Members of SMU Best Buddies awaited patiently for their buddies to run home to the Phi Delta Theta house on Wednesday, Nov. 5. At 7:30 p.m., members lined the entryway with balloons and confetti, forming an energetic tunnel to welcome the buddies home.
Best Buddies has established its roots across the country, with numerous chapters in high schools and universities. The organization pairs university students with a buddy who has special needs, promoting inclusion and bonding.
Chapter president Lola Lindroos participated in Best Buddies throughout middle and high school, and continued her involvement at SMU.
“Best Buddies has always been a big part of my life,” Lindroos said. “It’s been such a privilege being president.”
The inaugural event for every Best Buddies chapter is the Match Party, which kicks off the events for the year. This year’s theme resembled bid day, with buddies running home to a chapter member. Once all buddies were paired, everyone gathered at Hughes-Trigg for a celebration with snacks and games.
Because each buddy has preferences on sound, noise level and lighting, Lindroos ensured that every buddy’s needs were met as they ran through the entryway.
As each member embraced their buddy, they spent time getting to know each other. SMU sophomore Charlotte Smith talked with her buddy, Ashley Chaffin, sharing stories of their experiences with Best Buddies.
Smith was inspired to join Best Buddies due to her previous experience in high school, and felt compelled to continue her work while at SMU. Chaffin was thrilled to meet Smith.
“She’s sweet, kind and gorgeous,” Chaffin said. “I’m excited to get together and do something, just hanging out.”
A few feet away, Lucas Aga and his buddy Jackson Clapp bonded as if they were long time friends, despite meeting each other for the first time, at the Match Party. For Aga, he knew he’d become a member of Best Buddies once he started at SMU.
“I have several family members with special needs, so I learned to connect with them early on,” Aga said. “Then, transmitting that through Best Buddies has been really cool.”
Clapp mirrored Aga’s energy, enjoying his presence and connecting with him easily.
“We didn’t know each other until today, but he’s so cool,” Clapp said. “I’m excited to hang out and keep talking.”
As Lindroos led chapter members and their buddies to Hughes-Trigg, sounds of laughter and conversation followed.
“With all the work we’ve put in, seeing it go successfully with the smiles on all the buddies’ faces was beautiful,” Lindroos said. “I’m looking forward to this every year from here on out.”
