LOCAL STUDENT INTERNS AT DANVILLE REGIONAL FOUNDATION

Aug 12, 2009
Caswell Messenger
By Julie Stainback

What defines success? The definition of success varies depending on the situation in which it is applied. For a student it may mean passing a test or for a recent graduate it could be landing a new job. Growing up, I developed the mindset that to become successful I must leave my hometown and take hold of opportunities my local community could not offer me. While searching for an internship during my last year of college, I brainstormed companies and locations from one end of the country to the other. Who would have imagined that the first position found on a search database would be for an internship in Danville, Va.

The idea of returning home to Caswell County was not at the top of my list, but I applied to the internship and packed my bags - I was headed for home.

In coming home for an internship I rediscovered what makes this place so special. This summer I interned at the Danville Regional Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to community transformation, which serves Caswell County, Pittsylvania County, and the city of Danville. At the foundation I assisted with research in each of the foundation's focus areas, including economic transformation, educational attainment, health and wellness, and community engagement. I experienced firsthand the great things this region has to offer along with the struggles that we face. As we all know, Caswell and the surrounding area was dominated by textiles and tobacco for such a long time that it became our brand, our way of life. As these two industries have moved on from our area, we now have the ability to redefine ourselves, to recreate our future.

I worked with nine other interns this summer, five of whom were from the region and four of whom were from all over the world. It wasn't until I interacted with the interns from outside the region that I became aware of what we as a county and region have to offer. This summer I hiked trails, kayaked on the Dan River, visited local farmers, took dance lessons, and ate at unique restaurants that rival even large city offerings. I also discovered aspects of the community that are making great strides in a variety of ways for our local region. From touring the new senior center to the announcement of a $400 million investment to develop the White Mill in Danville, Va., it is evident that, with the right mindset, great things are happening and will continue to happen within the region.

As my internship came to an end, I realized the transformation of my own mindset from the beginning of the summer to where it is today. I will no longer introduce myself by saying, "I'm from Caswell but you probably have never heard of it before." Instead, I hope to communicate the fondness I have for my hometown. Caswell County is no longer just home; it is a viable option for my future, a place where I envision success in the future. I see opportunity and potential for the region and I see this region as an area that can not only thrive but prosper once more. It is now up to us, the citizens of the county, to take ownership of our area and translate our passion into sound change. For so long we have focused on our past, our history, but today I challenge our area to write our own future.