Students, college and high school, have enough on their plates these days. There’s the class load, jobs, families, a social life, the commute to and from school...it’s enough to fill anyone’s schedule. But Katie Hines manages to do it all and then some. This young lady is this week’s A Valpo Life in the Spotlight.
Hines was born in Valparaiso and has lived here ever since. She made her way through the Valpo school system from kindergarten to high school and graduated in 2010. As you read this article, Hines is in her third year at PNC where she is diligently pursuing her major in Elementary Education. She also works at Blythes Athletics as a sales associate in Valparaiso between classes.
Valpo is easy to love whether you just moved here or you have called it home all of your life. Hines has a love for her city that only comes with someone who has roots here.
“I love Valpo because of the people here! I was born and raised in Valparaiso and wouldn't have it any other way. I love being close to all of my family members. I love working at a local small business where I may see quite a few people that I know all in one work day. Valparaiso is such a great community that I am proud to be a part of,” Hines said.”I hope to graduate from Purdue North Central with a degree in Elementary Education and teach second grade as close to Valparaiso as possible!”
Hines has really made some great contributions to the community. She was involved in the Kiwanis in high school and remains involved today. She brought the Circle K Club to PNC which is the collegiate level of the Kiwanis. Circle K International is the largest collegiate international organization in the world. It is a community service-based organization which is sponsored the Kiwanis. Circle K is partnered with organizations such as Better World Books, March of Dimes, Students Team Up to Fight Hunger (STUFH), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“Being involved in high school and college with the Kiwanis family is really what got me involved in the community,” Hines said. “In the Circle K, we focus mainly on serving the community and also the university when possible, too.”
So much of Hines’ time is spent serving others -even with an already loaded schedule. But she remains positive and strong in her efforts. That being said, everyone needs some “me time”. For Hines, that means a good book, a good movie, making crafts, and spending as much time as she can with her friends and family. Currently she resides with her parents and younger sister in Valparaiso.
Here are some words of encouragement that Hines would like to pass on to you, readers.
“Get involved in your high schools and your universities,” Hines said vehemently. “It is a way to make friends, get noticed, and even make professional relationships with important community members. If you have the opportunity, take it!”
The best advice always comes from someone who has actually had the experience of which they speak. Listen to what she said. Get involved. If you’re a parent or guardian of a young adult, encourage him or her to get involved and make a positive difference in the community. It is quite rewarding. Who knows? He or she could be like Katie Hines and be a Valpo Life in the Spotlight.