Since elementary school, most younger siblings have dealt with the curse of being compared to their older siblings. We can never escape the inevitable question, “Are you ___’s sibling?” Luckily for me, my sister Tara built a good reputation, so when I get asked this question, I can proudly say, “Yes!”
My sister is two years older than me, and I’m incredibly lucky to have her. I’ve been going to school with her my whole life, and she was always there to give me advice on who the good teachers were, which bathroom is the best, and the best routes around campus. When I stepped foot into high school on my first day, I was terrified, but thankfully, she was by my side. I couldn’t imagine what it’s like not to have an older sibling guide me through life, and for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.
However, on that first day of school, as I walked into his class, Mr. LeResche, a former English teacher, said, “You’re Tara’s sister!” This question shocked me because I was 1.) wearing a mask, and 2.) school was online the year before because of the pandemic. People say we look alike, which I can never see, but they always know we’re siblings. I’ve had this happen at least once every year. While I may not go to school with her anymore, I work with her, and people still ask us if we’re siblings and point out our similarities.
Senior Jacob Lopez also has a sister two years older than him. Ava Lopez was on the same academic path as him, so teachers often compared their academics. He was able to start off on the right foot, but because of his sister’s reputation, if he wasn’t paying attention in class they’d say, “This is Ava’s brother?” Luckily, he’s also academically driven.
He appreciated having his sister there to support him, and said, “Looking back on it, I definitely miss it.” He said it was time he got to spend with her, and he enjoyed it. Jacob’s favorite memories were listening to music during the drive to school and seeing her in the hallway. He liked to annoy her when she was around her friends.
Senior Carly Coolidge’s sister Cassie graduated last year. She said, “I kind of answer to Cassie now too.” They’ve spent each year on the same sports team starting when they were about 5 years old, so teachers recognize them because of their last name and similarities.
Carly loved, “…just having someone to talk to about stuff that goes on at school.” She misses going to school with her and the comfort of knowing she was around. Even though she doesn’t want to admit it, she said Cassie was a role model for her. She helped prepare for her high school and occasionally helped with schoolwork. One of her favorite funny moments was when a ball hit Cassie in the face during volleyball, and it became a joke on the team, and even more to her since it was her sister.
Unless you hate being compared to your older brother or sister, there are a lot of perks that come with having a sibling at school, especially an older sibling.
