Q: How would you describe Cougar buddies?

A: I think it’s a wonderful experience that I think everyone should at least try. I feel like it really broadens your perspective. I think it gives you more empathy. I feel like the world needs a lot, especially nowadays. Besides that, you also build really strong with your buddies. For me, for example, the connection I share with Bryin is getting stronger. I love him; he’s my cougar buddy. 

Q: What did you say the name was?

A: Bryin. Bryin Conti. But yeah, I definitely think Cougar Buddies is an experience that everyone should at least try once.

Q: When did you decide to join and why?
A: I decided to join last year because a friend told me to. She told me it was helping the score program, and I thought, “You know, I could probably do that; it sounds like fun.” I came to the first couple of meetings, and I really loved it. At first, it was just a couple of meetings, right, it wasn’t really anything serious, but when it got to the events, that’s when I realized, like this was gonna be something really important to me. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was just so wholesome to see everyone being happy, enjoying the moment. It’s really what made me stay. We’re helping the score program especially and giving long-lasting memories they’re gonna remember from years on and on. Some of them really appreciate it. It gives me joy to [contribute]. They’ll remember high school as a really happy time for them and, in general, really positive. 

Q: You mentioned memories, so what’s your favorite memory that you have from being in the club?
A: I have a lot of memories. I don’t know, it’s really hard to choose. I definitely really like the Halloween event that we did last year, and I also liked the movie field trip that we did, I think around May or April. That was really fun. Everyone had a great time, and the games for the Halloween party were really cool, everyone got to dress up. Then, for the movie, we watched “Paddington 2”. I bought a bunch of snacks. I thought it was a really great experience just watching a movie and enjoying each other’s company.

Q: Do you have any goals or hopes for the club?

A: Goals, I definitely want to expand the club, and it’s already happening. I think we’ve doubled or tripled already. We had a crazy increase compared to last year. I think we’re good on the quantity, maybe even more. The more the merrier. One of my goals for this year is to at least get enough fundraising to maybe go on a field trip to [somewhere] like Bolero? Something similar like that. We didn’t get to do that last year. I suggested it. In general, my goal for the club is to make it an enjoyable, safe space for everyone. A place where everyone can make memories, smile, [and] laugh.

Q: What kind of impact does this club have on our school?

A: I feel like it has a great impact, especially for our SCORE program. They always ask me when the next event is. I know most of the score students, and they’re always so excited for the event, always asking about it. That makes a big impact for our score students; they love the club, they love the things that we do for them. It doesn’t only impact our score students it also impacts me and people as well. Being involved with events and clubs. It really broadens your perspective. 

Q: What kind of impact has this club made on you?

A: For me personally, this club has impacted me a lot. It’s definitely made me a [happier], more positive person. Last year was a really tough year for me. The club has always been something I looked forward to. [I was] always happy to see and looking forward to seeing my buddies. That was one of my main reasons I strive for. One of the most important things in this club is just general volunteer work. I feel like volunteer work and Cougar buddies [have] made me realize how much [I love] volunteer work. For me, I wouldn’t even consider it as volunteer work; I just see it as a hobby. I feel like the impact this group’s bonds we’ve made is really huge. Emotionally, a lot of people get down a lot. There [is] a lot of pressure at times, but I’m just glad in the end that I’m doing it for them. Hopefully, I can do good for others as well. It’s made me realize that a club can really help to make the world a better place, as corny as it sounds.

Q: Anything else to add?

A: The last thing I want to add is join Cougar Buddies of course! Join cougar buddies, it’s such a fun club. I mean, we always need people. We established great connections with our score buddies. We have a great time. It’s definitely worth your time, definitely. We’re very accepting; anybody is welcome to come. Even if you don’t want to commit yourself to a buddy, you can still help with the events and small stuff like that. Hopefully, we can do more in the future.