Carley Stubbs is a junior majoring in Communication Science and Disorders and serves as the chapter president of Best Buddies at Florida State University (FSU). After graduation, she hopes to work as a speech pathologist for children who have disabilities. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carley and got to learn why Best Buddies means so much to her!
Her Campus (HC): What is Best Buddies? What made you get involved?
Carley Stubbs (CS): Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). I grew up with a cousin who has a disability, and my mom was a special education teacher. I have always been passionate about people with disabilities because of my early exposure and knowledge. My first year of high school is when I started to get involved.
HC: Can you tell me about the events you put on throughout the year?
CS: Each month we hold a chapter party, fundraiser, a Life Skills Session and collaborated events with organizations at FSU.
HC: How does the buddy system work, and what kinds of activities do members do with their buddies?
CS: In September, our peer buddy interviews are conducted by the membership team. A peer buddy is a one-to-one friendship with an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability. We also have associate members paired up with a buddy and a peer buddy to form a buddy family. The goal of the club is the friendships that are made. The buddy pairs and buddy families hang out at the events, and most of the pairs hang out outside the events. The buddy pairs do activities just like a typical friendship; they go shopping, watch movies, get food and go to sporting events.
HC: Can you share a favorite memory that you’ve had with a buddy?
CS: Attending the Friendship Walk this past April is a memory that sticks out. I bonded with my friend Josh who is now my buddy this year. It was so much fun being there with the whole chapter and playing football with my buddy Josh.
HC: What are some of your responsibilities as president?
CS: At the end of my sophomore year, the transition into the presidential role kicked off. I conducted interviews and chose the outstanding 20 leadership board members we have for this year. Within each position, I guide and delegate the roles to meet the goals. I also lead weekly executive meetings, in addition to one-on-one sessions with each officer.
HC: Have you faced any challenges during your time as president and if so, how did you overcome these challenges?
CS: Yes, I have faced challenges as president. The biggest challenge was at the beginning of the year. With only a few returning executive members and my involvement with FSU Best Buddies for only one year, I had a lot to learn. During my transition to running the club, I was definitely intimidated by such a large role, but my passion and motivation reassured me that I could meet the goals of the organization.
HC: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned while in this position?
CS: I have learned so much already as president of Best Buddies. Managing a club with almost 300 members can be very busy. The job has taught me how to be an efficient leader, while also balancing my role with being a student. Through my dedication, it has also shown me how passionate I am about this organization and advocating for people with disabilities.
HC: Why do you think Best Buddies is an important organization to have on FSU’s campus?
CS: Best Buddies makes Florida State University more inclusive. Without Best Buddies, people with an intellectual or developmental disability might not get opportunities like a friendship, a community, a place to belong or leadership skills. Best Buddies on campus also creates open minds, education, a community and friendships for members.
HC: How can students get involved?
CS: Students can always get involved in Best Buddies. If they’re interested, they can attend an event or email fsubestbuddies@gmail.com.
You can keep up with Best Buddies and find out information about their events throughout the year by following them on Instagram @fsubestbuddies.
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