Did you ever say, “I can’t wait to leave this town?” Or, have you heard, “There’s nothing to do here?” As a former teacher, I heard many students express these sentiments, yet they are not just the comments of teenagers. Regardless of the age, it’s a feeling many who live in a small town or rural area have had. I have been one of those people who longed for the city lights and distant places. Then, something shifted. I began to see the way that people partner together to make amazing things happen in a small town. I had the opportunity to be a part of local tourism, an area Chamber committee and Dawson Area Leadership. My mindset changed to focusing on the amazing people, experiences and opportunities we have in our area.

Recently, I have experienced a new wave of awe as I watched the pieces of community come together to create a beautiful picture of life together in central Nebraska.

Each puzzle piece represents a single person, a business or an organization with its own colors and features. By bringing those symbolic pieces together, we begin to utilize different talents, services, resources, experiences and creativity. The result is a beautiful picture of community and only appears when we come together.

Whether it is rallying support for a family going through a life-threatening illness or recruiting a new industry to the area, it takes every piece of the puzzle. From annual town celebrations and hosting groups from other states and countries, I love experiencing the best part of our area. We have many treasures here, and most of them are people. Some might call it our midwest work ethic, and others might call it our small town hospitality.

I believe the quality that makes us great is our collaboration and pulling together to create a gorgeous mosaic featuring the best of all of us.