{"id":175719,"date":"2023-11-19T12:49:31","date_gmt":"2023-11-19T17:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=175719"},"modified":"2023-11-19T12:49:31","modified_gmt":"2023-11-19T17:49:31","slug":"breaking-barriers-the-uncharted-journey-of-bathey-fong-with-best-buddies-in-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/hawaii\/the-uncharted-journey-of-bathey-fong","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Barriers: The Uncharted Journey of Bathey Fong with Best Buddies in Hawai’i"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”175720″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Bathey Fong, a State Ambassador and Best Buddies Leadership Officer at Leeward Community College, has been an integral part of Best Buddies in Hawai\u2019i (BBHI) since 2014. Her journey with BBHI began in her 20s when her friend and Best Buddies in Hawai\u2019i Advisory Board member Tammy Evrard introduced her to the program. Tammy’s intention was simple – to help Bathey build friendships with other college students.<\/p>\n

Best Buddies, a program often unfamiliar to many parents, serves as a bridge between people with disabilities and college students. It provides opportunities for friendships and activities, offering an alternative to staying at home. Over the years, Bathey has witnessed the positive impact of BBHI, encouraging individuals to pursue higher education and explore life beyond their immediate surroundings.<\/p>\n

Bathey’s personal story adds depth to her advocacy. She grapples with learning disabilities and cerebral palsy, having faced significant challenges in her childhood. Adopted and equipped with a walker and wheelchair, the school posed difficulties due to a lack of activities. In her early years, Bathey didn’t speak up for herself, allowing others to make choices on her behalf. Tammy’s influence changed that. She pushed Bathey to assert herself, challenging her to make decisions and control her own life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t make choices for myself. It was made for me. It was hard for me to speak up for myself. I was a shy person. I didn\u2019t speak up a lot when I met Tammy,\u201d Bathey said. \u201cShe really pushed me to speak up for myself and make choices for myself. Before, I just let people control my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

High school, for Bathey, was vastly different from college. The lack of teacher relationships and support left her feeling isolated. She didn’t participate in clubs or programs, missing out on opportunities for growth. But BBHI changed the narrative, giving Bathey the courage to embrace life more fully<\/p>\n

Bathey also spent most of high school taking care of her adoptive mother. \u201cWhen my adoptive mother got sick, I took care of her even though I\u2019m the one with a disability,\u201d said Bathey. \u201cThe only thing I knew growing up was going to school, doing chores and homework. I didn\u2019t even join any clubs in elementary school or high school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now in her 30s, Bathey is determined to make the most of her college experience. Despite living in a group home, she challenges stereotypes, recognizing that not all group homes are negative environments. Her goal is clear – to finish school, secure a better job, and support people with disabilities, encouraging them to lead fulfilling lives.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Bathey envisions joining the workforce, proud of overcoming the doubts others had about her college aspirations. \u201cI\u2019m proud of myself that I pushed myself to go to college,\u201d she said. \u201cA lot of people told me that I can\u2019t go to college. I showed people who put me down that I can make it.\u201d She aspires to start her own business and become a peer support figure for those with disabilities. Bathey’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery, a testament to the transformative power of programs like Best Buddies in shaping lives and fostering inclusivity.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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