I am looking forward to the first PALS retreat where all of the members from each high school in the district will come together to go off campus and participate in different leadership activities. We will also meet new people and work together to plan a better environment for the school and the community.

This is my first year of PALS and it is a fun experience to be a part of a program that focuses on many different aspects of the school, community and organization. I have already learned a variety of skills to prepare me for the upcoming year like how to speak more confidently, have a more positive perspective and encourage people throughout the day. I will also learn new techniques to help me look out and care for a PALee once a week. I think that the retreat will get a lot of students out of their comfort zones so that they may be able to be confident and secure about themselves when speaking, leading and living out their lives.

Being a PAL encourages me to be someone who cares deeply about others, while having a fun time. It is a big family on and off campus, which consists of helping one another, working as a unit and reaching a common goal. I used to believe that we were the only school that had a PALS program, but soon figured out that a mixture of diverse student bodies also participate in the program as well. It will give us a chance to know what it looks like to be a member of the program throughout the area. I hope that the retreat will bring students together and continue to teach them how to stay bold and inspiring throughout their time in PALS.