Name: Grace Tobias
Hometown: Shickley
Affiliated fund: Shickley Community Foundation Fund
School: University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
What does it feel like to be back in your hometown this summer?
I love being back in my hometown for the summer because I’m able to reset myself from a busy first year in college. I’m lucky enough to have grown up in such a supportive community, so being back allows me to reconnect with familiar faces and lifelong friends. This internship gives me the opportunity to work with two of my close friends while planning ways to develop a community we truly cherish.
What are some of your hometown’s greatest assets?
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Shickley is a booming town full of assets that act as a good foundation for its future. Besides our community members, I would say our greatest assets are the 50 Flags Veteran’s Memorial, the Shickley Community Center, and our new restaurant, the Bean and Barrel. During the summer, Shickley is also lucky enough to have its own community swimming pool, which stands out against other rural communities. We also have three different parks and a disc golf course.
What about the NCF internship experience stands out to you so far? Why?
With this being my first summer as an NCF Hometown Intern, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The general welcoming atmosphere provided by the NCF staff and shared passion for greater Nebraska is what stands out the most. It’s very rewarding to be treated as a peer and colleague during this internship rather than a young college student.
Everyone has gifts and talents to share. What do you hope to share with your hometown this summer?
I think that one thing I want to share with my hometown this summer is my desire to put a plan into action. There are many times when ideas never come to fruition due to lack of execution. My drive is one thing I am truly excited to showcase this summer.
What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?
Older generations should know that my generation of Nebraskans still wants to maintain and develop greater Nebraska, especially in the agriculture department. There is no lack of motivation nor shift in what truly matters. I think it is also important to recognize that there will be differences in how my generation decides to take action, though.
How does belonging play a role in your attachment to your hometown?
Belonging is something that may not come easy in small, rural communities if interests are not shared. I think that a community such as Shickley made it so easy to feel like I belonged because our amazing community members were always rooting for me.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your community?
In the future, I hope Shickley can develop its physical assets to continue thriving and providing all the necessities our members need. I’ve seen small communities die due to lack of businesses and amenities, which is the opposite of what anyone in Shickley wishes to see.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
There are many features I look for when thinking about a place to call home. I value the friendly neighbor and community aspect of Shickley, and I really do plan to look for that. There is nothing more important than a community behind your back regardless of what physical assets your town has.
If you were designing a future for yourself in greater Nebraska, what would that look like?
If I were to design a future for myself in greater Nebraska, I would truly make sure the values of Nebraska were upheld. I think Nebraska is so unique in the sense that most Nebraskans value family ties, local traditions, and a connection to agriculture. In my mind, the future I design would sustain and even develop those values. A goal of mine is to advocate for rural communities and agriculture, which ties perfectly to these values.
What’s a piece of advice you have for older generations of Nebraskans?
The biggest piece of advice I have for older generations of Nebraskans is to embrace the younger generation and the positive change we may bring. I know there can be skepticism surrounding the younger generations, but the passion and determination for Nebraska proves to be just as strong.
