BEST BUDDIES

Johanna, 13 Years Old

Best Buddies is a program that anyone with a kind and fresh heart would be interested in participating in.

What exactly IS Best Buddies? Best Buddies is a program that is offered in schools across America, in which students become friends with other students who have disabilities. The program is set up with meetings, that occur about every other month or so. At the first meeting, each participant fills out a worksheet about what kind of person they are, what kind of buddy they are interested in, and how commited they will be to the program. At the next meeting, buddies are paired together, and they quickly get to know each other. During the rest of the school year, you do fun activities at the meetings, such as crafts, games, and attending schools functions. You also keep in touch with your buddy out of school frequently, and do things such as hang out, talk on the phone, and e-mail.

I have gotten so much out of Best Buddies, and hope that more and more teens will become affiliated with this program. Through it, I have learned that people who are differently abled physically, aren't always differently abled in every other way. My buddy, who I have become very close with, has a loving family, hobbies that are like mine, and a best friend; just like the average teen. Through Best Buddies, not only have I learned loads of information, but I have also made a close friend, that will stay my friend long after Best Buddies.

To learn more about the program of Best Buddies, and hows to start a Best Buddies chapter at your school, visit www.bestbuddies.org