Essay On Pal-Ees

I became interested in teaching because of my work as a PAL with younger kids. I’ve always loved kids and I love any moment I get to bring a smile to their face. However, it wasn’t until I became a PAL that I realized I wanted and should be a teacher. After becoming a PAL, I worked closely with three kids – Abigail (1st grade), Michael (8th), and Jarius (9th). I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with my PAL-ee’s. On my last day working with each child, they told me how much they enjoyed having me as a PAL and would miss me and thanked me for all I had done for them. It was through this emotional goodbye that I saw the growth they had made as individuals from the day I met them to the day we departed, and they credited to our time together.

My first year as a PAL, I was lucky to meet Abigail — an intelligent, adventurous, and another word for caring the first grader who I quickly built a connection with. The more I would visit Abigail, the closer I got with her, as well as her friends who also wanted to talk to the “cool high school” student. It was through these moments of answering their questions about why the sky was blue as well as having cartwheel races that I realized I wanted to teach the first grade. I believe this grade is perfect for me because I can teach kids who are old enough to know how to handle themselves (for example know how to use the restroom) but still young enough to have a desire to want to learn and look at me as if I was their

I was fortunate enough to be accepted into this program and meet people of different ages, backgrounds, and conditions. This has not only helped me grow as an individual to help myself but others as well. Before being accepted into the program, I kept to myself. I still liked to help and be kind to others, but it was in the background. However now, I don’t mind being the first one to initiate publicly helping someone. Often my actions start a chain reaction of my other peers helping as well. As a PAL I also uphold my character and aim to spread only positivity in my school. I can say that through my actions and work as a PAL, I’ve seen the effect I have had on others lives through this program. Whether it’s those you least expect asking me how to become a PAL or seeing how students treat life skills (another name for special education) students differently after seeing you interact with them in a positive way. I am extremely grateful to have had the honor to be a PAL my junior and senior year, and I only hope that I left even a fraction of an impact on this program and my school as it has had on