The Truth About Being The First And Only Sibling To Go To College
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Truth About Being The First And Only Sibling To Go To College

Going to college is a wonderful route for many, but it is just one of many options

89
The Truth About Being The First And Only Sibling To Go To College

Before the title leads you astray, I am the second oldest of five siblings. However, I am the only sibling who has always been college bound and the only one who currently attends college. I am the typical middle child—I range from average to barely above average in almost everything I do. I was the one who went through my adolescent years without much of an outward struggle.

But before last year, I had my big sister, Hannah, as a guide for most of the things I did (good and bad). She fought the I-want-to-get-my-ears-pierced battle when she was 5, and thus I was able to get my ears pierced for my fourth birthday. She got all of her vaccinations before me (as I watched though teary eyes). She went through school before me, naturally, and figured out who all the good teachers were. She helped me pick out my first-day-of-high-school outfit. She let me [illegally] drive her car before I had my license, but gave me some of the best driving advice I have ever received ("Assume everyone is trying to kill you"). She got her first job long before me, had her first interview before me, graduated from high school before me, and the list goes on. I always had someone to reach out to for advice and to show me the way until I went to college.

For the first time in my life, I was without my role model. Of all four of my parents, only my step-mom had gone to a traditional four-year university straight out of high school. I was on my own in this endeavor, so I had to be brave and hope for the best. Before the moment I said my final goodbyes to my parents as they left Evansville and headed to Indy, I really didn’t know how hard it is to be the first in your family to try things out. It’s not something you figure out until you experience it.

The experience was hard, but I don’t regret it. It paved a path of personal independence that I had never learned before. The return on investment from being the first to go to college (and going to college at all) is a lifelong lesson/skill-set. But there are different and equally great ways to build a skill-set.

While I was building my future, I realized Hannah was also building hers. We were on two different trajectories for the first time in our lives, but both of us flourished.

Going to college is a wonderful route for many, but it is just one of many options. The high school I went to was extremely college focused, and luckily for me, college was an option that suited my wants. But college may not suit everyone’s wants, and that is okay. My mom is a successful entrepreneur, my dad is an engineer at Eli Lilly, and Hannah has a wonderful job at ADESA with my step-mom. Only two of those four people have a college degree (the one with the highest salary and [most likely] the greatest job satisfaction does not have a college degree).

As for my three younger sisters—specifically the one going into her senior year of high school this fall—I hope they all find satisfaction in their post-high school lives, regardless of which path they choose.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71505
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133501
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments