After the organization’s two year hiatus, Genè Hunter, President of PALS, has devoted her ambition to restoring Passing Along Lessons Socially. Believing in the power of personal mentorships between freshmen and upperclassmen, Hunter revived PALS for Georgia State’s newest class.
“I want this organization to continue because it really was once a good organization and I didn’t want it to just fall,” Hunter said. “We pair up upperclassmen with incoming freshmen and we help them transition from high school into college,”
Focusing on building opportunity rich relationships, PALS looks for mentors that are involved in the Georgia State and Atlanta communities. This approach to mentorship provides freshmen with the ability to get connected in specific areas that interest them.
“Most of the mentors that we get, or the upperclassmen, are usually involved in SGA, Greek led organizations, Spotlight, campus events or they’re involved in Atlanta’s community internship wise and community service wise,” Hunter said.
With current mentors involved in Spotlight, University Housing, Tighter Grip and more, PALS provides an abundant amount of opportunities to its mentees.
“This community involvement really helps the freshmen kind of branch out and get out there, especially coming to a big, open university like this,” Hunter said.
Once the freshman is paired up with an upperclassman, they are encouraged to meet on their own time, initially meeting once a week and then at varying times throughout the school year for special events and programs.
The programs are kicked off with PALS Week which incorporates a volunteer event, a Meet your PALS at the Park session and team building activities which will take place in late October.
PALS mentors are also encouraged to pass on their advice through events like the Real Talk Forum where freshmen and mentors engage in a conversation on various college topics like financial aid, relationships and deciding on majors. This informal approach to real college issues is a key feature of what this organization is all about.
“Freshmen should join PALS because we’re a traditional organization, but at the same time, we’re not,” Hunter said. “There’s a lot that they can gain from that one on one experience verses them being in an FLC with one mentor and twelve students. You really get a one on one connection and get a head start networking.”
PALS is also teaming up with some of the FLC’s (Freshmen Learning Communities) that do not have a mentor and is working on getting into classrooms in order to spread the word on their upcoming opportunities.
The benefits of PALS do not just fall on the freshmen but on the mentors as well. Giving back is the driving force behind this organization and its president.
“When I started school I had a mentor, well a couple of mentors, who really helped me jump start my leadership journey at Georgia State. My thing has always been being to someone else what other people were for me,” Hunter said. “So just being that push of motivation, a shoulder to lean on or that guide, that’s what PALS is all about.”
Applications to become involved with this organization are on OrgSync now. For more information, email PALS at membership.cp@gmail.com
