McKenna Hart (left of picture) and Natalia Vorbotsov (right of picture) have been in Best Buddies and have been matched since the fall of 2024. Both members were not familiar with the UNI Best Buddies program until they were hosting a recruiting event at a Special Olympics competition. Natalia first heard about Best Buddies from some of her colleagues and participants at the workplace, which is an enrichment and caregiving center for children and adults with special needs.

“Best Buddies also aligns with the career path I’m in school for, which is special-education teaching. At UNI’s student-org fair my freshman year, I decided to seek out more information at their table and learn about becoming a member. Three semesters later, I know I made the right choice!” Natalia shared.

McKenna joined the UNI Best Buddies program mid-year and attended a couple events which she thoroughly enjoyed. The next year McKenna officially joined at the beginning of the year and was matched with her UNI buddy Natalia.

Some achievements and milestones the pair have completed while being a part of Best Buddies is that McKenna has made numerous friends at Best Buddies. She enjoys participating in the activities. McKenna and Natalia zoom once a week when they do not have an activity planned, and McKenna will grab her iPad and say “Her call!” meaning she wants to talk with her friend Natalia. Natalia is currently on the leadership team at UNI Best Buddies, and she is the treasurer of the program. Natalia has learned about and been responsible for receiving, logging, and transferring chapter dues from fellow college members. Another responsibility of hers has been for fellow board members to choose an event to take the lead per semester. Natalia oversaw their golf cart-decorating party for UNI Homecoming, which was driven along the parade route as they walked with other student orgs and UNI-affiliated groups.

“Being a part of this leadership team has been an exciting experience.” Natalia shared.

Natalia has many stories while being a part of Best Buddies, whether it be the Halloween-Costume Party, Prom, or Homecoming Parade, Natalia says it is easy to have fun with McKenna and our other community and college buddies. Natalia also enjoys visiting McKenna at her bowling and basketball meets through Special Olympics.

“McKenna’s enthusiasm for activities and her outgoing nature when socializing is contagious, and I value our friendship!” Natalia says.

Mckenna says every activity is fun! McKenna loves seeing all her friends and Natalia is always ready to join in on the fun. According to the pair, the UNI Homecoming Parade was amazing, they both had a great time waving to all the parade goers!

McKenna’s message that she would like to share with others in the community about the importance of inclusion and friendships is that The UNI Best Buddy program is a very well-planned program that offers individuals an opportunity to make friendships with others. Natalia’s message that she would like to share with others in the community about the importance of inclusion and friendships is that diversity should always be accepted and valued. Whether it be in school, the workplace, or recreational activities, everyone deserves to feel like they belong.

“Everyone deserves to reach their potential and goals. Everyone deserves a safe space to be their authentic selves. Best Buddies supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in these ways, and it’s been so fulfilling to help carry out the mission of inclusion and friendship”. Natalia says.