Now that school is in full swing, all the clubs here at Fordham University are starting up again. One of my favorites has to be Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a nonprofit that focuses on building one-on-one friendships, leadership opportunities and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At Fordham, the club takes on that mission and really brings it to life. Students get to meet buddies from the community, and those relationships end up meaning so much more than just a “club activity.” Best Buddies is not an organization where you meet peers with IDD, but rather where you develop meaningful bonds and friendships with the “buddies” in the community. 

What I love about Best Buddies is how it breaks down barriers. College life can feel like its own bubble: you go to class, hang out with friends, join some clubs and stay busy. Best Buddies asks you to step outside that bubble and connect with people who might have completely different experiences, but who want the same things: friendship, laughter and someone who cares about them. It doesn’t feel like charity or “helping” someone; it’s about friendship. Both sides gain something real, and it’s awesome to see how much it changes people. 

The club adds a lot to the culture at Fordham because it makes inclusion something we live out, not just something we talk about. When you see buddies and students hanging out at events, going to games or getting food together, you see what real connection looks like. Those small moments spread an even bigger message that Fordham is a place where everyone belongs.

Another cool aspect of Best Buddies is the way it teaches leadership without feeling like “leadership training.” Students take on the role of planning events, making sure their buddy feels welcome and keeping things organized. But it’s not about titles or being in charge. It’s about showing up, being dependable and leading with kindness. Those lessons stick with you way beyond Fordham. 

And honestly, Best Buddies brings out some of the best energy on campus. The events are fun, positive and full of laughter. When you’re around it, you feel the difference and it’s uplifting. It reminds everyone of what Fordham stands for: being people for others and finding ways to make sure everyone feels valued. 

What is most powerful, though, is how the club changes the way people think about inclusion. You see firsthand that people with IDD aren’t defined by their disability; they’re friends, teammates and people with amazing personalities. That perspective then spreads into other parts of life. 

With so many clubs and opportunities at Fordham, Best Buddies stands out to me because of how real its impact is. It’s not about just joining something for your resume; it’s about creating friendships and spreading a culture of kindness. That’s why Best Buddies is my favorite club and why I think it makes Fordham a better place for everyone.