I step into their classroom daily and am instantly greeted with the warm and caring environment which engulfs me. My presence does not go unnoticed and I am greeted by one of the students with a welcoming, “Hello!” I become instantaneously part of their community. This community is not based on popularity or on what other people like or think, rather it is a community based on friendship, support, and a caring for others found within the heart. There exists a powerful language throughout the community that only those who are a part of it can understand. The language is one of smiles and laughter, which bonds everyone in the community closely together. This community is the classroom of those with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Over the last two years I joined this community, through the Best Buddies Club, and have volunteered to help foster friendship between the students (“Buddies”) and myself. I hope to make these special students at my high school feel valued, appreciated, and included in the school community and the lives of others. During the numerous volunteer hours I spend with the students I have learned valuable life lessons that have helped me overall to become a more caring, understanding, and compassionate person.

All of the students in the Best Buddies classroom were born with either an intellectual or physical disability. Some of the students have autism, others, down syndrome, while others are deaf. These students emulate the concept of caring about others no matter what some people may think of them. Some of the Buddies are so positive and uplifting they truly believe that they can overcome their disability. Sometimes I find it painful to watch these students as they courageously struggle to learn, since many of them do not have the capabilities I am blessed with. What the Buddies do possess is a rare acceptance and sense of love that is not often found in other people. My Buddies have the unique ability to love life despite the obstacles they must overcome and to live every moment to the fullest.

I sit in class as one of the children with intellectual disabilities comes to empty the recycle bin. He is one of the quieter Buddies, yet I wave to him enthusiastically through the window. He sees me and a smile spreads across his face, and in his own way, he waves back. Everyone in my class looks at me stunned, as if I should not be talking to or associating with the Buddies. I smile, for deep down inside I know we are all human beings and each of us deserves the same amount of respect and acceptance as others.

I sit down at the lunch table, surrounded by Buddies. I begin to talk to them, just as I would with my other friends. We discuss their likes and dislikes. One of the girls talks about Yu-Gi-Oh and another talks about Justin Bieber. It feels refreshing to be with the Buddies and not be judged based upon what others think or what I may like or dislike. I feel free to say exactly what I think and how I feel knowing I will not be judged, as I might be in my usual classroom setting. The Buddies have opened my eyes and taught me how to be myself and not be so concerned about what other people may think.

I walk into the library and notice one of the Buddies is sitting alone at a table. I glide toward him and sit down at the table with him. He does not possess the ability to read, yet, he is looking through a book. As he looks up at me he says hello, addressing me by my full name. Then he asks me to confirm for him that my birthday is on the day he remembers it to be on.  I shared this information about myself with him about a year ago and he still has not forgotten the information. Not only does he remember this information about me but he has also retained birthday information about many others who interact with him. He is one of the Buddies with an amazing memory who seems incredibly intelligent. Although he cannot read a book he possesses this unique memory trait that makes him, in his own way, a very special person. This Buddy exemplifies the distinct, amazing, characteristics each human being possesses irrespective of one’s limited learning capacity.

I walk by one of the Buddies in the hall. He gives me a high five and starts a conversation with me. He reminds me how many days we have until another one of our big Best Buddy events will occur. A smile spreads across my face as I show my excitement for the upcoming event as well. I am so happy and satisfied that the time I spend planning Best Buddy events makes their day and provides them with positive experiences and interactions with other members of the school’s community. I feel rewarded and fortunate that my contributions are highlights within the Buddies’ lives. I am convinced that my efforts and time commitment are well spent and are having a tremendously positive impact on the Buddies.

One of the Buddies sits with me on the bus. She is excited and chipper about the events of the day. A song comes on the radio that my Buddy likes to hear. She immediately begins singing and dancing along with the music. I find myself joining in her fun and I have a great time doing so. Once the song is over we both laugh at our silliness. Later that day I realize how the fun I have with my Buddy is genuine. Although the Buddies I interact with have a variety of limitations, unlike other students, they have the ability and capacity to fully enjoy all people and a variety of activities. The Buddies have helped me to understand the true meaning of life and what it means to live life to the fullest.

I am driving home with one of the Buddies after a day of bowling. As she rides along in my car, she tells me about her other bowling experiences. When she finishes up her story, she tells me she had a great time with me today and would like to hang out with me more often. I am pleased and her comments make me realize the time I spend with the Buddies is truly making a difference in their lives. These comments reassure me that all of the volunteer hours I have spent with my friends have enriched both their lives and mine. I look forward to continuing to spend additional time with my Buddies for the years I have remaining in high school and even in college.

The time I spend with children who have intellectual and physical disabilities has significantly impacted my life. These children have taught me numerous life lessons about the value, uniqueness, and varying capabilities of each human being. My exposure and interaction to the Buddies have developed my appreciation and acceptance of all human beings. My life is richer for having known the Buddies and they have helped me to become a better person. Most importantly of all, the children have taught me that deep within we are all the same. It is only if we reach far enough within ourselves that we are capable of demonstrating the love, compassion, and acceptance we all seek no matter what the capabilities or challenges are which exist within us.