Hometown intern Natalie Tietjen reflects on Byron

What excites you most about returning for another summer as a Hometown Intern?

I am excited to continue growing relationships and learning more about my community and what excites others in Byron.

What did you learn about yourself and your community during your internship last summer?

I learned that my community really wants to buy into the younger generation and our ideas. They all care about the future of Byron and are invested in making it sustainable.

If you were describing your hometown to a potential visitor, what would you say?

A tight-knit community that cares a lot about one another and wants to see our town succeed and flourish.

Everyone has gifts and talents to share. What do you hope to share with your hometown this summer?

I hope to give a fresh set of eyes and continue working on those ideas we started last summer. I hope to organize and set priority on the list of ideas for Byron.

What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?

We are full of ideas and like to dream big. Along with that, we are eager to see change happen and will work towards making it happen.

How does belonging play a role in your attachment to your hometown?

Having a community that cares about you and wants to have you come back home plants a seed in your heart that makes you grow an even further, deep-rooted connection with your town.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your community?

I hope to see Byron turn into a place where people can easily settle down and start a family without worrying about where they are going to live or where their kids will go to daycare. I hope we can continue to get the community to invest in the future to help the next generation be sustainable.

What are you looking for in a place to call home?

A small loving community in rural Nebraska. A place where I can easily settle down and not have to worry about the future of the town for my kids’ sake. A place that has a community that cares about each member and wants to fulfill their needs. A community that stays involved and contributes to the growing and flourishing of the town.

If you were designing a future for yourself in your hometown, what would that look like?

Adding some new housing infrastructure to open it up to more people who are looking for a place to settle down. Opening a daycare building with multi-use courts inside. New building for grocery store/expansion. Add more life to downtown (someone take over the bar, etc.) I would love to have my own coffee shop one day so a little shop on main street for me.

What’s a piece of advice you have for first year Hometown Interns?

Take the chance, dream big, and meet new people! We all share the same love for our hometowns. Use NCF as a utility for growing and uplifting ideas for your hometown. Make it into whatever YOU want. No agenda can be scary but truly buy into the process and you will discover so many things about your hometown! Have fun!