Name: Anna Tullis
Hometown: Arnold
Affiliated Fund: The Arnold Community Foundation Fund
School: University of Nebraska at Kearney
What does it feel like to be back in your hometown this summer?
It feels amazing to be back in Arnold for the summer. Coming back to a community where I am surrounded by amazing people who know me so well has been so refreshing. College can feel kind of lonely at times so it’s great to be back in a small town where everybody knows everybody. The people here truly are amazing!
What are some of your hometown’s greatest assets?
The greatest asset of my community is the amazing people with the determination to improve the town. I have been shown just how much the people of Arnold care about one another and the success of this community. There are always so many projects going on and the community backs these projects wholeheartedly. This support makes our town an amazing place to start something unique, which has allowed so many businesses and organizations to grow.
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What about the NCF Internship experience stands out to you so far? Why?
So far the experience that has stood out so far has been coming back from our peer learning session in Nebraska City with fresh inspiration and a great mindset to look at my community in a new way. Not long after returning I went on a walk around town with my fellow Arnold intern and the conversations about Arnold were just so amazing and helpful in finding what will inspire our projects this summer.
Everyone has gifts and talents to share. What do you hope to share with your hometown this summer?
This summer I hope to share my passion for learning, science, and connecting with others. These three passions are shaping the experiences I hope to have this summer through forming connections and having meaningful conversations with the people in my community.
What should older adults know about your generation of Nebraskans?
Older adults should understand that our generation truly does care about Nebraska and its communities. Going away to college really helped me realize how much I appreciate where I grew up and I heard similar reflections from other people at college too. We understand what a blessing it is to be raised in these communities, and we are ready to step up to help these places grow and prosper.
How does belonging play a role in your attachment to your hometown?
Belonging is one of the most important factors in my return to my hometown. Coming back to a place where people understand what you have been through and the values that you have is so special. So many people in Arnold are rooting for me, and it is so great to have so much encouragement. I hope to begin returning that encouragement to the younger generations in town. Having someone understand you and your passions can have such a positive impact on young people.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your community?
I hope to see Arnold grow and improve but ultimately stay true to what I believe makes this place so special. The values and work ethics of every member of the community are so amazing. Arnold does such an amazing job of passing these values and appreciation for service onto the young people of the community, I hope that as Arnold continues to change these standards remain.
What are you looking for in a place to call home?
Arnold has set such a high standard for wherever I end up some day. The most important aspects of this community and many others are the support for local businesses, the school, and an appreciation for young talent and ideas.
If you were designing a future for yourself in Greater Nebraska, what would that look like?
I hope to return to Arnold after graduation, hopefully as a high school science teacher. There are so many opportunities in education to build connections with the students and other members of the community. I hope to be involved, whether that is through a community foundation fund or some other opportunity.
