Once a PAL, Always a PAL. by Mili

Once a PAL, Always a PAL. by Mili - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

A school accomplishment I am proud of is being a part of the Peer Assistant Leadership Service my sophomore year of high school. The “PALS” program involved a selective application process that only admits students seen as leaders amongst their peers. Luckily, I was admitted to the program, which teaches students leadership skills and ways to facilitate others during a crisis. As a PAL, I reached out to others in times of trouble and learned about my style of leadership. I discovered more about myself than I ever imagined possible. As a shy individual, I came to the realization that being soft spoken does not make me any less of a leader.

Throughout the year, we had several assignments, such as doing a group presentation on issues teens face today. However, one assignments, our This I Believe essay, stands out to me the most. My belief statement was that I believe in the beauty of diversity. In my essay, I shared my diverse background (half Mexican and half Indian) and the discrimination I have faced over the years. I did this in the hopes of opening my peers’ eyes to racism and how it continues to affect minorities today. My classmates praised me on my bravery to speak on a topic that typically makes others uncomfortable. Some said they were amazed by my strength in facing racism and using my past experiences to help others.

While sharing my belief with my fellow PALS was one of the many extraordinary experiences I had in PALS, the entire year gave me the courage and leadership skills that I lacked before. I no longer feel scared to share my thoughts with others, because I have gained the communication skills I needed. Now, as a high school junior, I have become more involved in my community through volunteering for various organizations. Without this program, I would not be the person I am today.