Student Spotlight: Izzy Humphreys, Archival Assistant

The Special Collections Research Center blog series "Student Spotlight" features student employees who contribute to the work of the SCRC. Guest author Izzy Humphreys, class of 2024, is a NC State undergraduate student earning a degree in Art and Design. Izzy has worked as an Archival Assistant for the Special Collections Research Center since August 2023. For more information about Izzy's art and design work, visit her page here.

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

I am an Archival/Creative Assistant creating everything from coloring books to stickers, calendars to postcards, all to beautifully represent the university libraries and the Special Collections Research Center! 

What has been most interesting to you about your work?  What new things have you learned? Have you made any surprising discoveries?

My first day at work I got to see the vault… the first thing I said to my boss, Taylor Wolford, was “man, this is gonna be just like National Treasure!” I have enjoyed the opportunity of exploring the kinds of things hidden within the university archives. I am passionate about illustration so having the opportunity to look through rare books to find hidden treasures like vintage illustrations from decades ago has been so interesting and very inspiring. I also have enjoyed being able to contribute my creative skills to university outreach projects, designing stickers has been the most fun I’ve ever had at a job.

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 think, at the core of Special collections, our job is to… well… collect historical treasures from the past, be it related to the university or not, and think of creative ways to appreciate the history we collect. There is so much more to just hiding in a basement and dusting off old photographs and books, and the deep appreciation we have for history and artifacts is so prevalent in the work we do. I work to find creative ways to share our appreciation with the world and maybe inspire university students to do the same. 

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 currently studying Art and Design with a concentration in illustration/visual storytelling. I hope to work in children's media creation in the future be it through my own projects or working in the industry. As of right now, I am planning to attend Grad school here at NC State to continue building my portfolio. 

I definitely feel this is the best job I’ve had. Working at the SCRC I’ve had so much creative freedom to produce fun things celebrating the university archives. Honestly, if I were to do this for the rest of my life, I would be the happiest human alive. The people I've met and gotten to work with are so absolutely talented, creative, and kind and make clocking in every day something to look forward to. SCRC has the best community of individuals who are so beyond interesting. I’m looking forward to returning in the spring! 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work with the SCRC?

I want to say thank you to Taylor Wolford for hiring me and for being the best boss/collaborative partner. Her enthusiasm for her job has inspired all of my creativity and driven me to really excel in this position!