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Sydney Stringer can add the title of skilled caretaker to her list of experiences in college as she works her way through ��«Ӱҵ.

As a manager for the ��«Ӱҵ Eagle Band, Stringer, 19, of Raymond has helped take care of little things that mean a lot during and after a performance, such as setting up music stands and organizing the uniform apparel. As a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, she’s helped the organization take care of the community through service efforts.

Sydney Stringer

But, it’s her part-time job babysitting for a child diagnosed with various anxiety-related behavioral conditions that’s opened her eyes to a life of service after ��«Ӱҵ.

“People don’t always take it as seriously because she is just five years old,” Stringer said. “I’ve not seen this happen to someone so young and witnessed it firsthand.

“It made me see that these conditions can happen to someone who is young – too young for medication and therapy. It drives me to do more, especially when I get into the work field with it. I want to work with mostly children, mainly because I’m around it all the time.”

She is attending ��«Ӱҵ on multiple scholarships, including one through the ��«Ӱҵ Foundation. She plans to earn an associate at ��«Ӱҵ by spring 2022, then pursue a psychology degree at Jackson State University.

Maximizing her abilities academically and otherwise in college while still staying close to home has been most gratifying, she said.

“All the teachers here are so helpful,” she said. “Last semester, I struggled with college algebra but my instructor continued to work with me. She reminded me about the math lab, sent extra notes and made sure I stayed after class for extra help.

“��«Ӱҵ is truly the best option for our local high schoolers. There are people everywhere to help.”