Reflection of being a NEISD PAL

PALS Testimonies

Rachel Albrecht (Johnson High School PAL student 2012-2013)-
Currently World Geography & PAL Teacher at Reagan High School.

Being a PAL has meant so much to me. It has taught me how to empathize and listen to others, and showed me how to work together with a team. PALS reinforced my love for pouring into, and talking with students that eventually led me to become an intern with the student ministry at my church in college, a high school social studies teacher, and now a PALS Sponsor at Reagan! The tools that we were equipped with throughout the multitude of trainings we received I still put in practice to this day in my classroom and when serving along my PALS.

I joined PALS to make a difference in the lives of others, but I never foresaw how much my PALees would make a difference in my life. Two years ago, I received a message on a social media account from a random girl. As I read the message, I realized the message was a former PALee. She had kept the note that I had written her on our very last visit and found me on social media five years later to tell me the impact that I had on her life. Her letter brought me to tears. Every week when I went to visit this particular PALee, I felt like I was never breaking through to her and began to feel overwhelmingly frustrated. However, I realized that I was making PALS about me when really my job as her PAL was not to attempt to solve or fix anything that she was going through, but simply to love her where she was at instead. The message from my PALEE reminded me that the path I was on to become a teacher was the right one for me. Now instead of only getting to love on a few PALees, I get to love on the hundreds of students that enter my room each day.

My experience as a PAL shaped me into a better person, taught me to live my life with integrity, and has given me a heart to serve and love others. I am forever grateful for my time as a PAL! ONCE A PAL, ALWAYS A PAL!

Anaya P. (Tejeda Middle School 2016-2017):
Via text to Tejeda PALS Teacher, Desiree Kloza
“Hi Mrs. Kloza! I know it’s been awhile, but I just wanted to say thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be in PALS in the 8th grade. If I hadn’t done PALS that year, I don’t think I would really be who I am today. PALS introduced me to the world of ALE and Camp “Camp” (a camp for children and adults with special needs who may not be able to attend other camps due to the severity of their disability or medical condition)... and now I can’t imagine my life without these kids. Today I have my first meeting for “She’s the First” which is an organization that helps raise money for girls in low income countries to graduate from high school. I know that I would not have become the activist that I am today, if I had not been in PALS at Tejeda 3 years ago. Thank you so much for the opportunity and all of your support. You really, truly made a massive impact!”

churchill pals

IWOAI's David Chancellor motivates Churchill PALS
Integrity, support and positive mentorship are at the forefront of North East ISD's Peer Assistance Leadership and Service (PALS) program. WOAI's David Chancellor graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1990 and was part of the first-ever PALS program on campus. He visited Brad Lacey's PALS class at Churchill High School on Monday, Sept. 30, to share how joining the program impacted him.

Chancellor's visit with Churchill juniors and seniors was part of their 'Motivational Monday' segment. Their candid discussion revealed that the program's core values remain the same, but the scope and impact continue to evolve and expand.

"As a PAL you're learning a lifelong skill of being able to help people," said Chancellor. "Knowing how to listen and communicate with each other can make such a difference. You are making a difference right now. This is the stuff that matters."

One way the program has expanded since Chancellor's days as a PAL is that middle school students can join the program in eighth grade. NEISD students are trained as peer helpers, meaning they learn how to promote healthy decision-making, while striving to be a positive role model in their community.

One highlight of the program is the opportunity for middle and high school students to spend time on elementary campuses. Churchill junior Katelyn Windham has known she wanted to join the PALS program for years. She had a PAL during her fourth- and fifth-grade years at Castle Hills Elementary School. That experience inspired her to pay it forward years later.

"I had a PAL and she made the biggest impact on my life," said Windham. "The atmosphere is what really makes it special. PALS make everyone else around them feel like they belong. It makes you feel like you always have somebody to talk to if you need it. I think that's one of the most important things we do."

Through training, the PALS learn how to establish a culture of tolerance, support and positive reinforcement that can be applied in every stage of life. PALS can be crucial lifelines to their peers and even their fellow PALS.

"I always thought it was ironic that PALS need PALS too," said Chancellor. "This has helped me remember all these years later that it's okay to want to reach out and talk with other people. What you do matters, don't forget that."