Over the past few years, Grand Valley State University’s PALS Student Mentors program has provided at-risk youth of the Grand Rapids community with a sense of stability and reliability – two things that are sometimes unfamiliar to those who come from broken homes or who have no consistent role model in their life.

In an effort to build strong, solid relationships, the nearly 200 GVSU students who participate in the program are matched with children who yearn for these kind of relationships.

“Most of us have had the privilege to grow up in a very supportive environment, and these kids haven’t had that same privilege,” said Sam Kaurich, vice president of PALS. “The mentors get a chance to really change the life of their mentee.

“Most of the time, the mentors say that they learned more from their mentee than they could ever teach them.”

In the two and a half years that Kaurich has worked with PALS, patience has taught her the value of adapting to the role of a mentor. Mentees range from ages 4 to 15-years-old and see their mentor two to four times per month where activities typically include ice skating, going to the library, playing at the park and bowling.

During the colder months, when outdoor activities may be a bit harder to partake in, the PALS Student Mentors program has a room in the Steepletown Neighborhood Services Building in downtown Grand Rapids which was donated to them as a free gift.

“In the room we have a lot of games, crafts and puzzles, all the stuff kids love to do,” Kaurich said. “Overall, we seek to provide positive role models for the kids and give them a chance to just be kids without any other worries.”

Geena Hall, a GVSU senior and PALS mentor, said aside from being able to spend quality time with her mentee, her favorite part of the experience is simply being able to have a positive impact on their life.

“Forming such a tight-knit bond with my mentee has taught me the importance of having a stable relationship with someone,” Hall said. “Many of these kids come from troubled homes, so it’s important for them to know that no matter what, they can always rely on us as being a positive person in their life.”

Kaurich said many of the program’s children experience inconsistency in their life, whether it includes moving from place to place, people who come in and out of their lives or simply not having anyone else in their family to look up to in a positive way – all of which are reasons for the strong need of a PALS mentor.

“We provide the kids with a solid relationship,” Kaurich said. “Someone that they can count on to be there for them. After some time, the kids start to realize that you aren’t like everyone else and that you’re actually in it for the long haul.”

Kaurich hopes that those who are members of the PALS Student Mentors program will gain a greater sense of community, but for her personally, the importance of consistency is one thing that the experience has taught her.

“I’ve learned how much of an impact I can have on someone’s life by just being consistent,” she said.

With the holidays soon approaching, the organization will be hosting its second annual Christmas party this weekend, where Kaurich said the kids can come and make fun crafts, decorate cookies and take pictures in a makeshift photo booth.

“Most of the kids come from the same schools, so on top of being able to hang out with their mentor(s) and have fun, they also get to see their friends from school,” she said. “Last year, it was quite a success and we’re hoping for it to be even bigger and better.”

For more information on GVSU’s PALS Student Mentors program, visit http://www.gvsupals.com/default.aspx

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