This is my first year with Playing For Others. I learned about it from one of my best friends who had been a part of it since the very beginning. I came to the Arts Festival Weekend last year to see Honk and fell in love with the organization. After applying, interviewing, and being accepted to participate, I attended the fall retreat. It was the most fun I have had in my life. When I got to the retreat, I met so many people in a short amount of time. The teens in PFO are extraordinary and just fun to be around. During the retreat, we had a lot of fun, and we also learned about different disabilities and how they affect people. We learned how to handle and understand children with disabilities.
On the last night of the retreat, we were able to find out the names of our buddies. My buddy’s name is Shannon. Becca Moore was partnered with me as her buddy. Our first buddy event was at the park, and we met Shannon and her family. I have learned so much from just being around her and her mother.
Not only does PFO stress the importance of acceptance, but it also teaches teens the value of leadership. I have learned so much about how a non-profit organization is run. I have had many responsibilities that help me mature and develop personally. Playing for Others has been and continues to be a phenomenal experience, one that I hope many more teens experience.
