Darby and Marina from the Hamilton Southeastern HS Best Buddies chapter have been matched for the past two years and have developed a really awesome friendship! Their friendship is built on compassion, and listening to music. Read about their story:Darby shared the following about her friendship with Marina,
"My favorite thing about having Marina as a Buddy is that I really like her. My favorite thing to do with Marina is ride in her car and listen to music. She drives me home from school a few times a week. I also like to going to the pet store with her and petting the kittens. I've met some pretty nice friends through Best Buddies and this is my 5th year! Some of my friends from Best Buddies have gone to college, but still stay in touch and come visit me when they are home.Marina discusses the impact of Best Buddies and the incredible friendship she has with Darby,
I never really had friends before I joined Best Buddies and went to high school. I've done a lot of fun things like go to prom, go out to eat, bowl, have movie nights, and go swimming with my Buddies. Everyone should have a Best Buddy to hang out with. They are nice and I like all my friends from Best Buddies!"
"Best Buddies has really changed my life in so many ways. I've always been non-judgmental and inclusive, but I never realized how people with IDD have to deal with not being included. I love being involved and getting to speak to people about how people with disabilities shouldn't be judged because they perfect.
My favorite thing about Darby is that she is so caring. She can tell when I have a headache and she'll ask if I'm okay. Whenever she sees an ambulance she says, "oh no! Someone got hurt!" I love that her mind is always thinking of others before herself. Darby and I love listening to music and doing puzzles. We also like to go out to eat and watch The Big Bang Theory! We like a lot of the same things; she's a teen and so am I!
Best Buddies affects my life in a big way. Before this program I didn't know what I wanted to do when I was older or who my true friends were. I now know what career choice is right for me and if my friends can't accept people with IDD then maybe they can't accept me. Best Buddies is an amazing way to get involved in your school or community. Everyone needs a bit of inclusion and love in their lives. Best Buddies is that spot of sunshine in this scary world. You never know, this could be your calling and you wouldn't know it unless you joined!"
