Going into my Senior year of college I have had time to reflect on my past four years as a college student. Over the past four years, I have created memories while being involved in intramural sports teams, Greek life, nursing and other clubs on campus.

While I am thankful for these clubs and activities, there is one club that will continue to be apart of my life even when I graduate. Best Buddies is the club that I will continue to reflect on and remember when I graduate. The lessons I have learned in Best Buddies over the past four years have changed my life and have empowered me.

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that pairs adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities with college/high school students across the country. In addition to creating lasting friendships, Best Buddies aim is to end the social, physical, emotional and economic isolation that millions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience every day. Through Best Buddies, individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities create meaningful relationships with peers, secure jobs in the community and live independently.

Through Best Buddies, I have been able to meet incredible students and buddies across campus and the Omaha community. I have been able to explore Omaha and make memories along the way. However, the most meaningful relationship that I have made within Best Buddies has been with my buddy, Ian. Ian and I have been paired with each other for the past four years.

During this time Ian and I have explored Omaha seeing movies, enjoying lunch dates and bowling. Ian has been an integral part of my experience here at Creighton. Because of Ian, I have made some of my favorite memories. Ian has the biggest heart and the best sense of humor. He is generous and kind. While graduate may mean the end of my time at Creighton, that does not mean that Ian and I will stop being friends. Ian will be a lifelong friend.

Best Buddies is an amazing organization because it is tearing down the stigma associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies is showing the world that just because someone is different does not mean that they are inferior. Best Buddies will always be my greatest memory and I am proud to be apart of such an amazing organization.

"Our Finish Line is Inclusion"