The Oldest, But Not The Only: The Responsibility Of Being An Older Sibling | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Siblings

The Oldest, But Not The Only: The Responsibility Of Being An Older Sibling

Being a role model is the most powerful form of education.

132
The Oldest, But Not The Only: The Responsibility Of Being An Older Sibling
Jasmine Lollino

For four years of my life I was an only child, I remember absolutely nothing of that time. I vaguely remember my little brother being born, but I can confidently say I can't remember life without him.

My brother is the greatest person I know. Not to get all morbid, but he is the reason I keep going when I feel like I just can't. I am thankful to have such a close relationship with my brother because not every bunch of siblings has that same experience.

Fourth of July 2017Jasmine Lollino

One of my favorite things is when people ask me about my brother, I could talk about him forever. How he's doing in baseball. How he's enjoying marching band. How he's an upperclassman in high school already. How he's eagerly looking into colleges. How he's killing the academic game. How he's becoming this amazing young man.

As the older sibling, I hold myself responsible for a lot when it comes to my younger brother. I hold myself to an incredibly high standard, in hopes that he'll do the same. Part of the reason I moved to Florida was to show my brother he can follow his dreams too. I made sure I set the tone for him, so he knows our parents are cool with us doing whatever we want in life. I make sure I keep open communication with my brother so he knows I am there for him through it all.

Color run 2018Jasmine Lollino

One of my favorite memories of living with my brother was going to his baseball games. I, of course, loved going to his band concerts too, but seeing him play baseball was always far more heartwarming as I was closer to him. The audience is farther from the stage than a crowd is from a little league baseball field. As I said before, I have an amazing relationship with my brother. If he was upset during a game, my mom would send me to go talk to him to make sure he was okay and to reassure him. The same would happen at my gymnastics meets. The only person I would ever acknowledge was my brother. I am the only person he ever acknowledges at his games. When we're in game mode, we still look to each other for support.

I'm his biggest fanJasmine Lollino

I make it a goal of mine to be the absolute best person for my brother. I push myself to work hard and try new things so he knows he can do it too. I know my brother looks up to me, and I hope he feels proud of me. I want him to have the same opportunities I did, I want him to follow his dreams and eventually reach them. I wish him all of the success he could possibly achieve.

While I have graciously paved the way for my little brother, I am excited to see him grow into his own person. He is sixteen now. He will be getting his license soon. He will be taking the ACT this coming school year. He will be looking into colleges (more seriously). He will be making steps towards his own future. He will be paving his own path, and I was blessed enough to watch him begin it.

Go, Cubs, go!!!Jasmine Lollino

As the older sibling, I hold myself to a high standard because I am setting an example for another person. As the older sibling, I learn so much from my younger sibling. I cannot wait until he starts his own journey to his dreams. I will be there every step of the way, always.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

133213
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

31046
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28512
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments