Evan Parker's Artful Journey with Best Buddies

April showers bring May flowers, and school projects bring great friendships! Read about how Evan Parker got involved with Best Buddies through his project at Herron School of Art & Design and gained a best friend in Matt Burns:

How did you become involved with Best Buddies?

I became involved with Best Buddies through a school project during my first semester of junior year of college. I attended Herron School of Art & Design while obtaining my Bachelors in Visual Communication. This particular semester was all about working with a local, non-profit organization and fortunately enough, my wish of working with Best Buddies Indiana was granted. I acted as Team Leader throughout the semester to my team of three other Visual Communication students. 

Creative Ace and Best Buddies Indiana

Our goal was to create a creative communication campaign to better our client. The semester consisted of a range of aspects including heavy research, strategic planning, meetings, visualizing, re-creating and in the end implementing. A couple of team members, myself included, actually took it upon ourselves to join and were soon paired up with a buddy. Months later, Indiana invested in our hard work and funded a state-wide launch of our campaign, "Buddy Up" into both high school and college settings. 
 

What is your favorite Best Buddies memory?

The Leadership Conferences immediately come to mind when asked about a best memory. These weekends are very rewarding in a variety of ways for anyone involved. There is a special energy throughout an leadership weekend and that is what keeps Matt [my buddy] and I returning each year. 

Matt and Evan at the 2012 Friendship Walk

Winner '2010 College Buddy Pair of the Year' at the 2010 Friendship Walk will always remain a highlight of mine as well. Wining such an award with a person like Matt is such an honor. I was completely content with the framed certificated we received, but Matt was expecting a championship wrestling best of sorts. 

   

What are you doing today?

I am currently a full-time Graphic Designer at Trends International located in Indianapolis, Indiana. I first interned at Trends thanks to Best Buddies back in the summer of 2012. Since finishing school, I have been brought back full-time. Best Buddies Indiana is a part of Trends Cares, which acts as Trends' charitable program. 

And I cannot forget about Matt. He has truly become a part of my every day agenda. The day is not complete if I have not heard from him. There is more to Matt than just being a friend and I cherish whatever it is. 

What is ONE word that make you think of Best Buddies?

Embrace.