Peer Assistance for Learning
The Peer Assistance for Learning (PAL) program is a paid opportunity for Virginia Tech students. In this role, PALs provide programmatic support for the counseling center by making and giving outreach presentations on various topics. They help spread information about mental health awareness and study skills.
Cook Counseling Center’s PAL’s also provide educational programs designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as helping students better understand when to seek treatment. They present programs in the classrooms, residence halls, or other requested venues. The Peer Assistance for Learning programs include:
- Orientation to the Cook Counseling Center Services
- Adjusting to College
- Stress Management
- How to Refer a Friend to the Counseling Center
- Recognizing the warning signs of: Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorders
PALs learn invaluable leadership skills while getting the chance to gain public speaking experience and learn about academic success strategies. The PAL program allows students to make like-minded friends while educating their peers on more productive ways to study. Training is provided by Cook Counseling Center.
Students of all majors are encouraged to apply if interested. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year can be submitted online and will be accepted beginning in mid-November of 2024 until 5 p.m. on February 1, 2025. If you have any questions about the program, email emmahare@vt.edu.
Meet our 2024-2025 PAL’s
- Senior
- I became a PAL to spread awareness for any mental health concerns. This is a cause that I hold dear to my heart and was ecstatic when I heard Virginia Tech had an opportunity like the PALs program.
- Fun fact: I can play the entire Minecraft soundtrack on the piano!
- Sophomore
- I became a PAL because I really enjoy learning about what factors influence mental health, the impact of mental health on a person, and options for help. As a PAL, I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to make a difference in somebody’s transition to college by helping them be knowledgeable about what their new community has to offer and to find the resources they need.
- Fun fact: I’ve lived in 8 countries!
- Senior
- I became a PAL because I understand finding resources on campus can be difficult and this job allows me to reach more people who can benefit from the resources. Mental health is very important to me and I would like to see everyone get the help they need.
- Fun fact: I'm Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian and I like to cook. I have also lived in Germany.
- Senior
- I became a PAL because I’m passionate about being a strong advocate for mental health at Virginia Tech. My goal is to raise awareness, especially among students from underrepresented backgrounds, about the valuable resources and support available through Cook Counseling. I want to ensure that every student knows where to turn for help and feels empowered to seek the support they need!
- Fun fact: I love nature/outdoors and doing recreational activities such as hiking, running, and anything that gives me a rush of adrenaline. I also have major FOMO, so I am always down to do anything!
- Senior
- I became a PAL in order to spread awareness for mental health and how the Cook Counseling Center can help! In the future, I hope to continue working in this field by helping those receive the guidance they need in order to develop strong, healthy habits towards their everyday life.
- Fun fact: My family used to own 5 cats because, apparently, 1 just wasn't enough!
- Junior
- I became a PAL because I thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved with the Cook Counseling Center and all the outreach activities it does around Virginia Tech. I hope that as a PAL I can help familiarize people with the Counseling Center and the services it offers, as well as combat stigma surrounding mental health and mental health services.
- Fun fact: I have 3 cats, 2 dogs, and a fish (his name is Jerome).
- Senior
- I became a PAL because I’m passionate about making mental health resources and programming more accessible to my fellow Hokies! It’s such a rewarding experience to be a part of a team that truly supports student success and well-being. Becoming a PAL have given me a new sense of purpose that I didn’t even know I needed, and it’s helped me realize just how much I love helping and educating others.
- Fun fact: I performed in the TaxSlayer Bowl halftime show in 2017!
- Junior
- I wanted to become more involved in my community and loved the idea of helping others. Finding PALs was a perfect fit for me to contribute to the school and also find others with similar interests in people!
- Fun fact: I have worked in the dining hall and Texas Roadhouse since I’ve been in college. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
- Senior
- I became a PAL to be able to give back to the community and provide my peers with access to mental health resources that they might not otherwise have known about. My goal is to end the stigmas surrounding mental health and open up a more constructive dialogue surrounding it.
- Fun fact: A fun fact about me would be that I am a photographer and writer in my free time.
- Junior
- I became a PAL to be part of something that fosters a positive campus environment for students, helping them open up, feel supported, and access the mental health resources they need, while continuing to educate myself about mental health.
- Fun fact: I love videography and creating online content for social media!
- Junior
- I became a PAL because I started valuing my mental health more and became more aware of others’ mental well-being. I wanted to help promote the excellent resources available to us as Tech students and emphasize the importance of mental health.
- Fun fact: I’m colorblind.
- Junior
- I became a PAL, because I believe mental health is very important in a university community. I wanted to be a part of a program that advocates for students' mental health. I love the Virginia Tech community and want to make a positive impact on everyone in it.
- Fun fact: I am playing intramural flag football with my fellow PAL Caroline!
- Sophomore
- I became a PAL to help spread mental health awareness and guide students to resources when they are in need. I hope to use this experience in my future career in the mental health field.
- Fun fact: I worked with Labrador Retrievers for 3 years!
- Junior
- I became a pal because I thought their goal of educating students about mental health was admirable and I wanted to help be a part of it.
- Fun fact: My favorite animal is the manatee.
- Senior
- I became a PAL to help our campus become more aware of mental health and how important it is for everyone! I enjoy helping those around me and making a difference in my community.
- Fun fact: I enjoy reading and taking care of my plants!