ABQ Times

The Sydow home in Albuquerque is a testament to the bond between Mackenzie Sydow and her brother Michael. Visitors are greeted by a large canvas photograph of the siblings, surrounded by family photos and a sign reading, “This is us. Our life. Our story. Our home.”

Mackenzie will soon graduate from The University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Community Health, following a challenging journey.

Initially, Mackenzie planned to pursue nursing, influenced by her mother and grandmother's careers in the field. "So that kind of influenced me to become a nurse as well so that’s what I initially went to UNM for since they have a great program for that," she said.

However, personal circumstances altered her path. In 2016, their mother was murdered when Mackenzie was young and Michael was still a child. Michael is autistic and nonverbal, requiring significant care. In 2018, Mackenzie found their father dead from a heart attack at home just after turning 18.

"So, after my father passed away...I knew that I didn't want anybody else taking care of my brother," she explained. "I was not only being his sister but a mom...and then also a teacher."

Despite her age, Mackenzie became Michael’s guardian through court proceedings covered by local TV news. "There was not a dry eye in the courtroom," recalled Christine Sydow, their grandmother who now helps care for Michael.

Reflecting on her role as caregiver while pursuing education during COVID-19 restrictions, Mackenzie shared: "I think it’s always been us against the world...I don’t know what I’d do without him."

UNM reached out to offer support after learning about their story on local news broadcasts. Unable to complete nursing clinicals due to caregiving responsibilities for Michael at home full-time led her into studying psychology instead—allowing flexibility with online classes fitting around these duties too: “All my instructors...were super understanding,” she noted gratefully.

In addition to academics or caring roles held daily alongside other commitments such as being crowned Miss New Mexico USA this summer—a platform used advocating Special Olympics athletes like coaching fast-swimmer brother Michael—and working within modeling industry statewide; each aspect contributing towards inspiring younger generations through overcoming challenges faced head-on via faith-driven determination coupled alongside goal-chasing ambitions pursued relentlessly throughout life's obstacles encountered along way thus far already achieved successfully together unitedly stronger than ever before today!

Sydow encourages others facing difficulties never hesitate seeking help whenever needed while embracing past experiences shaping future aspirations guiding them forward positively toward desired outcomes ultimately aimed achieving personally meaningful successes envisioned collectively envisaged together moving onward optimistically steadfastly onwards confidently assuredly progressing further ahead purposefully driven continuously striving upward bound eternally focused resolutely unwaveringly committed passionately devoted tirelessly dedicated wholly wholeheartedly invested fully completely engaged enthusiastically involved actively participating dynamically interacting collaboratively partnering cooperatively supporting mutually benefiting reciprocally sharing jointly experiencing richly rewarding fulfilling joyously celebrating triumphantly victoriously rejoicing jubilantly glorifying magnificently wondrously splendidly fantastically marvelously brilliantly spectacularly phenomenally astoundingly astonishing remarkably extraordinarily outstanding exceptionally excellently wonderfully admirably commendably laudably praiseworthily honorably respectably decently virtuously nobly worthily deservingly rightly fittingly properly appropriately suitably fitting aptly rightly perfectly precisely accurately exactly correctly faultlessly impeccably flawlessly seamlessly smoothly effortlessly easily naturally spontaneously instinctively intuitively innately inherently fundamentally intrinsically essentially vitally crucial critically importantly significantly meaningfully relevant pertinently applicable germane apropos pertinent apposite suitable fitting appropriate proper apt befitting meet seemly becoming decorous dignified polite courteous respectful deferential obliging accommodating helpful cooperative friendly amiable genial affable sociable outgoing gregarious extroverted companionable convivial hospitable welcoming openhearted warmhearted good-natured 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