Who Says You Can’t Go Home?

Jenn Meadows is a senior communications major studying at the University of Indianapolis. She is the UIndy PRSSA president and promotions director for WICR 88.7. Currently she’s interning in her hometown for Main Street Greensburg and the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.

I’m a big fan of the NBC Show Parks and Recreation. Leslie Knope, the main character played by Amy Poehler, was born and raised in the fictional town of Pawnee, Ind. Leslie is very passionate about the town she loves which carries over into her work as Director of the Parks Department – she’s writing a book, campaigning for new parks and planning a festival.

Like Leslie, I was born and raised in Indiana. However, I come from Greensburg, a small town in Southeastern Indiana. When I watch Parks and Recreation, I can’t help but think about my hometown.

Unlike Leslie, I couldn’t wait to leave my hometown when I was in high school. To me, Greensburg was too small. Graduation came and went. Next thing I knew, I was moving to Indianapolis to attend the University of Indianapolis. I instantly fell in love with the city life and swore I would never end up in boring Greensburg again.

That was my freshmen year. When I started to look for summer internships my junior year, I did something I thought I would never do: I applied for internships in my hometown.

I’m currently finishing my internship for the Decatur County/Greensburg Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Greensburg. I found myself doing a little bit of everything. Although each hour was different, I loved it! I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the Chamber’s office every morning, but I did know that some aspect of my work would benefit my hometown.

I handled the social media for Main Street. I also wrote news releases about upcoming events, put together proposals and designed marketing materials. With my background in radio, I was given the opportunity to be a co-host with the executive director of the Decatur County/Greensburg Chamber of Commerce for “Chamber Chat”—a show where we interview local nonprofits or businesses that are doing good deeds in the community. I was also promoted to Market Master for our Farmer’s Market. Every Friday, I set up, helped the vendors with any needs and made sure the day ran smoothly. I also help plan and run other community events that Main Street Greensburg and the Chamber of Commerce put on for the community.

I discovered there was actually a lot going on in the hometown I used to call boring.

Although the internship isn’t quite over yet, here’s what I’ll take away from the experience:

1. Keep your options open during the search. I never thought I would end up back home!
2. Learn as much as you can. Whenever you get an opportunity to work on a new project or staff an event, take it! Getting a broader experience makes you a well-rounded professional.
3. Always be aware of how you carry yourself in public because you are in the community’s eye. When you work for an organization, you represent them 24/7.
4. Be flexible. My supervisor will walk in and say it’s time to attend a meeting that just popped up across town. Learn how to multi-task, but how to also switch quickly between tasks.

My friends have joked calling me the Leslie Knope of Greensburg. I’m okay with that nickname. I love Greensburg, Indiana and its World Famous Tree Tower. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to use the skills I’ve learned while I was in the city in order to help bring this community together and bring me back home.