In the heart of Hawai’i, Teresa Luna stands as a beacon of friendship and inclusion. From her early days at Mililani High School to her current endeavors at Leeward Community College, Teresa has been a devoted member of Best Buddies in Hawai’i for the past seven years, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and its mission.

Teresa’s involvement with Best Buddies began during her high school years, where she found a supportive community that embraced diversity and celebrated friendship. Reflecting on her journey, Teresa fondly recalls her first foray into public speaking during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk last year. With a sense of pride, she remarks, “I was happy with my speech. I had worked a lot on the speech.” It was a momentous occasion for Teresa, marking her debut on the public speaking stage after months of dedicated practice.

The Friendship Walk, held at the picturesque Magic Island in Ala Moana Beach Park, served as the perfect backdrop for Teresa’s heartfelt address. Amidst the scenic surroundings and camaraderie of fellow participants, Teresa reveled in the joy of walking around and engaging in the lively warm-up activities before the walk. “I loved walking around. I had a lot of fun doing the warm-up right before the walk. It was really fun,” she says.

Teresa’s commitment to Best Buddies extends beyond the annual Friendship Walk. She’s an active member of the Best Buddies UH Mānoa Chapter. They recently hiked up Makapuu Light House trail for whale watching. Teresa cherishes every opportunity to connect with her peers and make lasting memories.

Saige Mulleitner, Teresa’s longtime friend and fellow Best Buddies participant, reflects on their enduring friendship with admiration. “She has been my classmate since middle school. I’m glad she is still around. She’s funny and fun,” says Saige.

Through her involvement with Best Buddies, Teresa has forged meaningful friendships that extend beyond the confines of formal activities. Whether it’s a casual outing to the movies or grabbing a bite to eat, Teresa treasures the moments spent with her fellow participants.

Looking ahead, Teresa is eager to continue her journey with Best Buddies, fueled by a passion for advocacy and a steadfast commitment to promoting inclusivity. As she prepares to embark on a public speaking course at her college, Teresa is poised to amplify her voice and champion the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As the upcoming Friendship Walks beckon, Teresa stands as a shining example of the transformative power of friendship.

The Friendship Walk on O’ahu is on May 11 at Magic Island. The Walk on Maui is on April 27 at Maui Mall Village. The Walk on Hawai’i Island is on April 27 at Lili’uokalani Gardens.