At the sound of graduates cheering this past May, an overwhelming feeling set into the minds of younger siblings: soon enough, their sibling will fly from the nest. Thoughts of what career will come out of one’s studies, how much staying in a dorm will cost, and which classes to take are a priority in the minds of eager graduates. However, what is forgotten is the younger sibling who will lose their built-in best friend and the sentimental parent who cannot hold back their tears.
This past year, NAHS students applied to and were accepted by a multitude of colleges. Ranging from the University of Georgia here at home to McGill University in Quebec, NAHS graduates are scattered throughout the globe. With impressive college applications, it was inevitable college admissions could not resist discovering what impact NAHS students will leave on their campus. The success of NAHS as a whole begins with the choices our beloved Principal Curtis Douglass makes for our school. “It makes me extremely proud to know students are stretching across the globe,” said Douglass, “they truly get to experience the world.”
Being a younger sibling is no easy task. Sure, the attention and babying is fantastic, but when it comes time to lose a sibling to college, struggle and sorrow floods back in. A bond that has been built throughout a lifetime becomes a sensitive subject. Distance may play a role in emotion, especially if a sibling moves all the way to Canada. Becoming used to a quick four steps to say hello to a sibling makes it that much harder. Freshman Reese Dumont recently sent off his older sister, Ellie Dumont, to UGA. “Even though she is still in Georgia, it feels like she is a million miles away,” said Dumont.
Not only are the siblings emotional, so are parents. Some parents may have not accepted the reality of their sweet children leaving their house and growing up, while others may have overwhelmed themselves with distractions. Tears upon tears were inevitably shed during dorm move-in day… and the many days following. All eyes fall upon the youngest sibling. The real question is: Is this a good or bad thing? Junior Genevive Sharma recently had to bid farewell to her older brother, Dawson Sharma. “My parents have been driving me crazy,” said Sharma, “I think they have gotten meaner.”
Between adjusting to a new school year and the absence of a loved family member, this year will be quite different and difficult for the parents and newly ‘only children.’ It is always important to stay in touch with a family member, no matter the distance. Distance is temporary, family is forever.
