All Because of Carson
Education major Sydney Frank’s biggest inspiration comes from her best friend, who happens to be her little brother.
Sydney Frank is one of the most enthusiastic people you could ever meet. That gusto extends to everything in her life, from college and classes, to volunteering, her part-time job, and her family. It is something that’s served her well as she works to achieve her career goals.
Frank is in her last semester at Penn State Altoona, studying elementary and early education with a minor in special education. She says she always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but her passion for working with children with disabilities is thanks to her younger brother, Carson.
Best buddies since birth: Sydney and Carson Frank
Credit: Sydney Frank
“From the day he was born, we immediately had this special bond, and we always did everything together.”
As a toddler, Carson was diagnosed with autism. It was something that perhaps made the sibling relationship even stronger. With every activity his parents engaged him in, his big sister was right there with him, participating or cheering him on.
Sydney and Carson Frank at an Athletes Helping Athletes event
Credit: Sydney Frank
Over the last eighteen years, Sydney has read books to some of Carson’s elementary school classes and watched him take part in the Special Olympics. She came with him to many of Penn State Altoona’s Sense-ational Endeavors Kids’ College camps, a special summer program for kids with autism spectrum disorders. She’s watched him thrive with therapeutic horseback riding through the Dreams Go On organization and be part of a team through the Happy Valley Beavers, a hockey team for individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities. Together, they take part in recreation activities with Arc of Blair County, an organization that serves all individuals with any form of delay in development. Most recently, brother and sister are participating in Altoona Community Theatre’s production of Annie Jr., a project which pairs kids with disabilities with mentors to perform an adaptation of a musical.
“One reason I like to do things with Carson is because I love seeing the joy on his face when he does something he likes. It really touches my heart to see him smiling and having fun. These have all been great opportunities for me to see things through his eyes.”
Sydney and Carson at Carson’s high school graduation
Credit: Sydney Frank
Sydney has also watched Carson progress through his schooling in mainstream, special education, and life skills classes, feeding her passion for the profession.
“It's always been my dream to work with kids with disabilities, but it’s been really eye-opening to see the different aspects of the career—it’s not just a general thing. All his teachers were so wonderful to him, and one of my main aspirations is to be like those who helped Carson throughout his education.”
Sydney goes on to say she has loved seeing the growth in her brother over the years from school to life skills to extra curriculars. She wants to see that growth in her future students as well as feel the pride and joy of watching them succeed.
As she gets closer to graduating, it’s easy to reflect on all that Penn State Altoona has given her. Sydney says she has always felt fully supported by her professors at Penn State Altoona and is grateful for the experiences she’s had at the college.
One perfect opportunity that came her way is the We Are…Friends student organization. Members have the chance to develop friendships with individuals 18 and older receiving services provided by the Arc of Blair County. Sydney joined the club and served as president for a year but enjoyed it even more once Carson turned 18 and was able to get involved.
Carson and Sydney at a sidewalk chalk event through Penn State Altoona’s student organization We Are Friends.
Credit: Sydney Frank
Field experiences through her major allowed Sydney to observe some special education classrooms and spend time with a life-support teacher in the Altoona school district. She completed her pre-student teaching in a second-grade classroom in the Bellwood-Antis school district and is now doing her full-time student teaching at Spring Cove Elementary School in Blair County.
“With student teaching, you are really encouraged to get out of your comfort zone. That’s when you grow and find your voice. I just fall in love with the kids, and that makes the last four years and everything leading up to this worth it.”
Sydney plans to pursue a master’s in special education, possibly online while simultaneously teaching.
Oh, and one other reason she has to be enthusiastic about her Penn State Altoona journey? It brought her to her fiancé, Matt, whom she met at an orientation event during Welcome Weekend. The couple is planning a 2025 wedding.
Carson and Sydney with their parents and Sydney’s fiancé, Matt, whom she met at Penn State Altoona. The group is at a therapeutic horseback riding event.
Credit: Sydney Frank
But really, it all comes back to her little brother who is her rock and her inspiration always.
“I honestly have no idea where I'd be today if it weren't for Carson and who he is. I know there's going to be frustrating days where I'll question why am I here, why am I doing this? And it's just all because of Carson.”
