’s hard work and dedication began to get noticed. So, when the time came to find a new assistant director of the ACU Online Writing Center, Emmy’s name was at the top of the list. 

“It all happened so fast,” Emmy said. “I remember they just said that my background at Pearson was exactly what they were looking for, so that’s how I got the job. Basically, I got the job because Pearson closed.” 

Today, Emmy works with students of all ages and walks of life. Having a particular interest in adult learners, she has assisted students in developmental literacy courses through their dissertation process, making it a very fulfilling role for her. Emmy takes particular interest in supporting students who face unique challenges due to adult learners or English as a second language learners who need extra support to make it through their classes. Not to mention, Emmy has excelled in working with students with various learning disabilities similar to her son. As a parent of (now) two autistic spectrum children, Emmy has realized that such challenges have contributed to her unique insights, and thus have helped her become a more passionate assistant director. Hoping to bridge the gap between students who feel helpless and those who just need a little push, she is on a mission to make the writing center a place for all. Through the exchange of strategies and ideas, Emmy strives to help every writer find their own voice so they can engage in the betterment of the world around them.

“My goal in life is to be there for my family and our students,” Emmy said. “If I can achieve that, then I think I’m doing pretty well. All I can say is, ACU Online was definitely the place I was meant to be.” 

Do you find yourself needing assistance with your writing projects? Visit the ACU Online Writing Center today and find the help you have been looking for.