Reflecting back on the school year, I’d say my senior year has been quite different than any year before. Some things that have changed include passing my driver’s’ test, my entrance into adulthood, and having my sister, Freshman Emily Edson, here at South. This is the first time since elementary school that we are in the same building and, as much as she can annoy me, I really enjoy having her at South. I’ve always wondered, however, if other students felt the same way.

According to the students of South High with siblings, 60% of them liked having their sibling at school, 26% disliked it, and 14% had no opinion. If over half the students liked having their sibling at school, there had to be some pros to the situation. According to a lot of students, one of the pros includes being able to get food. Junior Mackenzie Marver stated that her brother, Freshman Jake Marver,

“Is always there to take food from”. Freshman Joshua Hittman further elaborated on the food point by saying than he and his brother, Senior Jacob Hittman,

“Always go out to eat on Wednesdays which is really fun!”

Continuing with the pros, students find school a lot easier when a sibling is with them. Sophomore Brenda Garcia said that her sister, Junior Yasmin Garcia, has given her a lot of useful information including,

“What teachers are like, what they expect from us, and how South High works”. Having a sibling to scope out the road ahead is always a good thing. I know my sister greatly valued my advice as she was entering high school, even though she would never admit it.

However, having an older sibling in school does have its cons as well. Freshman Elizabeth Binversie stated that,

“People know me as Natalie’s little sister and only that.” Freshman Brynn Bonin can relate.

“People always ask if I am Jake’s little sister,” said Bonin, “It can get quite annoying.” Even the older siblings are being compared to their younger siblings. Senior Emily Paltzer complained,

“Everyone is constantly telling me how tall my sister is and telling me how much we look and sound alike.” Sometimes teachers can even mistake you for your sibling! I have been called Emily on multiple occasions and I know the scenario could be reversed for her.

In addition to the constant comparisons, a sibling in school provides less privacy. No matter if the sibling be older or younger, they are always over your shoulder watching for you to slip up. Senior Hans Peter shared that his sister, Sophomore Kate Peter, is always watching him.

“I cannot say anything that won’t somehow end up being said to my sister and subsequently my mom,” stated Peter.

Through all these difficulties, however, siblings are there to support one another. Senior Stephanie De La Cruz relies on her brother, Junior Karlos De La Cruz, when she forgets deodorant. Freshman Makaela Strutz uses her sister, Senior Marissa Strutz for homework help. Junior Angelica Yang said that the absolute best part of having her sister, Senior Naida Yang, at school was,

“Being able to goof around together and not getting too lonely.” While siblings can be a bit unbearable at times, I am sure glad to have my sister around.