Name: Hayley Denner
Hometown: Diller, NE
Affiliated Fund: Diller Community Foundation Fund
School: Concordia University in Seward, NE
What projects are you working on this summer with your affiliated fund?
My projects for this summer is to create a website for Diller Community Foundation Fund, create a bigger social media presence for the Fund on Facebook, analyze the youth survey results, and research youth philanthropy projects.
Why did you want to take this opportunity to participate in this internship?
I wanted to give back to my community. My community has always supported me, and I wanted to return the favor by working with Diller Community Foundation Fund to better the community. I also appreciated that the internship was in my hometown because I’ve lived here my whole life and know the people I’m working with. Overall, I felt inspired to promote the town I love and become more connected with my community.
How would you describe the experience so far?
I have loved this experience so far because I’m actually happy with the work I’m doing. In past job experiences, I was just working to get paid, but with this Hometown Internship I feel like I have a purpose. I am motivated to come to work every day and enjoy the projects I’m working on. Even though my internship started a little over a month ago, I can tell my communication skills and confidence have improved. This internship will help me become the best version of myself that I can be.
What do you appreciate most about your community?
I appreciate how welcoming and supportive my community is. Whenever someone new moves into town, people will always reach out and make them feel welcome in our community. Community members always attend and support our school’s sporting events and other activities. I remember people going out of their way to tell me good job or congrats after a sporting event or art show and it meant a lot to me. I know my community will welcome me with open arms after college and that makes my heart happy.
What excites you the most when you think about the future of your community?
I know that Diller can accomplish anything they set their mind to. We have a lot of organizations like Diller Community Foundation Fund who support people’s dreams and strategize ways to help them succeed. The community comes together to share their ideas and get jobs done. Diller is going to continue to grow and spread active hope, and I can’t wait to see all the innovative projects they complete in the future.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
The place I call home should be safe, welcoming, supportive, and open to change. It saddens me when people aren’t motivated to improve their town with the changing world around us. I want a community that supports my endeavors and seeks help from organizations like Nebraska Community Foundation to better the community. My home should be a place where I’m not afraid to stay home alone or go to the store by myself. If I told you to look at a picture of Diller, then you’d see what my dream home looks like.
