Miami Student

Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: Campus

Members of Miami's chapter of Best Buddies develop a relationship with their buddy, whom they contact on a weekly basis. Last Sunday, the group went to an improv comedy show performed by Smarty Pants Theater in Art 100.

Miami University students are becoming "best buddies" with certain members of the Oxford and Hamilton community, and so far the result has been laughter and understanding.

Members of the Miami chapter of Best Buddies-the group in which students pair up with intellectually disabled individuals-sponsored lunch at the Shriver Center Sunday, followed by a free improvisational theater performance of Smarty Pants Theater at the Art Building.

"Having lunches at Shriver is a good way to get students involved in the community and to integrate our buddies with intellectual disabilities in the community," said Best Buddies Director Lauren Terakedis.

Best Buddies, was created at Miami in 2004 and reaches out to "buddies" from the Oxford and Hamilton area. The buddies range in age from seniors in high school to men and women in their 40s and 50s. According to Terakedis, members and students develop a one-on-one relationship with their buddy in an effort to facilitate tolerance and understanding.

This was the second year that Miami's Best Buddies invited Smarty Pants Theater, a Dayton-based improv comedy troupe whose shows are written by the audience in a style similar to the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

Amanda Eckhart, who graduated in December but is still in town, went to see the show with her buddy, Donna.

"It was lots of fun, we got to get together and act silly," Eckhart said.

Eckhart said the group took volunteers from the crowd to participate in the show.

Since 2004, Terakedis said the organization has collaborated with the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) to provide monthly events for students and their buddy, including a Miami hockey social event, Miami basketball game, dances, banquets and bowling.

Terakedis said she met her buddy, Michelle, at a fishing get-together, where Michelle caught a catfish.

"(Michelle) is always smiling and fun, she can change your day," Terakedis said.

Eckhart agreed that the relationships formed in Best Buddies are vastly rewarding.

"The friendship I have with my buddy is the best part of being in Best Buddies," Eckhart said. "I call her when I have a bad day and she has such a positive look on life. She puts me in a better mood, all of the buddies do."

Anyone is welcome to join Best Buddies, and those wanting more information can contact Terakedis at jterakedis@gmail.com.

Associate members attend chapter meetings and events, but members with buddies are expected to make weekly contact with their buddy and get together once a month outside of chapter meetings and events.

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