Personal Narrative: Settling In By Charles Finch

“Like everyone I slipped into adulthood like a delinquent through the back door”, Charles Finch. The pivotal moment in my life was when I discovered helping others is my true passion. As a child, one’s parents guide and attempt to discover who he or she is, but at some point, every child must break away and learn for oneself.
Settling In
My freshman year in high school, I decided to join Best Buddies, a program where a high school student is paired with another student who has intellectual and developmental disabilities to build a friendship. During my first year, I learned Best Buddies is not simply a club but a family. I can vividly recall the night of my first match party (which is a gathering wherein members and buddies learn with whom they are paired). Leading up until the moment my dad gave me a reassuring nod and shove out of the car; I was full of “what ifs”. What if my buddy doesn’t like me? What if I’m paired with a boy? What if…
Learning the Ways
I began truly noticing a change in myself during my sophomore year. With my first match party under my belt, I headed to my second match party calm, cool and collected. I recognized a girl, named Carrie, who was in my gym
Despite Carrie’s misfortune, she wears a smile every day and hands out hugs like candy. After having my first experiences with Carrie, I decided to expand my horizons and help others outside of my school. I began volunteering at a program called FUSE (Families United for Support and Encouragement). They sponsor a plethora of events including an adaptive swim program, which is where I spend my time in the fall. I also joined a program at my church, SonRise, which offers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to build a Christian community. These programs have taught me how to be better a person and have truly enriched my