BY KELLY L. REYNOLDS
Clarkston News Staff Writer
If there is one thing that Kristen Newlon has learned during her time as a volunteer at the Independence Township Senior Center, it’s that you can’t take life too seriously.
Newlon, a 22-year-old Oakland University student and 2002 Clarkston High School graduate, spends her time Wednesday and Friday mornings at the senior center volunteering as part of her capstone project for school.
She has been working for the center for two months, but has worked with the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Department as a camp counselor and soccer coach for several years while doing some administrative work for the department.
Requirements for her capstone project included getting involved in the community and ‘somehow having face-to-face communication with people in that community,? said Newlon.
When choosing where to do the project, the senior center was a natural choice, she said.
During her time at the senior center Newlon helps package food for Meals on Wheels program, assists in serving seniors on-site for lunch and also helps with the recycled greeting cards project at the center.
‘I like making connections with all the seniors there and getting to know them,? Newlon said. ‘I like feeling like part of their family.?
Margaret Bartos, senior center coordinator, said Newlon has been a blessing to everyone at the center.
‘Kristen is a volunteer with us, but she has extended that concept of just volunteering and now she is a very happy part of our mornings here,? Bartos said. ‘She adds sparkle to the senior center. All of our seniors are really happy to see her when she comes in.?
Fern Schultz, a senior at the center, loves Newlon’s visits and looks forward to chatting with her each day.
‘We’re giving her a good education here,? said Schultz.
When Newlon isn’t busy at Parks and Recreation or with the senior center, she enjoys reading various types of books, hanging out with friends and going to concerts.
She also loves taking her yellow lab, Oliver, for walks at the Bark Park.
Newlon will graduate in May with two degrees ? one in Spanish and the other in communications.
After changing her major ‘probably about five or six times,? she said communications and Spanish seem to be a ‘perfect fit, because I can do so much with my life.?
After graduation, Newlon hopes to go into public relations or marketing.
‘There is also a possibility I will go back for my masters in international business,? she said.
Even though her time volunteering at the senior center will soon come to a close, Newlon said she will take what she’s learned with her, wherever life leads her and will continue to volunteer somewhere in some way after graduation.
‘I really enjoy what I’m doing right now, and I’m really excited to have had this experience,? she said.
‘All in all, I’ve learned that you can’t take life too seriously. There are a lot of people who I have met there, that have a lot of things going on, but they’ve taught me that you just have to smile and get through it.?