Gracie Neth returns to her hometown of Arnold as a summer intern through Nebraska Community Foundation's intern program.
What excites you most about returning for another summer as a Hometown Intern?
I am excited to build upon my experiences last summer! I want to continue my free elementary drama camp, but using that knowledge of how to plan children's programs, I want to start a PenPal Club with Hebron's Hometown Intern, Elle, and start Needle Nights at the library where intergenerational friendships can blossom over a shared love of handicrafts.
What did you learn about yourself and your community during your internship last summer?
I learned that there is always more about your community to discover. I learned how much I took for granted and that my love for my hometown is noticed and appreciated. I also learned how to think outside the box and get creative with my projects. That is how I ended up leading a drama camp for elementary kids which was the highlight of my summer!
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If you were describing your hometown to a potential visitor, what would you say?
Welcome to Arnold! We have the cutest historical library, a grocery store where everyone will know your name, two restaurants, and some of the best views of the horizon anyone could ask for!
Everyone has gifts and talents to share. What do you hope to share with your hometown this summer?
I am good at working with kids, so I am excited to start some programs for kids. I am starting a PenPal club with Elle Sudbeck from Hebron, building upon my drama camp, and starting Needle Nights (for crafts like crochet, knitting, and embroidery) at my library to build intergenerational friendships in my community.
I also love collecting stories. Everyone has something to share and everyone's life builds the story of our communities. I'm excited to help interview community members to share those stories.
What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?
We are hardworking and have big dreams. If given respect, freedom, and support, we will pursue our goals relentlessly and find ways to serve and be involved in our communities.
How does belonging play a role in your attachment to your hometown?
When I was in high school, my parents moved to Omaha for a couple months because my dad was in the hospital. During that time, people in Arnold dropped off meals for me and my brothers, mowed our lawn, and gave money for hospital bills. That was when I realized that my community cares about my family and is willing to sacrifice for us. Now I want to pay that forward to other members of my community and do the same thing for them.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your community?
I envision Arnold as a place where young people feel even more comfortable and confident expressing their ideas for serving the community.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
At the end of the day, what really makes a hometown is the people. When looking for a place to call home, I don't care about the population size, how close it is to a Target, or how many restaurants it has. I'm looking for people who want to make their town a better place and want to include me in their vision.
If you were designing a future for yourself in your hometown, what would that look like?
In this ideal future, I would be teaching in Arnold's school, raising my hypothetical kids, serving in my home church, and helping with Arnold Community Foundation events and projects.
What's a piece of advice you have for first year Hometown Interns?
Don't be afraid to think outside the box! You don't need to do the same fundraisers or projects that have been done before. Look for what you are passionate about and find a way to use it to serve the people of your town!
