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UST Student Recognized by Best Buddies
4/7/2008
UST junior Misbah Mohammed has been recognized by Best Buddies Texas for her exemplary friendship with buddy Candis Newton. The organization, which strives to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing them with opportunities for companionship and employment, launched a recognition program to honor friendships throughout the state. Mohammed and Newton’s relationship is the first to be recognized.
 Now president of the Best Buddies chapter at UST, Mohammed has been involved with the organization since her freshmen year. Through her position, she has helped increase the University chapter’s involvement, initiating more social activities with students and their buddies and utilizing UST’s shuttle service to visit the group center twice a week. She has also encouraged friends and fellow students to get involved, recruiting individuals who, she says, have turned out to be devoted members. UST’s participation in the Best Buddies program is made possible through the Office of Volunteer Opportunities.
After spending the summer of 2007 at Wisconsin Badger Camp, which serves people with developmental disabilities, Mohammed returned with new ideas to implement in her role as president. Despite a busy schedule—Mohammed is secretary of UST’s Pre-Health Professions Society and volunteers at Ben Taub General Hospital—her devotion to Best Buddies does not wane. While members meet twice a month with their buddies for activities that include bowling, dancing and trips to the zoo, Mohammed goes to the group center on her own at least three times a week.
“I just love going there and spending time with Candis and the other buddies,” she said. “The second we walk in the door they gather around to greet us. They really treasure our visits. I know I’m making a difference.”
Mohammed, who is majoring in Spanish and liberal arts with a concentration in biology and business, says she would like to pursue a graduate degree in health administration. But no matter what career she practices, she says that she wants to keep helping others through volunteering.
For more information about volunteering for Best Buddies or other organizations and projects, please contact Ellie Collier, director of volunteer opportunities, at 713-525-3801.
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