Student Spotlight: Ellie Beal, Special Collections Desk Assistant

The Special Collections Research Center blog series "Student Spotlight" features student employees who contribute to the work of the SCRC. Guest author Ellie Beal, class of 2025, is an undergraduate NC State student majoring in Interpersonal, Rhetorical, and Organizational Communication and minoring in Linguistics in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Ellie has worked as an Undergraduate Desk Assistant in the Special Collections Reading Room since January 2022.

Please describe in a sentence or two the work that you do in the Special Collections Research Center.

As an undergraduate desk assistant, I am responsible for processing archival materials for new and existing collections, and assisting researchers during their appointments by monitoring the circulation of their requested materials. 

What has been most interesting to you about your work?

To me, the most interesting part is getting to see the inner workings of countless different organizations and groups. Being able to read about the evolution of different campaigns or buildings that I get to see on campus every day is really fun. I love learning more about the people who made a significant impact at NC State and seeing how their actions in that time directly translate to what our community looks like now. For example, I remember reading about Banks C. Talley when processing the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Records. Being able to put a face to the name of such a prominent building on campus was pretty cool. I am grateful to be a part of the group of people who ensure that the history of this school stays alive and available for everyone!

If you met someone who was unfamiliar with archives and special collections, what would you want them to know? What should new researchers know about the work you do?

I would want them to know how useful it can be to everyone no matter what your major is or what you might be studying. Whether it be finding research topics, essay ideas, or just exploring personal interests, there is an abundance of resources available to check out. Personally, I have recommended our services to several of my friends and classmates who had no idea that all of this information was available to them. It is super easy to make an appointment and request materials on countless topics. There is also a wide variety of digitized collections to browse as well!

What are you studying, and what do you hope to do in your future career?  Has your work in the SCRC changed how you look at your studies or your future career plans in any way?

I am an interpersonal, organizational, and rhetorical communications major with a minor in linguistics. I am currently planning to attend graduate school and pursue a career in speech language pathology after finishing my undergraduate studies. I have always been interested in learning about what makes our communication successful, and furthering the role that I can play in fostering the language skills of others. While many of my classes dive into this topic, my time working in the SCRC has definitely changed my perspective. Reading through the, at times seemingly endless, correspondence between people has shown me how effective communication is used to accomplish goals and achieve positive outcomes.