How did you learn about Best Buddies?

Tatum: I learned about Best Buddies through my mom; she was an ASL interpreter at my high school about 12 years ago and shared an office with Greenway’s chapter advisor, Barbara Carlson, and got to witness several club meetings. My mom talked about what an amazing club it is, and encouraged my sisters and me to it once we attend high school.

Carter: I found out about Best Buddies through Tatum. She talked to me about it at lunch and asked for me to join.

Best Buddies: What does Best Buddies mean to you?  

Tatum: Best Buddies means several things to me. It means friendship, inclusion, and an endless amount of happiness. The friendships I have made through this organization are the ones I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, and has created an internal happiness that I won’t find anywhere else.

Carter: What Best Buddies means to me is making friends and being able to fit in.

Best Buddies: What have you learned from your involvement in Best Buddies?

Tatum: Best Buddies has taught me that having different abilities in a friendship shouldn’t matter. No matter the challenges that Carter may face in life, our friendship isn’t determined by them. I have learned to be more patient, accepting, and understanding of all people, and I give all the credit to Best Buddies.

Carter: From Best Buddies I have learned many social skills like being able to socialize with my peers. I also have learned how to be more mature.

Best Buddies: How has Best Buddies changed your life?

Tatum: My life has changed because of Best Buddies in almost every way. Before joining this organization I dreamed of becoming a performer. After Best Buddies, I dream of becoming a speech pathologist. Joining my school’s chapter and meeting all the people involved in the organization has made me realize that I need to help and return the favor to the community that changed how I view everything in my life. I want to be of service to my community.

Carter: Best Buddies has changed my life in making me feel included and feel like a high schooler.

Best Buddies: Why would you encourage others to get involved in Best Buddies?

Tatum: I encourage others to start being involved in Best Buddies in hopes that their lives will be turned upside down in the best way possible, like it did to me. I also want people to be involved to see what great things the IDD community can do and to have them be included in today’s society, for the sole purpose of having these great individuals be appreciated in the world.

Carter: I would want others to join Best Buddies because it’s fun and makes me feel happy!

—

Visit bestbuddies.org/celebrate to learn how you can join our #BestBuddiesMonth celebration throughout the month of March!