Dear Best Buddies,

“Best Buddies,” yeah that sounds like a nickname for you and some pals, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I am talking about the organization I have been involved with since high school; the one that builds people’s confidence, creates opportunities to learn and most importantly, creates friendships with students who have intellectual and developmental dissabilities.

I started off just tagging along with some friends to the meetings and getting to know some of the other students in the club. After a couple of times, I started hanging out in the class for kids with disabilities on a regular basis. Little did I know Best Buddies would be my niche, my new home.

Best Buddies pushes my comfort zone, my mindset, my view of the world, and motivates to be my best self.

These are some of the many reasons I am grateful for this club, and for which I give thanks.

I thank Best Buddies, because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have been brought together with my peer buddy, Monterius (aka Montie). Without Montie I wouldn’t be as happy as I am today. Happiness is always put on the back burner, with exams, internships and just trying to get your life together. However, Montie, his classmates and all of the other members of Best Buddies changed that for me.

In fact, I am much more than a friend, I am part of a team, Montie and me, we are role models to each other, personal cheerleaders, and adventurers.

Furthermore, Best Buddies reminds me about the the beauty of the simple things in life. When I am with Montie, we are laughing, eating new foods, playing games, doing things that as we grow up, we don’t make as much time for anymore.

When I am with Montie, or any member of the club, I am enjoying life to the fullest and so are they. Suddenly, that accounting test you have been killing yourself over isn’t important. The boy who didn’t text you back, the pimple on your face, none of that is important. In that moment, all you focus on is being happy because you are surrounded by friends. Friends that are full of love and goodness; there is no judgement, no hate, no worries during that time, just happiness.

To Montie, I couldn’t have asked for a better buddy than you.

Finally, to Best Buddies, thank you for giving me my happiness back.