Saturday, September 28, 2024
Gatesville High School is home to many great programs, including the high school Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program.
PALs is designed to provide support and mentorship to the younger students in the community. It typically consists of a group of selected high school students who are trained to serve as mentors and peer advisors. These student leaders undergo specialized training that gives them the skills and knowledge needed to provide support in various areas such as academics, social interactions, mental health, and personal development.
One of those special students is senior Audrey Blanco, who has been in the PALs program since her junior year of high school. She is assigned to Mrs. Caffey’s class at the Elementary School this year and gets to visit with her students four days a week, Tuesday through Friday.
“I usually help them with their assigned activities, ensure they stay on task, and engage in conversations about their day, hobbies, likes and dislikes, and after-school activities,” Blanco said.
Her responsibilities as a PAL go further than just keeping her students focused during school. She ensures that she is a good listener, a supportive companion, welcoming, shows kindness, and gives her full attention to her students.
“I believe the PALs program is beneficial because it provides essential peer support, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in their school environment,” Blanco said. “For teachers, the program offers an extra hand in assisting students and helps keep them focused on their work.”
She expressed that being in the PALs program is important to her because it has taught her very valuable lessons as well as opening her perspective toward others.
“PALs has allowed me to develop skills and encouraged me to think in other people’s shoes,” she said. “Starting this program, I realized that I am participating in something greater than myself, and because of this, I want to try my best and give it my 100 percent.”
“I hope to make an impact on my students by showing support, being welcoming, and being a good listener, so they feel appreciated and know that they matter,” she expressed.
