Recently graduating with a degree in Anthropology from the College of Arts and Sciences, Ella Adams embodies the spirit of passion and resilience. Ella is already making waves in journalism as two of her recent articles were published in USA Today and The Assembly, respectively. These achievements rival the portfolios of seasoned writers, yet Ella remains committed to using her gifts to uplift others and share untold stories.
Ella's love for storytelling began long before her time at App State. Joining the university in 2020, she quickly found a home at the student-run newspaper, The Appalachian. Starting as a staff writer her freshman year, she rose through the ranks, serving as opinion editor and eventually managing editor. These roles honed her skills and cultivated her deep connection to the local community.
Photo by College of Arts and Sciences
Ella has embraced her anthropology background, applying ethnography to her journalism. By focusing on people as individuals rather than statistics, her human-centered approach carries an authenticity seldom seen in the media industry.
A pivotal moment in Ella's career came after Hurricane Helene devastated areas in and around Boone. Although her home was spared, survivor's guilt pushed her toward action. Drawing on her skills, she began pitching stories to news outlets with the assistance of Communication Lecturer, Chris Moody. She sent nearly 80 emails in a spirited drive to shed light on crucial issues. One breakthrough story—exploring how polluted waterways impacted fly-fishing tourism—grew from her meticulous reporting.
Photo by College of Arts and Sciences
Ella's research involved cold-calling fly-fishing outfitters and interviewing local guides devastated by the environmental changes caused by Helene. Her ability to weave scientific data with personal narratives gained traction, turning the piece into a feature first published in the Asheville Citizen-Times before expanding nationally in USA Today. Guided by veteran journalist Will Ramsey, the story became a model of how journalism can serve communities facing challenges. This was an incredible opportunity to amplify her community's resilience.
This belief in journalism as a tool for service defines Ella's career ambitions. "Journalism can be extractive," she notes, but she wants to show that it doesn't have to be. She believes that it can give back. This ethos has been her guide, influencing her writing and her plans for the future.
Photo provided by The Appalachian
Starting in late May, Ella will take her commitment to uplifting others to South Dakota, where she joins Teach for America on the Lakota-Sioux Reservation. Her goal is to teach writing, ensuring that others can share their stories with confidence and power. While her teaching dreams take shape, Ella plans to continue freelancing, staying connected to the nuanced, human-centered journalism that drives her creativity.
Ella's story is one of resilience, service, and purpose. From climbing the ranks at The Appalachian to earning national publication credits, she has built an impressive legacy at App State.
Ella's path ahead reflects her passion for service and her continued interests in responsible ethonography. Whether through the voices she amplifies in journalism or through her studies in anthropology, Ella Adams is already shaping a future rooted in empathy, authenticity, and purpose-driven action.
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