Going to college means making a lot of new friends, including some unexpected ones.
The nonprofit organization Best Buddies aims to create growing friendships between people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and enthusiastic college students. This year, 20 students have applied.
“Even if you have no experience with disabilities at all, this is a great way to get involved and really meet people you would have never met in the first place,” said Morgun Hall, a student director of the U chapter of Best Buddies.
Anthony Shriver, an activist for people with intellectual disabilities, founded Best Buddies in 1989. Today, this organization has grown internationally to have more than 1,400 chapters.
The U has been involved with Best Buddies since 2001. U students who decide to volunteer sign up by filling out an application on the Best Buddies website and eventually undergo an interview and survey to determine which buddy will be assigned to them.
Most of the time, all students who apply are accepted8212;unless there are any felonies in their background that might be detrimental to the buddy.
Volunteers are required to stay for Fall and Spring semesters, making a promise to have a friend for one year. Participants must dedicate some time every two weeks to spend with their buddy.
“These buddies that we match you with are depending on you to be their friend not only once a week, not only once a minute, but all the time,” said Justin Olsen, a student director of Best Buddies.
Contacting the buddy once a week, meeting twice a month and having group activities is only the bare minimum. Students are always welcome to go the extra mile with frequent visitations, as well participating in activities that are enjoyable for both buddies.
Richard PaysonJustin Olsen, director of the Utah chapter of Best Buddies, and Mike Sundwall, a senior in Spanish, speak at the organization?s meeting Tuesday night at the Union Theater.