Growing up, I was always taught to treat everyone with love and kindness despite any differences. This was the staple statement of my small Catholic school: treat everyone how you would like to be treated. Back in elementary school and into middle school, I never would have thought I would be where I am today. I knew I wanted to make a difference, but never knew how. We all have personal struggles, and we all overthink and stress about life which is beyond our control. When I work with these students, I forget about these personal struggles.

My sister’s best friend growing up had a sister with special needs. My sister and I would go to her house, and while my sister would play with her best friend, I would play with Cece, who was about twice my age but my favorite playmate. I saw no difference between my school friendships and my friendship with her. My mom was also a Special Education teacher, so she passed on her expert knowledge to me. Throughout middle school, there were not many volunteer opportunities involving children with special needs, but I wanted to get involved. 

In 9th grade, I was still looking for ways to get involved. I joined the Spirit Club and did everything I could to get my ideas out in the open. This was before Best Buddies was a program at the high school. I was having trouble finding my place throughout my freshman and sophomore year. I never excelled in sports, so I knew I did not fit in there. During junior year, I started to think more about what I wanted to do in the future. I knew I wanted to work with kids. My mom set up for me to job shadow different teachers in the elementary school to get a feel for what classes I would like to teach. The special ed class was a perfect fit for me. 

As the year went on, I became more and more involved in Best Buddies because of my best friend Sam. She was in Partners in P.E. and always invited me to the events. Now, as a senior, I have really made an effort to make a difference in this club. I have plans for the future along with ways to continue my legacy once I leave Plum Senior High school. I feel the most important aspect to me right now is really getting the elementary life skills students involved as much as possible. They have visited the high school, but I would love for them to become involved in the actual Best Buddies ‘parties’ and other activities.

Best Buddies has changed my life in such an impactful way. Not only is it an eye-opening experience for me personally, but it also teaches many students empathy and compassion; two core values that should be valued the most. This program truly allows us to treat others the way we would want to be treated.