Leadership Development

“Being a part of Best Buddies is giving me a chance to get to know and become friends with a lot of new people. I am a leader for my chapter and help others learn how they can be leaders for Best Buddies, too.

I serve as the Buddy Director for the Chapter at Maryville University, and am on the Advisory Board. Being a leader is important and so is being a good friend. I try to help other people like me get involved with my chapter and make new friends. When I see someone alone I always try to include them, especially when they are new to my chapter.

Best Buddies is like a family to me. My friends have helped me believe in myself and show people all of the amazing things I am really good at like being a DJ, break dancing and talking to groups about Best Buddies. The young kids always ask questions and really like when I talk with them. I also like to make them laugh and am helping them be more understanding of people who are different than them.

Since being a part of Best Buddies in 2016 it has helped me learn how to overcome challenges, especially on how to sharing my feelings with others in a positive way.

My abilities are what makes me special and my friends at Best Buddies help me dream higher and reach for my goals.”