Service Learning-Buddies Program

For my service learning experience I have been volunteering with the BYU Idaho Buddies program.
The program is incredible! Each month, I get to spend a couple of hours with a buddy who has special needs. We have gotten to do a lot of fun activities together, like having a luau and feeding the ducks at a local park.

I am always amazed at how open and loving these people can be. There was a boy who I had never met before, and he just came up to me and gave me a hug and talked to me. No hesitation, just pure acceptance and love. I have felt this with each person that I have worked with there. I found myself wishing that this was how everyone could be all the time!

One of the things that I love about the program is that the people that attend are all so kind and loving to one another, and this is such an important part of communication. When people feel loved and when they help other people feel loved, communication is facilitated. Everyone is free to be him or herself and to express the opinions that they have without worrying about being judged. I feel that communication is so effective among the people there. I also feel that there are so many people who don’t know how to communicate with or even act around people that have disabilities. They are people too, with likes, dislikes, and interests. I think that just reaching out and being friendly can go along way when it comes to someone with a disability. You do need to be sure to not overstep your bounds though, as some people really need and appreciate their space.

I love this program! It has been an amazing experience to work with such incredible individuals. I am so excited to continue to volunteer with them throughout the semester, and I want to continue with the program in future semesters to come. I feel that I get to learn something new every time that I spend my time with these people, so I am really the one who benefits from the program!