Name: Miranda Shreves
Hometown: Johnson
Affiliated Fund: Nemaha County Development Foundation Fund
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Why were you interested in this internship opportunity?
I was interested in this internship opportunity because it allowed me to come back to my hometown during the summer. It also gave me the opportunity to work on making my community an even better place than it already is and to network with people who I have not had the chance to work with, or even meet, yet.
What projects are you working on this summer for your affiliated fund?
The largest project I am working on is an asset map of Nemaha County, which will be interactive and accessible to the public. Meanwhile, I am also working on increasing the engagement of our social media. These projects will impact each other, seeing as we hope to advertise the map on our Facebook page. Also, the FAC that I am working for is going through a hard reset. I am assisting them in getting feedback from the committee leaders and setting up goals for the next few years.
What do you appreciate most about your hometown?
I appreciate the character the most about my hometown. I grew up in Johnson, which has about 350 people in it. While this can mean there is a limitation in businesses and activities, the character of the town makes up for it. For example, the buildings on main street are all older, so they each have a historic personality. The stories of older generations also aid in this aspect of the town.
How does it feel to be able to give back to your community?
It feels amazing to be able to give back to the community that has raised me. I have lived in Johnson since I was born and attended the local school from preschool until my high school graduation. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to expand and grow an amazing county, as well as understand it at a deeper level than I have been able to previously.
What excites you the most when you think about the future of your community?
The things that excite me the most when I look to the future are the enhancement of the business district, not just in Johnson but throughout the county. I also hope that in the future there is an enhanced sense of purpose in Nemaha County, not just to make the area better for the current generations, but for the next ones as well.
What characteristics do you look for in a place to call home? Why?
The characteristics I look for in a place to call home are community collaborations, rich history, and consistent purpose. I believe it is these characteristics that drive a community forward, as well as bond the locals to each other.
