When Avery started at Upper Arlington High School, she knew there was something missing. She missed hanging out with the friends she made at Hastings Middle School where she helped start a Best Buddies Friendship Chapter. She set out to start a Best Buddies Friendship Chapter in her high school as well.

Mikey, who had known Avery since middle school, was excited to be welcomed into an inclusive community when he started high school the following year. This was just the beginning, Avery and Mikey have been buddies for five years and graduated to the Best Buddies Friendship Chapter at Ohio State University together.

Avery has enjoyed building a long-lasting friendship with Mikey through their shared interests. She says, “Mikey and I both enjoy being active and love music. We attend various Best Buddies events at Ohio State University, and we also especially love getting ice cream and playing sports together.”

Mikey shares Avery’s appreciation for their friendship, saying, “Avery is such a great buddy. She talks with me, is very accepting, kind, dependable, and laughs with me! She treats me with respect! I love her so much!”

Avery feels lucky to be friends with Mikey. She says, “Mikey is one of the most kind, caring, people I know. He is always a smiling face to have around and truly cares about me and how I am doing! Mikey makes sure to attend events that are important to me, especially my musicals, which I believe he has been to nearly 10 of them!”

True friendship isn’t the only thing they found in Best Buddies, both Mikey and Avery gained additional benefits from their participation. Mikey shares, “Being a part of Best Buddies has taught me how to be more independent and confident. Through my trusting relationship with Avery, I have learned how to be a good friend by following her genuine example. I am grateful for this program and look forward to continuing the OSU Best Buddies program with Avery!”

Best Buddies has further enriched Avery’s life in other ways as well. She says, “Through various leadership roles I’ve had, I’ve learned how to stay organized, communicate well with others, coordinate events, fundraise large amounts of money, and most importantly how to make sure everyone feels included. Through my friendship with Mikey, I have learned what attributes I should look for in a friend, and how to be there for a friend no matter what.”

Long-lasting friendships can be rare. Participating in Best Buddies allowed Avery and Mikey to form a special bond that has supported their social and educational growth from middle school all the way to college.

Are you interested in getting involved in Best Buddies? Visit: bestbuddies.org/join or contact Ohio@bestbuddies.org for more information.