For senior Becca Wilds, choosing a career in marketing and communications came easily after being a part of Best Buddies and Special Olympics.
Wilds will be attending PennWest California in the fall, majoring in marketing and minoring in communications. She said she was inspired to take this route after joining the Best Buddies and Special Olympics executive boards.
“I posted a lot on Instagram and made a lot of digital flyers, ” Wilds said. “It really sparked my interest, and I researched more about marketing and found that it would be a great fit for me.”
Although PennWest does not have an equivalent to a Best Buddies Program, she and her future roommate, Baldwin alum Emily Nowicki, plan to start a club that focuses on inclusion next year.
Wilds got her start in Partners PE her sophomore year, where she learned about Best Buddies, unified sports, and Special Olympics programs through health and physical education teacher Timothy Laughlin.
“They initially sparked my interest because of the lasting impact they have had on others,” Wilds said. “Multiple generations of families and friends have been through these clubs here at Baldwin, which is why it is so unique.”
Wilds said that being a part of such an active community helped her grow personally.
“These programs have really broken me out of my shell and have introduced me to friends and memories that I will cherish forever,” Wilds said.
One of those friends is Best Buddies Co-President Kirsten Fohr, a senior.
“She does so much for Best Buddies and Special Olympics,” Fohr said. “I loved working with her the entire year. It’s probably been one of the best parts of this year.”
One special memory they share was taking a trip to Indiana this year for the Best Buddies conference. They were invited to attend the conference to gather information and new ideas for the club’s future.
Fohr also emphasized Wilds’s importance and influence in Best Buddies.
“She’s really caring, she’s always looking out for people, and she puts a lot of effort into everything she does,” Fohr said.
Best Buddies executive board member Jack Reichl, a junior, agreed Wilds is both driven and kind-hearted.
“I started working more with Becca this year, and she is a joy to be around,” Reichl said. “She’s always smiling and brightening up the days of others, alongside doing a great job managing the club.”
In addition to Best Buddies, Wilds also participates in Special Olympics and unified sports. She has been a part of unified track and field for one year and unified bocce for two years.
“These unified sports have taught me a great deal about patience and the importance of teamwork,” Wilds said.
In addition to important lessons learned, Wilds has also made many memories through the sports programs.
“There is something so unique about bocce that is hard to put into words,” Wilds said. “It’s nerve-racking at times, but with great strategy and great teammates, it makes it extremely joyful to play.”
