Name: Jillian Grovijohn
Hometown: Howells
Affiliated Fund: Howells Community Fund
School: Wayne State College
What do you love about your community? What are some of its greatest assets?
I love Howells because there is a strong support system among all members of the community. I have always felt safe and supported in my community, which is extremely important to me. Some of Howells’ greatest assets include the Howells Ballroom, the outdoor basketball courts, the people, and the local small businesses.
What made you want to pursue an NCF Hometown Internship?
I have always wanted to return to my hometown after college, and this internship gives me an opportunity to improve Howells and make it an appealing place to live for others as well. I also enjoy making new connections and working with members of my community.
What projects are you working on this summer?
I am working with my local fund to improve our social media presence this summer. This includes “rebranding” the Howells Community Fund logo, creating consistent social media posts, updating our fund’s website, and advertising our events.
What do you hope to learn or experience?
I hope to get more experience with creating a consistent brand face across social media. I hope to use the information I learned in my college classes to assist me in completing my tasks this summer.
How would you describe the opportunity so far?
So far, this opportunity has been a great learning experience. I have met so many amazing people that have given me different perspectives on small-town living. Meeting the other interns while at our peer retreat in Ord was a really great experience, and it felt like I have known them for years.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your hometown?
In the future, I hope my hometown can support more small businesses as well as welcome newcomers with open arms. In a physical sense, I would hope that our town would be able to create a fitness/wellness center for all members of the community, renovate our public pool, and create more housing for new community members.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
In order for me to call a place home, I need somewhere where I feel safe, supported, and welcomed. It also needs to be able to support basic needs for me and my family. (e.g. grocery store, gas station, healthcare, etc.)
Could you see yourself living in Greater Nebraska in the future?
Yes, I can envision myself living in Greater Nebraska in the future. It always has been and always will be my home.
