Growing up in Olivet, Michigan, Logan Schreiber always felt connected to The University of Olivet. Choosing to stay close to home for college allowed her to remain near family while forging a new path on campus—a decision that has been transformative in more ways than one. “I grew up watching the campus interact and grow, and I wanted to participate in its growth,” Logan said.
Logan is an English major with a passion for literary work. She found the perfect way to immerse herself on campus while cultivating her passion: “The Garfield Lake Review.” “The Garf,” as it is affectionately called, is the annual literary and visual arts magazine produced by The University of Olivet “I love working with words, and I love being able to help writers grow in their love for literature,” she said.
Logan is the current editor-in-chief of “The Garf.” As a junior, this will be her second year serving in that role. She is responsible for overseeing the group of students who help with creative choices, editing and designing the final publication and organizing the marketing and outreach events.
As a sophomore, taking on such an essential role was a point of growth and self-discovery for Logan. “I stepped into this leadership position with little experience. My confidence in my personal life and as a leader has been nourished in the campus environment. I have been led by administrators who care about my success and have pushed me to grow past the previous limits I put on myself,” Logan said.
The current advisor of “The Garf,” Professor Elizabeth Trueblood, Ph.D., has had a lasting impact on Logan. “Under her advising, I have been able to grow as a student, leader, and a person. She has helped me navigate a leadership role I was unprepared for, and ensured I stepped outside of my comfort zone to do so. She has been nothing but supportive of my wild ideas and always makes sure my creative vision comes to fruition,” Logan said.
Dr. Trueblood said, “There are many things about Logan that I am eternally impressed by, but the most notable are her passion and drive—her enthusiasm for The Garf is infectious, and I couldn’t have asked for a better leader of the student team. Logan found her footing quickly as editor-in-chief, and her effervescent spirit and talent for organization have served her well in this role.”
“The most fulfilling experiences I have had have been working on “The Garfield Lake Review.” I have been able to assist and watch friends of mine, first-time writers and growing artists have their work published under our literary journal,” Logan said. “As editor of our journal, I have learned the inner workings of publishing and the steps to follow. I have worked with printers, writers, and professional teams to create a publication that The University can be proud of.”
But it hasn’t just been “The Garf” pushing Logan out of her comfort zone. This year Logan was asked to share her poem, “Growing Pains,” in front of the entire student body, staff and administration at Opening Convocation. “This experience was frightening to me. I have never enjoyed public speaking, let alone reading my personal work to a group of people. However, this experience opened the doors of so many other opportunities and helped me face my fear of the spotlight.”
Looking back to her first day as a UOlivet student, Logan has a piece of advice for her younger self, “Never say no to an opportunity to get yourself “heard. Avoid being the shy, quiet girl you always have been, and speak up. There are so many opportunities waiting for you, and all you must do is make the leap.”
Logan set out not just to witness the growth at UOlivet, but to become an integral part of it. She has already left a lasting impression through her leadership and dedication to “The Garf” and the opportunities she’s embraced. As she prepares for the next chapter of her journey, there’s no doubt she will continue to flourish.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at Admissions@UOlivet.edu or 269-749-7635.