By By SPIROS GALLOS / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The secretaries in the office of Brandywine Junior/Senior High School have a little extra help thanks to Kristin Bivens.
The 17-year-old senior works in the school's office as part of the school's co-op work program. The school runs a little smoother because Kristin helps the secretaries any way she can.
Kristin likes working in the office because it gives her a glimpse into the behind the scenes workings of the school, and it allows her more flexibility with her schedule.
Kristin is currently involved in the school's Dutch Exchange Program. Through the program, 10 students from the Netherlands visit Brandywine and attend classes for two weeks and in April, 10 students from Brandywine will visit the Netherlands and attend classes for two weeks.
Right now Kristin hosts one of the Dutch students and can't wait to go. "I'm very excited about the program," Kristin said.
Kristin doesn't speak any Dutch, but the language barrier doesn't concern her as much as getting there.
Kristin is also involved with Student Council, National Honors Society, and Spanish Honors Society. In the past two years, Kristin was sophomore and junior class president, this year she is a senior class representative.
The 4.0 GPA student does community work with the National Honors Society. Last year the group made sack lunches for the homeless, they also helped beautify the school's courtyard by planting flowers for two years ago.
After graduating this spring, Kristin plans to attend Grand Valley State University where she would like to study advertising or public relations.
Through it all, Kristin's mother, Sue, has always been there for her.
Kristin's father passed away about the time when she was eight-years-old. leaving Sue to raise Kristin on her own.
Kristin thinks everything happens for a reason, even her father's death.
Because it allows her to express her creativity, Kristin said her favorite class is art class.
When she's not at school, Kristin likes to relax by hanging with friends, writing poetry, and said she loves to watch movies.
Her favorite movie genre is romantic comedy and her favorite actress is Lucille Ball, because she was a pioneer of her time.