Sam and Jessica were first matched at Drake University three years ago. Since that time, their friendship has become more than just meeting the Best Buddies commitment their club involvement expects. Whenever Jessica mentions Sam to her friends and family, she simply says that he is her best friend, never feeling the need to explain he has a disability because – as she puts it – it doesn’t matter.

I don’t remember my life without Sam. The impact he has had on me has shaped me into a better, more positive version of myself. I am incredibly thankful for the friendship that Best Buddies has given me, and I am hopeful that staying in Des Moines after college will give me the opportunity to continue being Sam’s friend and being involved with Best Buddies.

– Jessica

Beyond just feeling comfortable with each other, Sam has accepted (and enjoys!) Jessica’s constant picture taking, and she has learned to appreciate his affinity for playing classical music in the car. They also support each other through difficult times; when Jessica made the tough decision to quit her university’s track team and when Sam had to endure physical recovery following his back surgery, they were there for each other.

To Jessica and Sam, this is what friendship is all about:  being an available friend regardless of the circumstances and always pushing each other to be better people.

Jessica says that she prefers the company of Sam, as opposed to some of her college friends, because he has the greatest intentions, and she never feels as though he judges or questions her as a person.

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