Most middle school-aged students are not looking for ways to make an impact on the world. Berkeley Bacon is different. She felt called to make an impact, even at a young age.

Bacon, a junior kinesiology major and softball player at Southwestern University, was inspired by her mother.

"I always saw how people misunderstood her," Bacon said.

Her mother, Melissa, was involved in an accident when she was younger that left her paralyzed on the left side of her body.

"Growing up around her, I saw all of the great things she could do," Bacon added.

This inspired Bacon to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

While in middle school she began working with Best Buddies, a non-profit organization that enhances lives of people with IDD.

"We just want to make them feel like any other regular kid, because they are," she said.

Now the president of the Southwestern Best Buddies organization, Bacon says the group takes children and adults dealing with IDD in the Georgetown, Texas, area out to activities, such as bowling.

"I want to be a helping hand to kids with IDD, or any type of disability," she commented. "My minor is special education so I feel that it is part of my calling."

Bacon also cherishes the interactions and time spent with her buddy, Jared.

"I could be having the worst game of my life and he'll be yelling at the top of his lungs, 'Go Berkeley!', or he gives me a big hug after the game and it just makes everything better," she said.

And while the Pearland, Texas, native wanted to be the one who made a difference, she found giving back to the community a rewarding venture.

"I joined Best Buddies when I was in middle school to impact others, but in the end, the kids impact you more than you could ever imagine."