Name: Paige Kniep
Hometown: Deshler
Affiliated Fund: Deshler Community Fund
School: University of Nebraska – Lincoln
What projects are you working on this summer with your affiliated fund?
I am doing a lot of marketing for two big ongoing projects the community fund is working on—an electronic sign and a pool. I am planning and helping organize several fundraisers as well. I also created a logo for the fund so their advertisements can be easily identified, and I am working on a brochure that will highlight some of the projects DCF has completed or is currently working on. I am also attending the youth survey meetings and am going to help facilitate a youth/community meeting in Deshler as well.
Why did you want to take this opportunity to participate in this internship?
Making Deshler a better place is always something I have been interested in, so I jumped at this opportunity. We have a lot of amazing people on the fund advisory committee, and I was excited to work with these people as well. I want to return to Deshler after college and start my own business, so the work I am doing this summer will directly impact my future. I have also loved being so close to my family and fiancé this summer as I am wedding planning as well.
How would you describe the experience so far?
Exciting! I am learning things about my hometown that I had never known before, and I am seeing all these opportunities for me to be involved when I move back someday. The youth also excite me because they are so willing to share their ideas on how Deshler could be better and have come up with some amazing entrepreneurship projects which they presented in a contest. I would also describe my experience so far as challenging because I have to think about things that I have never had to think about before which has been really fun!
What do you appreciate most about your community?
I appreciate the dreamers that have great ideas for our community. This starts with the mayor, Julie Deepe, who has been a huge asset to Deshler. Julie has been making things happen in Deshler and encourages youth and adults alike to make things happen as well.
What excites you the most when you think about the future of your community?
All the possibilities and opportunities that Deshler has for people to settle down and start their own businesses really excite me! I know there are some really smart and able people in Deshler who have all the potential to help the community. I hope I can help motivate these people and help them start businesses to give Deshler a beautiful little busy downtown to attract people to our community.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
I want to live near a small community with a good school, places to eat, shop, and entertainment for all ages. I want to be able to be involved in the community and have lots of connections so I can start my own small business. I want to be near my family as well. Safety is also a huge factor for me. I want my kids to be able to go out without having to worry about crime or dangerous people.
