Older Siblings

A large portion of the population grows up with siblings in the house. Although there are many advantages and disadvantages to having somebody with the same blood as you, I have been part of the more unique portion of the population who is an only child. Two of the biggest advantages of being the only kid were that I didn’t have to share much, and the house remained quiet. However, whenever my parents got super busy, and I needed to be entertained, I was pretty much on my own. Luckily for me though, throughout my younger schooling years I always had people that I could rely on. But when I first arrived on campus, I felt like that was going to be more challenging. Oh how wrong I was.

I now feel like I have found an “older brother” on campus, Jeff Battle (‘26), the starting left guard for the football team and RA of the prestigious dorm 609 Emerson. I met him about a month ago while watching a movie in the 609 lounge and although at first, he looks scary and intimidating, he doesn’t fill that role at all. A week after that, I found myself at 609 more than my own dorm, and he would start hanging out with us occasionally. That’s where I began to notice those older sibling characteristics like being humorous, supportive, and full of college advice. One of my favorite things we started doing was Crumbl Cookie reviews for the lacrosse team every Thursday night. Although we didn’t start it together, he brought me along for it and I couldn’t have been more grateful, plus the flavors have been pretty good. In all seriousness, though, I can legitimately go to him for everything about any of my problems, small or large, and he will be there for me, as well as having something significant to take away from every conversation. These are some of the reasons why I think Battle stands out not only as a good RA, but as an outstanding leader in general.

Now this may just seem like one big overdramatic appreciation piece, and yes, in a way it kind of is, but there is something more to be taken away from my experience of friendship with Jeff. Even if you think you can navigate college by yourself, you most likely cannot do it entirely on your own. If I attempted to live essentially by myself, I would’ve driven myself crazy by now. But by opening myself up to hearing stories or advice from those with more experience, I’ve been able to learn so much and be in a more relaxed state of mind.  You’ll find someone or multiple people to be your support system, along with the extensive resources on campus if situations become too much to handle. That’s why I believe it’s such a great thing to find and befriend someone who can be your “older sibling” during this time of great independence and learning experiences.

And Jeff, if you end up ever reading this, words cannot express how grateful I am that I can look up to you as a role model. Thank you so much for what you’ve done for me, along with what you’ve been able to offer me. I wish you nothing but the best for the football games (please help us win more) and success beyond Beloit College.