Wilson reflects on experience with PCCF

Monday, August 23, 2021
Kinzee Wilson

Six years ago, I had my first experience with the Putnam County Community Foundation. My Girl Scout troop was applying for grant funding through the Youth Philanthropy (YP) Committee. We were starting our Girl Scout Silver Award, and someone recommended seeking funding for our youth-led project.

We generously received funding to donate 20 cancer care packages to Putnam County Hospital. Sustainability is a huge part of Girl Scout projects, so I am so happy to say that this project continues to this day and has now been taken over by the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.

Because of my positive experience with the YP Committee in 2015, I applied to join the committee in 2018. Did I know what I was doing? Nope. In fact, I didn’t know much about the committee or what they did. All I knew was I wanted to help our youth serve their community as I did a few years prior.

Through serving on the YP Committee, I had the opportunity to work with some outstanding members representing communities from all over the county. I was a part of the committee for two years, and while serving I built friendships and lasting relationships with each of the members I worked with. In addition, I was able to be a part of other projects in our community, such as sending shoes to Africa through the grant funding we provided as a committee.

In addition to serving on the YP Committee, I began seeking scholarships to assist with college. Because of my experience with the Community Foundation, I knew it was a great place to start looking for scholarship opportunities that could help me further my education. I started my college journey in August 2020 at the University of Southern Indiana. This fall, I will be returning as a sophomore pursuing my degree in elementary education with a minor in science teaching.

This summer, my past experiences went full circle when I accepted an opportunity to intern with the Community Foundation. During my internship, I helped promote Share the Dream, assisted in planning events and connected with our donors, scholars and volunteers.

As I sit here in the final days of my internship, I cannot help but look back at my experiences with the Community Foundation. In 2015, I never thought I would end up writing a column for the same organization that helped my dreams come true as a 12-year-old. I did not know that the support I received from the YP Committee would be something I would go on to do for other kids just like me. I did not know I would be applying for scholarships each year. And I definitely did not know that I would end up sitting at a desk right above where my journey began as a little girl with a big idea.

I have enjoyed my experience this summer with the Community Foundation. I have created even more relationships with people who may write me a letter of recommendation for my future career. This internship has helped provide opportunities to grow and develop my skills. I have been able to work with a small team and sit in on committee meetings. And most importantly, I have learned about the generous donors we have here in Putnam County and why we need them. I have gained more than I can put into words, and I am grateful to have had this opportunity.

Comments
View 2 comments
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
  • Area 30 is proud of you Kinzee. We are happy to call you one of our own ;).

    -- Posted by Area 30 Career Center on Wed, Aug 25, 2021, at 2:46 PM
  • Good Job! Good luck at school! We need more people who hold their community in high regard and strive to make it better!

    -- Posted by GladysK on Thu, Aug 26, 2021, at 4:50 PM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: