Meet Ashley Lee

Leadership Development

My life before Best Buddies was very simple and rather boring. Every day was repetitive
– go to school, head home, and sleep, eat and watch TV. I dreaded going to school and the only way I got through the school day was being attached to my cell phone and not being sociable.

Everything changed for me when my swim coach, who was also a Best Buddies advisor, introduced me to the Best Buddies Friendship program. He told me that he viewed me as a future leader and encouraged me to join the club. I decided to take the plunge and attended a meeting to see what it was all about. I developed a passion for Best Buddies not only during my school days, but in my everyday life! I joined Best Buddies on August 9, 2016. I became motivated and excited about being in school. I’d be so eager for the last bell to ring, not so that I could go home to sleep, eat and watch TV, but because Best Buddies chapter activities were right after school! Through this experience, my leadership qualities have strengthened. Just as my swim coach envisioned.

After being part of the chapter for a year, I had made Best Buddies a priority in my life. I knew that there was so much more to be done for our buddies and decided to run for Chapter President for the 2017-2018 school year. As a senior in high school and heading off to college, I reminisce and think to myself that I could not imagine what my life would be like today without it. I became hooked to something other than my cell phone – I was hooked on friendship! Best Buddies allowed me to become an advocative leader, build courage, and create new friendships I never imagined having.

The message I want to leave for the buddies is a quote by Albus Dumbledore,

It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be. Continue to have courage and continue to be yourself!