A group of hardworking and unique students returned from a major learning experience to teach people with disabilities inclusion and independence.

Meeting some of your best friends and growing together is what the Best Buddies program is all about. This dedicated group of local students just returned from putting those words into action at an international leadership conference in Bloomington, Indiana.

“I really, really loved it a lot. I can’t believe how mature and responsible I am,” said student Claire McLaughlin.

The first hurdle to clear though — was just getting there!

“We were supposed to fly down on the day of the IT outage. A flight turned into a bus ride —which got canceled — which turned into us driving down, and the students handled it with ease,” said mentor Josh Miles. “Just every single change that was frustrating and challenging, and they took it all in stride.”

Once they arrived, the students and mentors dove right into the workshops on independence, job training, and advocacy for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as plenty of fun activities.

“I learned a lot about how to be a good leader and how to do a lot of fun things for my chapter,” said student Lilly Keen.

“I learned to be included from my whole entire friends to be included in Best Buddies,” added student Katie Frost.

The goal of the conference and the Best Buddies program is to improve these young leaders’ relationships, communication, and self-pride — giving them the best shot at achieving their dreams.

“I want to be a pop star,” said student Diego Santiago. “Be famous and spectacular!”

“Just seeing them be in an environment where they’re able to grow beyond what they might be able to in a lot of other areas is just incredible, and it makes me really proud of them and all they’re able to do,” Miles said.

The students say they are ready to learn more about how to care for themselves, and their peers, and to make sure “every buddy belongs.”

“I like it when everyone is trying to evolve with the Best Buddies program,” said student Liz Waltz. “I want to learn that different people can be everyone who we are.”

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