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32 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY AUGUST 2015 When people think of individuals with disabilities they some- times focus on what they cant do. A college-bound student from Plano recognizes what her differently-abled friend can do and has remained a true friend for the past ten years. Lindsay Steudtner Plano West High School graduate and rising freshman at the University of Arkansas met Sydney Pizette in third grade. In fourth grade they had different teachers but that didnt interfere with their friendship. Every morning Sydney would wave and say hi to me before class says Steudtner. As the months passed the two got closer and at the end-of-the- year party in fifth grade their moth- ers met. Soon the two students had after-school plans. At that age I didnt un- derstand Sydneys disability ex- plains Steudtner but I wasnt a kid to judge. I think thats why she kept coming back to talk to me and be around me. In middle school Steudtner learned more about Sydney. She says she also learned a lot about herself. I understood more about Syd- neys disability at that age and I learned patience notes Steudtner. She recognized that special needs kids tend to act differently be- cause they dont always understand things completely. Adds Steudt- ner I knew I had to be patient to help her understand. The friendship blossomed in high school where Steudtner went to Sydneys dance recitals and family events accompanied her to the mall movies and restaurants and decorated her locker for her birthday. She volunteered as a Peer Assistant at school and specifi- cally asked to be assigned to Sydneys class. Outside of school Lind- say joined the local chapter of Best Buddies an organization that matches general education students with special education peers. The group organizes special events and requires a once-a-week touch base and a twice per month outing between buddies. When it comes to Sydney Steudtner has gone above and beyond the re- quirements. According to Samantha Moran Best Buddies Texas Program Manager this is when a true friendship has developed. Lindsay has made a special connection with Sydney. I know what Sydney would order at a restaurant I know her favorite mu- sic and I know that she tells everyone about me beams Steudtner. Whenever were together other people know who I am even if I dont know them. As for Sydney her feelings for Lindsay are clear I love Lindsay. Im going to miss her so much. I love how she picks me up and we have sleepovers. She takes me to Fat Straws and the Best Buddies for Life 17-YEAR-OLD LINDSAY STEUDTNER CAN TEACH US ALL A THING OR T WO ABOUT LOYALTY AND FRIENDSHIP by Karyn Brodsky StaffWriter Sydney and Lindsay began their friendship in elementary school. Sydney left with Lindsay at the PlanoWest Best Buddies Prom in May. Sydney says of Lindsay She is nice and pretty and shes my best buddy. goodKIDA W A R D T H E