Name: Mariah Sliva
Hometown: Shickley
Affiliated Fund: Shickley Community Foundation Fund
School: Doane University
What excites you most about returning for another summer as a Hometown Intern?
I’m always excited to find ways to help our fund advisory committee (FAC) and our community members. Each year there are new people to see and more ways to get involved around town. Shickley’s FAC encourages interns to look for opportunities within the community to build relationships and help make our town feel connected. Whether it’s at the school, the ballfield, or a local business—I love being able to show my support in any way possible.
What did you learn about yourself and your community during your internship last summer?
Last summer Hannah Miller (the other Shickley Intern) and I started the “Community Interviews” project, and it really took off. These interviews highlighted things like Shickley’s history, the different experiences each participant has had here, and what makes this town a great place to call home. I learned so much from each person, and I’m excited to continue this project this summer. Hearing these stories and seeing the town from another perspective has shown me a new appreciation for my hometown. I’ve learned to love the sense of being “small-town but big ambition” that we have here in Shickley.
If you were describing your hometown to a potential visitor, what would you say?
Shickley really is a “Big Little Town.” While we aren’t the largest in size, there are tons of people within the community that are always striving to make it the best place it can be. When people see a need, they come together to get things done. This consistent drive has made Shickley a clean, safe, and enjoyable place to live. From the 50 Flags Memorial to Westside Park, our town has some impressive assets to share. This is what makes our community members proud to call Shickley their home.
Everyone has gifts and talents to share. What do you hope to share with your hometown this summer?
This summer, I hope to give back to my hometown by sharing the valuable insights I’ve gained through this internship these last three summers. I have learned so much, not just from our FAC members but from other communities as well. I’ve also developed leadership skills through my experiences at Doane University, where I am part of a leadership-based program. All these opportunities have taught me the importance of collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. I’m excited to bring these lessons home for the summer—whether that’s by helping with local projects, working with youth, orsimply being a resource to others.
What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?
I think others should know that there’s a lot of ambition in my generation. We’re not just sitting back – we’re stepping into the community and really trying to make a difference. Whether it’s through creative ideas, new projects, or just showing up and getting involved, a lot of us are working hard to leave our mark. I also think it’s important for older generations to make space for our voices and let us bring our skills to the table. We’ve got a lot to offer, and we can all learn so much when our different generations work together.
How does belonging play a role in your attachment to your hometown?
In my eyes, belonging is felt when a person is truly accepted and appreciated in their community. I’ve always felt this from Shickley, and I know that there is always support for me when I go back home. One thing our affiliated fund does to help remind people that they belong here is to give them a mailbox on their graduation. This is their special way of making sure everyone is always invited to share their talents and ideas with the community. Gestures like these have made me feel like I really do belong here.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your community?
I have loved watching this town grow over the last few years. I would love to see more people start their own businesses here and make their dreams reality. I know this is possible because it always seems like there is a new project underway to help build our community. In Shickley, when someone has an idea it’s not too long before action is taken. I hope this attitude never dies because in a town full of go-getters, nothing is impossible.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
When I think about a place to call home, I’m really looking for a town that works together – somewhere people look out for each other and come together to solve problems. I want to live in a community that’s not stuck in the past but committed to growing and improving while keeping that small-town, welcoming feel. Feeling safe and supported is a big deal, too, and I think Shickley is a perfect example. It’s all about finding a place where you can put down roots and really feel like you belong.
If you were designing a future for yourself in your hometown, what would that look like?
I think growing up here in Shickley has been great. The members of the community are never shy to show their support to the youth, and this allowed me to have a lot of opportunities that may not have been possible in other places. Going into a career in education, I want my students to have a similar experience. Our affiliated fund gives tremendous support to our school, so I have no doubt that it would be possible here in my hometown. With the right support, I hope to help develop future generations of leaders.
What’s a piece of advice you have for first year Hometown Interns?
Make your mark. Share your ideas with others. Try something new. There’s plenty of people willing to help you – from your community members, other interns, or anyone at Nebraska Community Foundation. I’ve seen so many great ideas come to life during the last few summers, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s interns will bring to the table. I want new interns to show what they have to offer and get involved in their communities.
