They have come full circle. 

From experiencing PALs as a PALee, playing games and making friends, juniors Maya Gabbi and Rachel Jensen are now following in the footsteps of their role models and becoming PALs.

“I’ve grown tremendously and I would say that I started to grow a lot from a young age and my PAL played a large role in starting that,” Gabbi said. “When I was younger I had a big struggle in my life and as a result of that I was given my PAL, since then I was taught through them to have positive outlooks in situations and encourage those around you.” 

Jenson, who had a PAL in second grade at River Ridge, said that she was not very social when she first moved to Texas from Iowa. 

“If it weren’t for my PAL when I was a PALee I don’t think I would ever know how to go outside my comfort zone or step out of my box to meet new people,” Jenson said. “Now that I am a PAL it’s really cool that I can go complete full circle and teach other little kids how to make friends and be outgoing too.” 

Their experience as PALees has given them both a different perspective on the program than some of their classmates. 

”Starting as a PALee allows me to see the direct effects that a PAL has,” Gabbi said. “It has helped me adapt when talking to PALees as a result of me knowing personally what was best!” 

Gabbi still remembers how passionate her PAL was about PALS and how she knew her PAL cared about her and what a difference that made.

“I also remember how good of a listener she was,” she said. “If I ever had issues she would always listen to me and encourage me in whatever I may have been talking about. My PAL was one of my biggest support systems/encouragers at the time.” 

Gabbi believes her PAL helped her gain the outlook she has on life. 

“I’ve grown tremendously and I would say that I started to grow a lot from a young age and my PAL played a large role in starting that,” Gabbi said. “When I was younger I had a big struggle in my life and as a result of that I was given my PAL, since then I was taught through them to have positive outlooks in situations and encourage those around you.” 

“I saw the direct impacts that PALS had on me at a young age,” Gabbi said. “I think being a PALee showed me the importance of ensuring every kid has a strong support system—especially if it is not [part of] their at home life—and I wanted to do all I could to help anyone who may need someone.”