Leadership Development

My name is Jake Reisberg and I am an Ambassador with Best Buddies Pennsylvania. I am a college student on the autistic spectrum who just recently finished at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and started at Montgomery County Community College.

I graduated from PW in 2015, but stayed two additional years for transition services through the special education program.

When I started school at Plymouth Whitemarsh (PW), my social skills were very low, I had trouble connecting with peers and I didn’t have many friends. One of my teachers recommended that I join Best Buddies. I was unsure at first.

I realized later that it was a great move, because in the six years that I was involved with Best Buddies at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, I improved my social skills and began to be more confident around other people.  I now have many friends who, even though some are away at college, I still meet up with during school breaks.

My last year at PW, our Program Manager asked me to attend an ambassador training. I thought it was another great step for me in expanding and working on my social skills. Now I am an Ambassador. I attend Ambassador trainings and practice my speeches.

This year I spoke at TasteBuds in Philadelphia. Being an Ambassador pushes me out of my comfort zone.  I also attend events at Colonial Middle School, where I assist the advisor with activities. I am a role model for younger students like me.