Ryen McRoberts (pictured right) is a junior at Southeast Polk High School has been involved with Best Buddies since her freshman year of 2023. During her sophomore year she was matched with her buddy, Daniel (pictured left). They have had a 1-1 friendship for 2 years now! Ryen says that she has found her purpose and has created a bond with each 105 members in the Best Buddies Southeast Polk High School club.

“This club has shown me that inclusion is not just a word, it is the actions of each person involved with best buddies. I have learned more about myself, and how much life should be cherished. I have learned that the world isn’t always nice, yet each buddy always greets me with a smile. I have learned how strong everyone is.” Ryen stated.

Ryen believes that everyone’s differences are unique, beautiful, and most importantly powerful. The club means absolutely everything to Ryen.

“I love this chapter in my life and couldn’t imagine myself not being involved in this amazing organization.” Ryen said.

Ryen was led to become a chapter leader by her drive to create success in places that she was passionate about. She has always felt like a leader growing up. During her first year in Best Buddies, she realized she wanted to change. She wanted to make Best Buddies at her school better, she wanted to push each person as much as she could to become so they could become the solid foundation which their buddies and guardians deserved.

“I wanted people even those not in best buddies to see these individuals as the humans they are”. Ryen said.

When Ryen became the Chapter President, she made it clear to herself what her one goal was to get out of her next two years of high school. Ryen was determined to revamp Best Buddies for the buddies so they felt like they belonged in, that the club would resemble the fight for inclusion. During Ryen’s first year, she did not get paired into a 1-1 friendship, and she instantly knew how it felt to not feel like she belonged. She made it a point to never forget how their members feel as inclusion is with everyone no matter who they are.

Ryen shared, “I have always told myself with this role I am not trying to get people’s approval, or that this is the best club or the best it could be, I wanted our buddy’s happiness to show what this club is doing.”

Ryen’s message for people who have IDD is that she hopes everyone remembers that in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

“Keep going everyone, keep reaching new levels, and continue to let yourself be the reason someone feels like they belong.”