Testimonials
The PALCS Leadership Program was one of the best experiences of my life, and I want to express my gratitude for this amazing opportunity.
The trust and openness I built with my classmates, all so diverse and unique, was incredible. I loved making connections with the other students. I’m not an open person, but for some reason, I felt I could say anything and still be accepted.
I learned a lot about leadership and discipline, how I must be the agent of change in my own life and take responsibility to improve myself. The program gave me the tools and practices to succeed in any challenge in my life, even if you come from difficult family circumstances.
I gained knowledge of how to focus my mind on positive and empowering thoughts and believe in myself, yet also, how to be at peace with myself and my relationships with others. I learned I don't have to struggle so much on my own, or feel like I need to “get there”, wherever I once thought “there” was.
I have more tools now for handling my feelings, and for being more empathetic and understanding of others. And practices for boosting my physical power to have the energy and stamina any person needs. I know this program was just what I needed, and what I have learned and will now apply will be truly life-altering. Really, thank you so much!
Mary Kay Donald
I learned so much in this program---where do I start? I have learned how to communicate with others in a better way. I learned how to go into a peace that is very deep. I became very close with other people in just one week.
I also learned that sometimes life can be very hard, and giving up is not the answer. I learned to take your problems one moment at a time, one day at a time, and eventually things will get better as you make good things happen. You can’t expect life to be perfect, but one thing I will always know for the rest of my life is that I have a wonderful new family here with my classmates. I enjoyed every activity and group talk we had.
Our teachers and guest speaker were inspiring. They inspired me to dream and I realized what a wonderful person I really am, and how no one can replace me. This program was a great experience. I am full of energy to make a difference.
Rhianna Moslen
I learned so much in this program. Everyday this program just kept getting better and better, and we kept learning many new things that were so valuable.
I can see now that to be a leader takes discipline and we must learn many other important values and skills before we can lead others. One of the most important is that we have to be able to master ourselves and be able to self-correct every moment if we want to be a good model for others and if we want people to follow us. I learned that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
I also learned that we need to be able to work in teams and make real change happen if we wish to improve our communities. That was the most important thing I learned.
Everything was wonderful and I feel honored to be here as an international guest of PALCS. Everyone in the United States has been very good and kind to me.
Thank you!
Luis Alberto Pretelt
Resident of Boquete, Panama
This program was so great on in so many ways. One of the best things I learned was to clear my mind and focus. I learned how the mind does wander, but I learned how to bring it back to my work. I really enjoyed the teachers that were with us, and the students, like myself. A real bond seemed to form between us. The teambuilding day was wonderful.
Even if one of the group felt like an outsider at the beginning, we seemed to be able to help that person be a member of the group again. I just enjoyed this program so much.
Breanna Lanz
I have learned so many lessons in this program that will help me become a better person and leader. One of the most exciting things for me was to learn how to be aware of my emotions and how to change them to positive, optimistic ones. Also, mental centering practice is something I want to be doing regularly.
Also, interpersonally, I feel I’ve become better at expressing my feelings without offending anyone and understanding others better. My favorite part of this program was how well it was done. Everything ran smoothly, the sessions were exciting, and people really connected. I just wished it was longer!
Kenny Rivera
In this leadership program, I learned that in order to be a leader, a person has to notice changes that need to be made in themselves, and make them, before they can really lead others. I also learned that a person cannot back away from things when they are not going their way.
I also really liked that we all interacted with each other through great exercises, and had a chance to learn with each other, instead of how school usually is. I really think it was well organized and well thought through. This was a great program!
Shakell Little
I have learned that discipline is the number one attribute of a leader and I believe the program gave me new structure and new discipline that will definitely improve the way I work in and out of school. Setting a goal is one thing, but reaching it is another, and it takes discipline.
To be completely honest, I liked everything about this program! I liked meeting all the people, and I liked all the tools and practices we learned. It is my intention to apply all that I learned to my life. I need to change myself, and now, I am willing to do that. Everything about this program was perfect for me.
Michael Quiring
The best thing that I’ve learned in this program is how to better control my feelings toward myself, and forgive myself when I make mistakes. And it was great to meet so many kids from different places and backgrounds. It is wonderful to find you are not alone!
Laurel Blaisure
I learned a lot on this program. Most importantly, the trust and teamwork I learned working with others so closely has increased my self-confidence in my abilities and my self esteem. I am just beginning to accept myself, and everyone was so accepting of me.
I loved the diversity found in our unique group. How we dealt with diversity, and how we embraced it was even more amazing to me. The program allowed me to establish so many worthwhile friendships. Thank you!
Katie Young
I learned so much in this program. As an athlete, I was very interested and learned a lot about how to focus my thoughts, and I also learned more about health and energy. Most of all, I loved interacting with all the other students. I have so many new friends!
Peter Selby
Everything I learned both from the teachers and students will have a definite value in everyday life. I loved everything about this program, especially the people I met.
Chris Duval
The highlight for me in this leadership program was how to work in teams. I have learned the practices of teams, and how to trust, listen and work together as a team. Some of the challenges that we faced helped me to develop these skills and see how I can use them as a leader. I liked the bond that all of us had too!
Jayda Martinez
I learned so much in this program, and I will take a lot of good things away. I really liked the community aspect too. I enjoyed getting to know each and every person. It was neat to see people come from different places in Pennsylvania, and even from as far away as Panama! It has been an honor to be here and to participate in such a program. Thank you!
Rachel Townsend
The teachers were great and understanding. I learned to relax and socialize with all kinds of people, as well as to learn how to trust them.
Tiffaney Minor
I learned all sorts of valuable tools and practices to improve my physical self. I loved the training in working in teams, and how we are all necessary and important to get things done. This will be helpful to me in my future. I liked meeting and making many new friends, and talking to them about all sorts of things. I also loved our guest speaker. This program has had a big impact on me.
Lesley Taylor 
