Finding Their Buddy System

Adi Coleman learns, helps, and grows through Peer

and I do unified football and Best Buddies and I get to meet so many more people. Get to meet more buddies, and meet more of the partner athletes.”

Coleman says that the teachers are “great and are always very helpful” to both her and the students.

“To create those friendships and work with them is so great because they are awesome people,” she added.

Coleman says that she has created a “special connection” with several of the students, including freshman Atlas Kaufmann.

Coleman says that Atlas helped her grow and learn how to be a better Peer.

“And I got to really see him grow,” she said.

Coleman mainly spent time with Atlas who “loves music” in the starting bass/tenor choir, Sound Check.

“He wouldn’t really sing without a prompt in choir, but he loves music. And so, when he started singing and being more enthusiastic about getting into his music and then shining super bright on the stage when we had Sound Check, that was really cool,” she said.

Coleman says she has learned to work with people in many different ways and that Peer has taught her that there are so many different types of people.

“I would explain Peer as a great opportunity to get to know some awesome students,” Coleman said. “As you help them learn, you learn so many amazing things as well from them. The students have demonstrated their strength and perseverance through the various activities I aid them with. I love getting to grow with the students as they grow, too. Getting to see them learn a new skill, conquer a task, or come out of their shell over time is such a cool thing to be a part of. It is such a rewarding class and [joining Peer] is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”