What could be sweeter than loving siblings?
Throughout childhood they’re always there for each other, sharing the best and the worst of times. They play, fight, go to school and get in trouble together. And then they grow up and go off to college.
By the time the average student gets to college, he and his siblings have grown rather distant. Though they may get along well, they’re beginning to carve out their own identities and become more independent.
Some less common cases grow more distant, unable to cooperate with their brothers or sisters. But some stick with their siblings and attend college together.
Although De Anza has a diverse population, the typical De Anza student is either an only child, or has one sibling. Of 50 De Anza students surveyed, 10 percent attend De Anza with with a sibling, or did so in the past.
De Anza students tend to be unpredictable in terms of typical behaviors. While there’s a stereotype of the oldest child is as the most responsible and least sociable, and the second-born as difficult, attention craving and outgoing, De Anza siblings say that this is not always the case with them.
They say there are both advantages and disadvantages of having a sibling at De Anza.
An older sibling often helps the younger to fit in and get used to the school. They also can provide valuable information on which professors and classes to take, along with how to snag a parking spot and how to add classes.
Younger siblings say they are often frustrated to be known as “So and so’s little sister” or brother, yet at times it helps to have such connections.
With the cost of gas and cars, it helps when siblings go to the same school at the same time. “I get to use the carpool lane to and from school,” says Jackie Nguyen, who commutes with her sibling.
Some siblings find benefits in studying together, sharing tips, notes and checking up on each other’s studies. They say they can keep each other on task.
Jessica Ma appreciates the school advice her older brother gives her. “He gave me a general overview on what to look out for, such as actually reading the diagrams and captions in textbooks,” she says.