The B.E.A.T. talks with undergraduates Gaby Ghafari ‘04 and Pete Olinits ‘04, veteran Buddies of three years to find out!

B.E.A.T.: How did you get started as a buddy?

GABY: I started volunteering with EagleEyes right after Spring Break my freshman year. I had found out about it through the 48 hours program.

PETE: I found out about EagleEyes at the beginning of freshman year from Dr. Lambert and knew I wanted to get involved as soon as I could.

B.E.A.T.: Was it tough getting started?

GABY: It was a little shocking at first. I hadn’t had much previous exposure to this [severely disabled] population.

PETE: At first it was a little intimidating, but I soon got used to it.

GABY: Before seeing the students on the system I don’t think I realized that they had such a cognitive process. For the most part, we can’t see what’s going on inside their minds until they’re on the EagleEyes system.

B.E.A.T.: Can you describe a memorable session?

PETE: Okay. It was my freshman year. Things were crazy and schoolwork was really getting to me. I met with my buddy Krissy and we had a great session. She was laughing and communicating with the world – it was great! I thought to myself, “I see her for one hour a week, but she’s [struggling to communicate] every minute of every day.” It made me realize that my problems weren’t really problems but rather, “asides.” It made me feel better about my situation and helped my transition to college go much more smoothly.

B.E.A.T.: What about you, Gaby?

GABY: I can think of two sessions that were exceptionally memorable. In the more recent session we were doing a session using Sharif’s new program that allows two people using EagleEyes to play Pong against one another. Matty was playing very well against his guy buddy, but he practically refused to play against me…I think he thought it would be ungentlemanly to beat a girl! That action really gives you a glimpse into the type of person that this student is, not only his EagleEyes abilities, but his personality.

PETE: Yeah, there’s so much inside [these students] that’s just waiting to get out. EagleEyes has helped so many people realize that there is much more than just a person in a chair, but a life with real decisions and emotions.

B.E.A.T.: Do you feel that your experience as a Buddy has changed you in any way?

GABY: Definitely. Being a buddy has made me very conscious of the way I relate to people with disabilities. It helps remind me that regardless of whom you’re talking to, you should talk to them, not at or about them.

B.E.A.T.: Pete?

PETE: It’s made me realize that each person has their own memories and experiences; each person affects someone’s life in some way even if you don’t know you are doing it. Everyone is unique and makes a difference to society in his own way. Finally, these students have the chance to prove that to the world.