‘A heart to help others’
Standing in the heat of the Mexican sun for eight hours is enough to sour even the most amiable of spirits. Libby Redline is an exception.
Despite the stifling temperature and labor-intensive job of pouring concrete all day at a Tijuana sanctuary south of the border, Redline maintained a wide smile and kept her and others’ spirits high, and even volunteered to cook and clean in the kitchen into the evening hours. That’s just one instance that illustrates Redline’s selfless character, said Brian Kraut, a pastoral associate in youth ministry from St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene who supervised the Mexican mission.
“She just shows the highest-level involvement you could ever ask for a kid,” said Kraut, who’s known Redline for more than a decade and has taken her and the other youth group members on two summer missions to Tijuana. “How many young girls can stand in the sun for eight hours and not complain and still be smiling at the end of the day, ready to jump in the kitchen to help. That’s a true testament to her character.”
The Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy graduate and class valedictorian will attend the University of Notre Dame this fall to pursue a medical degree. Afterward, the 18-year-old, who has always heeded an inner calling to help others and originally dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, said she hopes to spend time traveling the world serving those in need.
“I think I’m kind of a perfectionist, and I know I can do it, and I don’t like to perform below what I know I can do,” said Redline, adding that her interest in the medical field partly stems from observing some operations as a teen volunteer at Kootenai Medical Center.
Though she’ll be balancing a full load at one of the country’s premier universities, those close to her said it won’t hold back the girl bound for greater things.
“She puts the needs of others before herself,” Kraut said. “She really has a heart to help others. She’s the kind of girl who has the dedication and determination to accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.”
Among her juggling acts, Redline has served as the Charter Academy’s student government president, a National Honors Society member, student athlete in volleyball and track, and fulfilled a semester’s worth of college-level courses through the Advanced Placement program. That’s in addition to four years of Spanish classes, tutoring other students in math and her youth group involvement.
“Just to be able to juggle all that and do them all well, it’s remarkable,” said her dad, Dan Redline.
Added her mom, Carla, “We’ve tried to help our kids understand the importance of community involvement and giving back … Libby’s very focused on what she decides to do. Whatever it is she’s doing, she uses her gifts very well.”
While Redline’s greatest influence has been her folks, who “taught me to appreciate what I have and fight for what I want,” she added that she’s been encouraged in the classroom by her high school teachers.
“I’m glad that I chose to go here,” Redline said, while seated at a picnic table on the Charter Academy’s lawn. “I like the size and the emphasis on challenging students. Like, you can’t just skate through Charter; you have to work for it. They have high expectations of their students.”
For the spirited Redline, faith, friendships and family have provided guiding lights throughout her youth and turn toward adulthood. “I think it gives me some confidence,” she said. “And the other people I come in contact with through church are positive relationships, and inspire me to be a better person.”