Name: Ally Sedlacek
Hometown: O’Neill
Affiliated Fund: Holt County Economic Development Fund
School: University of Nebraska at Kearney
What excites you most about returning for another summer as a Hometown Intern?
What excites me most about returning for another summer as a Hometown Intern is that I have the opportunity to explore my hometown and community even more than I did last year. I also have the ability to take my project that I started last summer, “The People of Holt County,” even further and really try to make a difference and show others what my community is about.
What did you learn about yourself and your community during your internship last summer?
Last summer, I gained a whole new appreciation for my hometown. I learned more about the people who make up my amazing community and how they truly are the foundation of Holt County. Without everyone’s unique stories and backgrounds, as well as their love for our community and drive to make it better, I don’t think we would have come this far or built something so meaningful together.
If you were describing your hometown to a potential visitor, what would you say?
To a potential visitor, I would describe my hometown as friendly, supportive, and full of heart. The people here genuinely care about one another. Whether it’s rallying around a family in need, cheering on the local high school team, or showing up for community events, there’s always a strong sense of togetherness. Strangers become friends quickly, and it’s easy to feel like you belong. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a place where people look out for each other, where kindness is part of daily life, and where the community spirit runs deep.
Everyone has gifts and talents to share. What do you hope to share with your hometown this summer?
I hope to share my love and my enthusiasm for storytelling with my hometown this summer, along with my growing media production skills. I am continuing, “The People of Holt County,” project, so I am excited to see how I am able to use new skills I have learned over this past year and take my project to the next level. Not only to celebrate the individuals who make this community special, but also to share their stories with a wider audience, including those who may have never even been to Holt County.
What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?
I think older adults should know that my generation is a generation of changemakers. We want to see growth in our communities so we can promote our hometowns to others and see them settle down in Greater Nebraska. Our generation has so many ideas and we just need older adults to listen and hear us out. Growth requires change, which is scary, but can also help out immensely. When we work together, combining the wisdom of experience with fresh perspectives, we can create stronger and more vibrant communities throughout Greater Nebraska.
How does belonging play a role in your attachment to your hometown?
Belonging plays a role in my attachment to my hometown because, through storytelling, I’ve had the chance to truly connect with others on a deeper level. By listening to people’s experiences and learning about their lives, I’ve learned to appreciate the richness of our community and the strength behind each individual story. It’s in those shared moments—when someone opens up and I get to help tell their story—that I feel the strongest sense of belonging. It reminds me that this town isn’t just where I live, it’s where I’m rooted.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your community?
My hopes are that my generation will realize that Greater Nebraska is their home and where they truly belong. I hope my community continues to prosper and there will be people who continue to love and care about this place and share that pride with others. If we invest time, passion, and ideas into our hometowns, we can make sure they remain vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunity for generations to come.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
I am looking for a place where I feel connected to the people around me, a community where relationships matter and support is genuine. I want support, knowing that I can rely on others and that we lift each other up through challenges. Most importantly, I’m looking for a sense of belonging, a sense that I’m valued and can contribute to something bigger than myself. A true home is where I can grow personally and feel inspired by the people and the place I’m part of.
If you were designing a future for yourself in your hometown, what would that look like?
If I were designing a future for myself in my hometown, it would be one where I’m deeply connected to the community through building relationships, sharing stories, and helping others feel seen and heard. I’d use my skills to support local growth, whether through media, education, or community projects, helping to showcase what makes this place special. I’d want a future where the town thrives with new opportunities but still holds onto its welcoming spirit and strong sense of belonging—a place where people of all ages feel proud to call home.
What’s a piece of advice you have for first year Hometown Interns?
My piece of advice would be to really push yourself out of your comfort zone and truly take in what your hometown has to offer. Get creative with your projects and really push yourself to make a difference. I also think it’s important to really just enjoy every second of it! You are going to have some amazing opportunities this summer that no other internships or jobs offer, so really just soak it all in. This summer will go by so fast and you are going to wish you had more time by the end of it! This is an opportunity for you to truly get to know your hometown in ways that you may have never expected.
