“So, I heard your brother is going to the same college as you.” If someone would have said this to me 10 months ago, I would have responded with, “I know. My worst nightmare is coming true.” It’s not that I dislike my brother; in fact, he’s actually a pretty cool guy.
But the thing is, when I look at him, I see my little kid brother, rather than a full grown man. I picture him zooming race cars around the living room floor, instead of obnoxiously honking the horn down the street. Naturally, when it was time to apply to college, my school was the last place I wanted him to go. This is my place; this is my domain. What are you doing here?
I kind of pictured our collegiate relationship as that of Cady Heron and Regina George of "Mean Girls." Instinctively, I am Regina, the queen bee, while he is Cady, the wannabe. However, I was so wrong.
Having a sibling is like having a built-in best friend for the rest of your life. I just wish it didn’t take me almost 18 years to figure that out. Taking on campus life with my brother is one of greatest adventures I am experiencing. Homesickness is almost nonexistent, these days! Every time I miss a piece of home, I walk over to my sibling’s dorm, and it’s just like the good ol’ days.
I’m no longer worried about eating alone or finding someone to catch a ride home with. I have guaranteed plans on Friday nights, now, and someone to swipe me into the dining halls for brunch on Sunday. If I need a homework buddy or a new set of eyes to bounce ideas off of or proofread my papers, I’ve got it.
Aside from all of those perks, I have a permanent friend on campus. I don’t have to worry about someone judging me for my (very few) drunken misfortunes, or when I breakdown from a homework induced anxiety attack. Having a sibling who goes to the same college as you is indescribable. It’s both annoying and the best thing ever.
We don’t see each other every day or even every week, but there’s something comforting about having my brother here with me. My college experience has forever been changed by his commitment to attend the same university. Taking on this adventure with my sibling by my side has been and will continue to be the greatest and most exciting time of my life, and it is my sincere hope that he feels the same. As cliche as it sounds, what I thought was my worst nightmare has actually turned out to be a dream come true.
