The application process to get into the Vandegrift PALS program takes lots of creativity and dedication. This is exactly what sophomore, Isabella Banse tried to show when she was applying. The results for the program come out this Friday and other applicants are excited to see if they got in.

Q: What was your main reason for wanting to apply to the PALS program?

A: I joined PALS because I liked the idea of being able to create a safe and comfortable environment for anyone, including younger kids. One of the biggest reasons was the ability to show that I can be a good and trustworthy leader. 

Q: What are your favorite things about working with kids?

A: One of my favorite things about kids is that they don’t hold back and they are super open with their thoughts. I like how they say exactly what is on their mind and that they are not afraid to be honest. I have also noticed that, with kids, you are able to learn a little bit from their perspective as well. 

Q: What do you hope to gain from the program, if you get accepted?

A: If I get in, I hope to gain even stronger leadership skills that will eventually help me later in life. I want to be able to inspire any of the PALees that I am paired with. It would also be nice to meet some new people. 

Q: Do you have any other friends who are applying?

A: I actually have a ton of other friends who are applying, which is honestly exciting because I think it would be fun if we got in together. We also were able to go through the application process together and get input from each other. 

Q: What was your favorite part about the application process?

A: My favorite part about the process was being able to make the application video. I felt that the video really highlighted my creativity, along with showing off my best interest in the PALS program. 

Q: What was the video idea you had when you applied?

A: I thought that my video idea was honestly super fun and creative. I modeled it after the wired audio complete interviews. This is where I put the required video questions on a poster bard and represented them as my recent google search history. 

Q: What game did you present at your meeting?

A: The game that I presented during my in person meeting was called cross the river and it included teamwork. There are two teams that have a limited amount of time to find a way to cross a contaminated river and get to the other side without touching the river. 

Q: What would you be most excited about if you got in?

A: If I got in, I would be most excited about being able to work with new people along with kids, kids are some of my favorite people to talk to. I would be excited to work on my leadership skills and get to have new experiences that I can  carry with me.