I never would have imagined Mendel, a 12-year-old boy with Down syndrome, could be my teacher. But debating between a Blastoise and a Hitmonlee one Sunday morning, I suddenly realized my new purpose that day. Several years ago, I could never have envisioned myself playing Pokémon cards at 16 years old, but there I was, choosing a battle hand in preparation for a duel. 

I met Mendel through the Friendship Circle, and soon became his buddy. The Friendship Circle is a Jewish organization with locations worldwide that pairs special needs children in the local community with teen volunteers. I started volunteering just before my bar mitzvah, and now it has come full circle as I am helping tutor Mendel for his upcoming bar mitzvah. Although I originally joined to fulfill my community-service requirement in middle school, it soon became apparent that I received far more. Aside from learning about countless Pokémon characters, I have been inspired as I became a part of Mendel’s world and he became a part of mine.

For an hour every Sunday morning, my pressures in life vanish as I focus on my buddy. Both Mendel and I find joy in simple successes, such as playing a game or learning a prayer. Since Mendel has Down syndrome, it is often difficult for him to communicate and express himself.  But as I help him articulate the Sh’ma in preparation for his bar mitzvah, I am impressed by his tenacity. It can be quite a struggle to get Mendel to initially practice the prayers or transition to an alternate activity, but through this challenge I learn patience. My life seems to slow down each week, and although the hour is short, it is a welcome relief from the stresses of high school. 

Through my friendship with Mendel, I have learned to appreciate the important things in life. For the past 16 years, I have been immersed in a bubble in which it seems everyone has everything, and the sole pursuit in life is to reap more material goods. At my school, it appears as if luxury sports sedans, designer jeans and affluent lifestyles are the norm. Although I attempt to spurn this lifestyle, it is difficult to avoid getting caught up in this “world” that seems to envelope me. But through my time with Mendel, I realize there is much more beyond the isolated life in which I live. 

I have become aware of the difficulties faced by special needs children like Mendel, part of an often-neglected portion of society. As Mendel’s friend, I am confident that I have helped make a difference in his life. However, most people do not know about the plight of those with Down syndrome or other developmental disorders, aside from a brief section in a biology textbook. That’s why I started The Friendship Circle Club at my school, both to raise awareness of special needs children and to recruit volunteers for this incredible Jewish organization. It is my hope that through my involvement with Friendship Circle, I can influence other teens and be an impetus for change.

For more information and to join the organization, visit fcla.org.

Jeffrey E. Rollman recently spent a semester abroad in Israel. He lives in Los Angeles and likes running cross country, politics, reading and weight lifting. He’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.