Going to college can be a big change, especially for younger siblings. For junior Rylie Marquardt, her sister leaving home was a big adjustment. 

Marquardt’s sister, Carson, now attends Texas Christian University (TCU) and left at the beginning of August. Growing up with an older sister shaped Marquardt to be the way she is today. 

“When we were younger, we definitely fought more about stupid things,” Marquardt said. “She’s a big part of how I grew up — everything she did, I did.”

Despite childhood fights being in high school at the same time made the sisters bond closer together. 

“We started having the same interests and did a lot more together,” Marquardt said. “Once we got to an older age, we realized we shouldn’t fight as much and have an opportunity to be better friends versus just sisters.”

Regardless of trying to call and text every day, not having her sister at home has been an adjustment.

“It’s weird because I’ll have a funny story to tell,” she said. “I have to wait for her to answer my snapchat instead of just running into her room to tell her.”

Even though the transition is tough, having a younger brother helps cushion the loss. 

“If I was an only child, it would definitely be harder and I don’t think I would be used to that yet. My relationship with my brother is way different than my relationship with my sister,” Marquardt said. “I don’t tell my brother as many things as I tell my sister just because we’re not as close.”

Although she truly misses Carson, Marquardt loves catching up with her and is excited for the new experiences her sister will have in college.  

“I’m not as sad as I thought I was going to be because she’s having so much fun,” Marquardt said. “I’m so excited for her, but it’s hard for me because obviously I wish she was here instead of so far away.”