The difficulty of high school often leads students to search for positive, relaxing environments found in clubs. As the president of Best Buddies, junior Kate Crimmings understands the importance of the availability of a welcoming environment for everyone.

Crimmings joined Best Buddies as a freshman but was not heavily involved until her sophomore year. Once she applied as a junior, Crimmings was elected chapter president and devoted herself to spreading Best Buddies’ mission: inclusion.

“I joined Best Buddies because of [my uncle], because I knew there were other people out there like him who didn’t get the same accepting environment that he was getting from our family,” Crimmings said. “His disability does not define him at all, but I knew there were people out there who felt like their disabilities defined who they are because of the people around them.”

The idea of accepting everyone for who they are is one of the pillars of Best Buddies. Crimmings wants everyone, including those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, to accept themselves and others.

“[Some people] didn’t feel comfortable with how they are,” Crimmings said, a concept she wanted to change.

Crimmings’ involvement with Best Buddies coincides with her everyday life and she welcomes the connection. She advocates the mission of Best Buddies every day by creating a positive atmosphere wherever she goes.

“Best Buddies has impacted me to promote the mission wherever I am and just make sure everyone is accepted and that their abilities far surpass their disabilities, whoever they are,” Crimmings said.

Crimmings’ leadership role in Best Buddies has changed the environment according to Best Buddies officer junior Katelyn Li.

“I think [Crimmings’] leadership is a lot different than last year’s in a great way,” Li said. “We’ve managed to accomplish so many great things this year.”

Crimmings and Li encourage others to join Best Buddies through their online website.

“I’m not trying to sound biased, but I think Best Buddies is different than most clubs because you’re joining the club to meet people you might not have met before, and I know that’s like every club, but these people are so kindhearted and they just change your life,” Crimmings said.