Sibling students benefit from support, jumpstart to college
David Steffen
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Focus
"I can count on [Mary] for anything," Rebekah Dell said. "If we get sick, we're always bringing food to each other."
Mary Dell already knew many of Rebekah's friends when she arrived, but said she made new friends, as well. The younger Ogdens and Mary Dell said they easily made their own circles of friends. And they were happy to be recognized as their older sibling's brother or sister.
"I take it as a compliment just to be associated with [Rebekah]," Mary said. "It doesn't bother me at all because we are very different, so I wasn't worried about people thinking we were the exact same."
Tommy Ogden said while he and his siblings enjoy each other's company on campus, sharing the college experience is not much different than sharing elementary, middle and high school experiences.
"We've always been used to being in school together, inheriting the same teachers and having people say, 'Oh, you're Rob's/Rachel's brother,'" Tommy said. "It's not new ground for us because it's just how it's always been."
Rebekah Dell said it was "exciting" to have Mary come to campus. Even now, as a college employee, she finds her sister's presence rewarding.
"Our family is very close, so it was a neat experience to have a sister here," Rebekah said. "I think you share a different bond with your sister than with just your other campus friends. It's really nice to have that bit of home at Hillsdale."
"It is a glorious chaos"
Mary Dell already knew many of Rebekah's friends when she arrived, but said she made new friends, as well. The younger Ogdens and Mary Dell said they easily made their own circles of friends. And they were happy to be recognized as their older sibling's brother or sister.
"I take it as a compliment just to be associated with [Rebekah]," Mary said. "It doesn't bother me at all because we are very different, so I wasn't worried about people thinking we were the exact same."
Tommy Ogden said while he and his siblings enjoy each other's company on campus, sharing the college experience is not much different than sharing elementary, middle and high school experiences.
"We've always been used to being in school together, inheriting the same teachers and having people say, 'Oh, you're Rob's/Rachel's brother,'" Tommy said. "It's not new ground for us because it's just how it's always been."
Rebekah Dell said it was "exciting" to have Mary come to campus. Even now, as a college employee, she finds her sister's presence rewarding.
"Our family is very close, so it was a neat experience to have a sister here," Rebekah said. "I think you share a different bond with your sister than with just your other campus friends. It's really nice to have that bit of home at Hillsdale."
"It is a glorious chaos"
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