When it comes to having a sibling in high school with you, there are both pros and cons.

One of the biggest pros is when senioritis has hit you hard and you do not have the strength to get out of your comfy bed and your sibling comes and wakes you up countless times because you still have to drive her to school. OK, that may have been a little sarcastic, but I do appreciate the motivation in the morning (thanks Danielle). But here are some additional pros and cons.
Having an older sibling is helpful for all younger siblings. Your older siblings have been through at least one year of high school before you, so they know the ins and outs of this school. They know which teachers to make sure you have, what classes to take and how to succeed because the switch from middle school to high school can be a big adjustment. I would suggest running your future schedule by your sibling when course selections come out to make sure that it is challenging yet still possible for you to attain solid grades.

Even if you may not have the same interests as your sibling, your sibling could help you connect with people who might. Even though I do not play lacrosse, I was able to give my sister the necessary information so that she could find out tryout dates, how to get in shape for tryouts and meet other girls already on the team. Your sibling(s) will be able to help you navigate the school and not fear it. Senior Grace Llewellyn said “I love having [my sophomore sister] Jessica at school with me to help her whenever she needs it.”.

Your siblings (if they are older) could also create a great first impression for teachers. If your teacher had your older sibling, and they liked them, then you are already starting off the year in a strong position. That said, this could also be a con. If your teacher did not like your sibling, then you have to work extra hard to make a good impression. Not having a good relationship with your teachers could really impact you when looking for people to write your college recommendations and having other adults you can trust to advocate for you. It “was nice to have Lacey [my older sister] already make great connections with teachers because it has also helped me,” sophomore Jordan Rubin said.

A final con of going to school with your sibling is that you get compared to them a lot. Not only does this happen from staff members, but also your friends. People must realize that you are two completely different people, and you each have your own set of strengths and weaknesses. It is unfair to both people to just assume that you are the same. It also becomes frustrating to have to explain to people why you are different and as a result one could look inferior to other in certain areas. I “don’t like being compared to Jillian because we both have different things we’re good at,” senior Zack Lechner said.

Rachel Berman

Staff Writer