Hometown intern Hayley Sliva returns to Shickley

What does it feel like to be back in your hometown this summer?

Being back in my hometown for this summer feels so welcoming and peaceful to me. Being able to reconnect with individuals who have made such a huge impact on my life has been one of my favorite parts of spending time in Shickley! It has reminded me how special it is to be part of a community that continues to support and encourage one another.

What are some of your hometown’s greatest assets?

I think one of my hometown’s greatest assets would have to be the people in the community of Shickley. Just driving down the street or taking a walk, you are sure to get many waves and even conversations. Everyone is super welcoming and always willing to help out and make our town the best it can be. Alongside the people, another great asset we have is our 50 Flags Veterans Memorial. If you ever stop in Shickley, it is definitely something worth checking out!

What about the NCF Internship experience that stands out to you so far? Why?

Something that stands out so far to me about the NCF Internship experience is the great people I have been able to meet and connect with! Everyone has been super supportive and encouraging of our ideas for this summer, and NCF truly feels like our own little community. I have appreciated the opportunity to learn from others while also bringing my own ideas and experiences to the table.

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

I hope to share my passion for youth involvement within my community. Going into elementary education has made me realize how valuable young minds are and that we need to incorporate them to keep our town thriving. We plan to have a camp that can inspire and educate the youth on the great things the Shickley Community Foundation does and has to offer for them!

What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?

I think older adults should know that my generation of Nebraskans is super curious and wants to be involved – we just don’t know where to start! Having guidance, encouragement, and opportunities from older generations helps us become more connected to our communities.

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

Having such a good sense of belonging here in Shickley keeps me wanting to come back. Whether that was my school, job, sport, or any community experience, I always felt valued and supported by the people around me. I didn’t just experience this sense of belonging while I was living in the community, but also when I went away for college. Shickley continues to feel like home no matter where life takes me.

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

A hope and dream of mine for the future of Shickley is that everyone continues to be involved and educated about the great things we have and can accomplish. I also hope that the Shickley community continues to welcome new faces in the future! I believe that continuing to build connections and encourage involvement will help our community grow stronger.

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

When looking for a place to call home, one thing that is most important to me is the individuals that live in the community. I think a place you call home doesn’t need to be defined by physical assets; it needs to be filled with love, support, and meaningful relationships. Here in Shickley, everyone feels like my second family, and that is something I will definitely look for when looking for my future place I call home.

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

When designing a future for myself in Greater Nebraska, I would choose a community that values family and has a great school where I can teach. I envision myself building connections within the community that positively impact both others and myself. I would also encourage youth involvement because I know how important their voices are in shaping the future of our communities.

What’s a piece of advice you have for older generations of Nebraskans?

A piece of advice I have for older generations of Nebraskans is to continue to get the youth involved in the community. Sometimes hearing from a younger mind can make you think of something you might not have, and it can create a learning experience for everyone. The youth have the ability to influence many people, so getting us involved can help the community participate!