Wisconsin’s Ali Miner Joins The ‘Global Movement’ And Wins!
by JULIE CAAN
Best Buddies Wisconsin
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Contest winner, Ali Miner with a buddy after a fundraiser in Milwaukee. |
For Best Buddies International's "Join Our Global Movement" contest winner Ali Miner, having a Best Buddy provided not just a friendship, but a whole new outlook on life...
Saying ‘good-bye’ to summer and going back to school can be a difficult transition for anyone, but imagine starting over at a new school, in a new town, where you know no one.
Unfortunately, it’s a feeling 17 year old Ali Miner knows all too well. Originally from Iowa, she then moved with her family to Florida and is now starting over in Wisconsin.
After taking her mom’s advice, Miner decided to join her Oconomowoc high school Best Buddies chapter as a way to meet new people.
“The friendships I have made through the club are always going to be real friendships, no matter what,” said Miner.
After serving as her chapter’s treasurer, Miner was selected as the president. As president, she was given the opportunity to attend the annual Best Buddies summer Leadership Conference in Indiana. Little did she know that the conference would end up giving her a whole new perspective on life.
“Until the leadership conference, I didn’t think that any of this was having a big impact on my life, but then everything totally changed. I began to realize what really counts. When you’re going through the day, it’s just so busy that it’s easy to forget about the little things like friendship and who is really there for you,” Miner said.
After listening to speakers and sharing stories with “Buddies” from around the world, Miner became inspired to start living the Best Buddies mission in her own life. One speaker in particular got her thinking about a word that is frequently miss-used in today’s society.
“A lot of people use the ‘R’ word without really thinking about it. I don’t think people are educated enough on the meaning of that word and they need to understand what it is they’re saying and in what context,” Miner said.
So on March 3rd, her chapter will “Spread the Word to End the Word” by taking pledges and passing out cards with more appropriate words to say. March marks the start of Best Buddies Month. It is the hope of Best Buddies everywhere that through tolerance and awareness, hurtful language will come to an end. But for Miner, the best part about Best Buddies is just that, having a buddy.
“Just today I was feeling down in the dumps and Lauren [Miner’s Buddy] came up to me and gave me a hug. She made my whole day. She may not know it, but just seeing her smile at me makes everything better,” Miner said.
By participating in the ‘Our Global Movement’ campaign and sharing how Best Buddies has inspired her, Ali’s story has earned her a trip to Miami to meet Best Buddies founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver.
Way to go Ali! It is people like you that make Best Buddies an extraordinary organization across the globe. And remember, through friendship, kind words, or just a smile, anything is possible. You may just make someone’s day.
If you would like to share your victory or learn more about Best Buddies, log onto the Best Buddies International’s website and start writing! Follow Best Buddies on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about weekly topics and contest winners.
We are Best Buddies: Join our Global Movement!
facebook.com/bestbuddies | twitter.com/bestbuddiesintl | blog.bestbuddies.org |
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