My little sister and I have always had a love/hate relationship, and it is because she always wants to be a part of some aspect of my life. Don't get me wrong--it's cool to have a little sister who is close to your age. You are at the same school most of your elementary, middle, and high school years, so if friends never come your way, at least you have your sister. Sounds like the perfect scenario, right? Wrong!
This became a problem when we both moved to college. By this time, I was sick of seeing my sister everywhere. I needed to break from the "Moss sisters" mold we had both become accustomed to. So, we both agreed that when we graduate we would not go to the same university. I obviously chose the amazing ULM, and she said she would go to Louisiana Tech.
I had an amazing freshman year, mostly because I didn't have a mini-me following me around. Things were great until she graduated and announced, "I have decided to grace my presence at ULM." My family was excited; they did not want us to split up. I, on the other hand, saw my sophomore year in the future and slowly slipped into depression.
Fast forward to now, in my second semester of sophomore year. I can honestly say I'm glad she came. But there are some days that I wish she had gone somewhere far, far, away. If you guys are currently in this situation or you all are about to experience a sibling at the same school as you, here are some pros and cons of having a sibling in the same atmosphere as you.
Pro #1: You will be the first friend they make and you can introduce them to your friends.
Con #1: You will be the first friend they make and they will know your friends.
I love helping freshmen become accustomed to ULM and my way of doing that is trying to befriend them because I know the struggle of being friendless. So I was pretty excited to help my sister make friends! The problem was she became too comfortable; my friends knew her like they knew me. They thought she was the "older version of me" (mind you, I'm the oldest). At one point, they got our names mixed up! She knew my business and my friends' business. It was at this point that I knew I had to get her friends her own age.
Pro #2: If you run out of meals in the cafeteria or forget your wallet, your sibling has you.
Con #2: This becomes a daily thing.
My sister is probably the most irresponsible 18-year-old you will ever meet. Although I am somewhat irresponsible, she is the whole nine yards. I forgot my student I.D. one day (lifeline at ULM) and could not get food. She helped me, like the good person I always thought she was deep down, and I promised to help her if anything like that happened to her. Literally, the next day she forgot her I.D., which became the usual. I could not feed myself. One day I just had enough and told her I was not enabling her anymore. Needless to say, she learned her lesson.
Pro #3: If you ever get homesick and you need someone who understands what you are going through, don't worry--your sibling is there.
Con #3: There really isn't one. But here's something to remember: it might feel like your sibling is invading your space, but he or she is your mini-me and you know you love him or her.
Out of the thousands of institutions in America, it's crazy that your sibling followed you to your university. I know you will get tired of seeing him or her, but think about it: college is a huge place, so the odds of you seeing him or her is slim. So see it as a compliment, since your sibling chose to experience this phase of life with his or her older sibling. I can honestly say I cannot stand my sister, but it is pretty awesome to experience campus life with her.
