Stories
Zach Smith’s Story
Before becoming involved with Best Buddies, Zach was not very socially active and did not participate in many extracurricular activities. After joining his high school Best Buddies chapter during freshman year, that all changed. Zach made tons of friends, went to parties, and even was named the Best Buddies Buddy Director at his school. This led Zach to have the chance to catch a touchdown pass from Tom Brady at the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port event in Boston, which Zach says was one of the best moments of his life. From there, Zach went on to join his college Best Buddies chapter and to live and work in New York City. Zach is currently part of the Jobs program and is also matched in a one-to-one friendship in the Citizens program.
One of the biggest challenges Zach faced in 2021 was trying to find a Job. After graduating college in May 2020, he did not have much luck getting responses or invitations to interview. That’s when the Best Buddies Jobs team came in. The New York City Jobs team supported Zach in finding employment as a GSIS Statistician at the National Football League (NFL) headquarters, which has been a perfect fit and huge growth opportunity.
“My life has improved in so many aspects since securing my job at the NFL,” says Zach. “Not only have I developed amazing social relationships with my co-workers, but I’m now living on my own for the first time in my life. I’m responsible for paying my own rent, cleaning, buying groceries, and figuring out transportation around the city. Not only has my position at the NFL brought me the tasks that a job provides, but has made it so that I have more responsibilities to succeed now that I’m living on my own in the largest city in the U.S.”
In this role, Zach is responsible for the support, audit, and process of all NFL and NCAA game statistics for the 2021 season. The skills he has learned have been predominantly technical, but what he loves the most is getting to watch football on Sundays with his co-workers.
When describing his experience, Zach says, “Being in an NFL-related job is one thing, but when you add amazing people to work with in that environment, it doesn’t get better than that. Best Buddies has helped me improve my social communication skills, establish close friendships, attend many fun events, and find a job I love. I am very thankful for the opportunities and support Best Buddies has given me since joining.”
Trinity Hogben and Megan Phelps’s Story
“Where do I even begin? Best Buddies has opened so many doors for me – but most importantly, it has shown me the road to inclusion and friendship. I have met my lifelong best friend, Megan.
In seventh grade during gym class, I noticed a girl about my height with long dirty blonde hair that always seemed to be off on her own. That day, I decided to go over and talk to her. This girl was not ordinary, she was extraordinary. She was shy and quiet at first but once I got to know her, she was a bundle of energy, light and positivity. I did notice, though, that she didn’t speak. Later on, I would find out that she could talk but chose not to. Megan has what is known as selective mutism autism. She chooses not to talk in public places due to her social anxiety. This disability does not define her, it is only a part of her story. Getting to know her more and more everyday was so much fun. As our friendship grew, I discovered Best Buddies. We joined Best Buddies together and never did we think a single club could impact us so much.
We walked across the stage together on the day of our eighth grade graduation, we entered high school together, and have been through everything life has thrown us – together. Before I met Megan, I never knew how incomplete my heart was. Megan was that last puzzle piece to my heart. Whenever we can, we are together. See me texting on my phone? I’m probably texting Megan. See pictures of me on social media? Guaranteed they are with Megan.
A few words from my best buddy, but most importantly my best friend: “Best Buddies has helped me gain friendships and experiences that I never had before. Before I met Trinity, I was very lonely. Since Trinity and I met we are best friends, we love to spend time together doing fun things. I get to participate in more activities than I did before. I am included – I love Trinity and I’m glad she is my best friend.
My love for Megan grows and grows day by day. We are so close that she has started talking to me outside of school. After joining Best Buddies, I realized how many people in the world were looking for the Megan to their Trinity. Best Buddies allows everyone to have a friend, no matter who you are or what you are capable of.
Being the person who puts a smile on someone’s face is definitely the best feeling ever.”– Trinity Hogben
Learn More: https://www.bestbuddies.org/what-we-do/featured-profiles/