What did the scholarship allow you to do that you otherwise wouldn’t have done?

Study abroad! If I didn’t have the financial freedom provided by the scholarship, I would have never considered studying abroad because of its additional cost on top of tuition. 

 

What’s a change you’d like to see in our state?

My first ever professional experience was with the City of Rushville as a Special Projects and Communications intern. This work experience immediately grew my love for the public sector and encouraged me to pursue economic development at Purdue. When going across the state of Indiana and talking to community leaders, I always push for a similar student internship program. Young adults have so much potential to positively contribute to their communities. 

 

What’s the last novel you read?

Most recently, I finished Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was a fantastic read!

 

What’s one way you’ve been able to give back to your community?

When I worked for the City of Rushville, I was given the privilege of coordinating our Bicentennial Celebration. For weeks, we highlighted Rush County history and celebrated all of Rush County’s success for the past 200 years. In my current position (see more below), I was able to assist Rush County as they pursued READI 2.0 funding, a $500 million Indiana initiative focused on quality of place improvements. Rush County’s region, the ARI region, was awarded $30 million! Seeing the direct impact that I have been able to have on my community and its development has been transformational.

 

What work have you done that relates to Lilly Endowment? 

I currently intern for a respected consulting firm out of Indianapolis focused on rural development, placemaking, and grant administration. In that role, I have written/assisted on four separate Lilly Endowment GIFT VIII applications, totaling a $20 million ask. The projects outlined in those applications varied from childcare, recreational investment, blight elimination to broadband and a community center!

 

What was it like moderating a conversation with President Mung?

Moderating the conversation with Purdue President Mung Chiang has been one of the highlights of my college career thus far. Having a passion for community development, I have been very interested in all of the construction on campus. Being able to hear President Mung’s vision from his own mouth was a once-in-a-life opportunity.