From the moment Daisy Linares stepped into a classroom as a student helper in PALS, something just
clicked for her. Watching teachers connect with students, explain things in different ways, and
stay patient even when things got difficult made her start to see teaching differently. It wasn’t
just about giving lessons, it felt like something that could actually change people’s lives, and she
wanted to be part of that.
“Being in PALS has taught me about the importance of being a leader and to be there for
people even if it is a small moment,” Linares said.
During her PALS journey for one year, Daisy had only worked with just one PAL, but that
experience had a deep effect on what would be the blueprint of her future.At first, it took time to
build trust and figure out the best way to help them. She noticed how quickly frustration could
build when things didn’t make sense, so she focused on staying patient and calm. Instead of
giving up when something didn’t work, she tried different ways to explain it and kept
encouraging them to keep going. Over time, she started to see small changes, more effort, more
questions, and more confidence. Those little moments of progress stood out to her more than
anything.
Through that experience, Daisy learned that being a good teacher isn’t just about knowing the
material, but about patience, consistency, and how you treat a student when they’re struggling.
Even with just one PAL, she realized how much of a difference it makes when someone feels
supported instead of judged or rushed. PALS helped her grow more confident, responsible, and
more aware of how much impact a teacher can have without even realizing it.
She plans to attend Lone Star College to earn her degree in education and become an
elementary school teacher. She wants to create a classroom where students feel comfortable
asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again without feeling embarrassed. She knows
she still has a lot to learn, but she’s excited to keep growing into the kind of teacher she’s been
inspired by.
And if there’s one thing her experience has shown her, it’s that sometimes the biggest difference
in a student’s life doesn’t come from a big moment it comes from one person who simply doesn’t
give up on them.
