Siblings who Attend UF Benefit From Past Experiences

Being able to show a younger sibling where his or her classes are, what organizations to get involved with or even what to order at the Cave seems to be a common theme at UF.
Some young adults may approach college as an opportunity to be free from siblings to create a journey of independence, but these Oilers show us the perks in attending the same college as a brother or sister.
Kyle Smithey, freshman sport and event management major, attended UF partly because his older brother was here. He had the opportunity to meet professors, track teammates and future classmates early on.
“It is almost a family atmosphere when you walk onto campus,” said Kyle Smithey. “I felt like I belonged here, and it would have felt odd going anywhere else.”
Kyle Smithey’s brother, Curtis Smithey, graduated in 2012 and is happy that his younger brother chose to attend UF.
“I am still living in Findlay, and I am able to help him as much as possible with classes, professors and of course, running,” said Curtis Smithey. “He was able to make friends very early through me and will hopefully do as well in school and track as I did.”
Camilla Jesko also graduated from UF in 2012 and was excited for her younger sister to attend the same college as she did.
“It was fun to show her where her classes were, what professors were my favorites and what clubs I liked being a part of,” said Camilla Jesko. “I also liked being able to show her what I enjoyed during my time at UF so that she could make her own choices as to what she would enjoy.”
Coming into college with an older sibling can make the adjustment much easier, but the sibling rivalry can continue.
“Seeing who has the most success or who has accomplished the most is what we, at times, strive for,” said Jenna Jesko, freshman sport and event management major. “My sister had accomplished many great achievements during her four years here at the University, but I’m definitely up for the challenge.”
Camilla Jesko agreed that there is a friendly rivalry between the two and continues to support her sister 100 percent. If there is ever something that Jenna Jesko can’t figure out, she can ask her sister for help right away.
Each student agreed that having a sibling there for support makes the adjustment into college and the journey a lot less worrisome.
“It’s nice to have a sense of security like that,” said Kyle Smithey. “It makes a big step in life seems a little bit easier to handle.”
Written by Sarah Foltz