{"id":179359,"date":"2024-04-04T10:12:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T14:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=179359"},"modified":"2024-04-04T10:12:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T14:12:23","slug":"meet-advisory-board-member-dr-valerie-strange-3-2-2-2-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/connecticut\/star-participant-caroline-sweeny","title":{"rendered":"Star Participant: Caroline Sweeny – A Beacon of Friendship and Inclusion with Best Buddies"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”179360″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]In the rich tapestry of college experiences, some threads shine brighter than others, weaving stories of friendship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to inclusivity. Caroline Sweeny’s journey with Best Buddies at Fairfield University isn’t just a chapter of her college years\u2014it’s a radiant constellation of warmth and connection.<\/p>\n

Caroline’s tale with Best Buddies unfurled during her freshman year at Fairfield University amidst the daunting landscape of the 2020 pandemic. This era of isolation prompted many to seek solace in unexpected places, and for Caroline, that solace came in the form of Best Buddies\u2014a beacon of hope and camaraderie. Despite the virtual setting at the time, the community she found resonated deeply with her. Fairfield students and buddies, each in their own homes, formed a tight-knit bond of support and excitement that transcended physical distance. It was in this virtual embrace that Caroline found herself welcomed with open arms, greeted by enthusiasm and joy that cut through the challenging times.<\/p>\n

\"Caroline<\/p>\n

In her sophomore year, Caroline was paired with her buddy, Daniel\u2014a meeting that sparked a friendship filled with magic. As they sat down together for the first time, they discovered a shared love for wrestling, sports, and the simple joys of life. Their bond blossomed quickly, and they remained matched in a one-to-one friendship throughout Caroline’s senior year. From bowling nights with friends to dinners at the Stag Diner, Caroline and Daniel embraced every moment with laughter and genuine affection.<\/p>\n

Their friendship extended beyond scheduled events. Caroline eagerly drove to Daniel’s house for movie nights and pizza extravaganzas, each gathering a testament to the depth of their connection. But it was the little gestures that truly defined their bond. Caroline made sure Daniel felt cherished, especially on his birthday, which she marked with heartfelt celebrations, driving up from her hometown in New Jersey to be by his side.<\/p>\n

At Fairfield, Caroline and Daniel tackled challenges and celebrated triumphs together, participating in Special Olympics track and softball events. For Christmas, Daniel painted a vivid picture of Caroline’s college beach house\u2014a cherished symbol of their shared memories and the enduring bond that defined their friendship.<\/p>\n

Yet, Caroline’s role within Best Buddies transcended her friendship with Daniel. A natural leader, she assumed the role of Vice President during her junior year, and now stands as the esteemed President in her senior year. Her journey began in her sophomore year when she took on the pivotal role of Friendship Coordinator, solidifying her commitment to fostering connections and inclusivity within the Best Buddies community.<\/p>\n

\"Daniels<\/p>\n

A transformative moment arrived during a local Leadership Conference in Boston during the summer of 2022. Here, Caroline witnessed the unwavering passion and dedication of fellow officers and buddies\u2014a flame of inspiration that ignited her own aspirations. Recalling the Chapter President she had admired as an undergraduate, Caroline felt a profound pull to contribute, to become a driving force in the mission of Best Buddies.<\/p>\n

When asked what she is most proud of, Caroline’s eyes glimmer with genuine joy. Making matches, getting buddies involved in campus events like basketball games, and nurturing a close-knit chapter filled with positivity and inclusivity\u2014these achievements define her journey with Best Buddies. But above all, it’s the genuine friendships, the heartwarming connections that have left an indelible mark on her heart.<\/p>\n

\"Friends<\/p>\n

For Caroline, Best Buddies isn’t just a club\u2014it’s a lifeline of happiness and purpose, the heartbeat of her college experience. As she reflects on her four transformative years, Caroline’s voice resonates with gratitude and love.<\/p>\n

“Best Buddies is what makes Fairfield and my whole college experience so wonderful for me and gave me such a great 4 years,” Caroline shares with heartfelt sincerity. Her eyes twinkle with the memories of laughter, shared victories, and the profound impact of friendship.<\/p>\n

As she continues to lead with grace and compassion, Caroline remains a shining example of the Best Buddies mission\u2014a beacon of friendship and inclusion, lighting the way for all who cross her path. In her, we find the essence of what it means to create a world of genuine connections and lifelong friendships. Caroline Sweeny, a name etched in the heart of Best Buddies and the lives she has touched\u2014a testament to the enduring power of friendship.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Caroline Sweeny: Best Buddies leader, fostering inclusivity, friendship, and lifelong connections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2080,"featured_media":179360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"ct-single-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[465,461],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-179359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-connecticut","category-connecticut-news"],"yoast_head":"\nStar Participant: Caroline Sweeny - A Beacon of Friendship and Inclusion with Best Buddies - Best Buddies International<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/connecticut\/star-participant-caroline-sweeny\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Star Participant: Caroline Sweeny - 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