I am the oldest of three, and therefore the natural born leader of the Wontrop children. Since I was old enough to threaten with my fist, I’ve abused that power. The front seat of the car when it was just one parent present was mine. I got to pick the TV show we watched and which game we played. When I reached the point that I moved from the passenger to the driver seat, getting to pick the TV show no longer seemed important and I realized that my siblings were not my slaves. Being away from home for nine months, however, really changed my outlook on what it means to be the oldest sibling.
My eleven-year-old brother and I have decided to undertake the project of building a go-kart this summer. Since my career aspirations lead me to Detroit, this very well could be the last time I spend more than three weeks at home. This is my last chance to work on projects like this with him.
We managed to acquire my grandfather’s old (and when I say old, I mean ancient) garden tractor and our plan is to convert it to a go-kart. Whether or not we actually get this thing to run is questionable, but the learning experience the two of us are getting out of it is what counts. I feel like I am finally able to be what a big sister is supposed to be: a mentor. I am teaching him everything from design drawings to the actual fabrication of the go-kart. He is learning how to assess situations and improvise. We don’t have all the tools and machinery we need to put this thing together, but we haven’t hit a road block we couldn’t get around yet.
My sister and I are attempting to alter our lifestyles over the summer to lose weight and eat healthily. She is going to a new school in the fall and wants to make a fresh start and I need to repair my eating habits that were broken by Commons food. I usually don’t have any patience with my sister. Her and my mindsets are as different as day and night. I found, however, that it’s a lot easier to take on this challenge with someone else and she is a good source of motivation. She is learning good habits and choices from me; I am encouraged to keep up with it from her.
I’ve never really been a big fan of children, especially the ones I live with, but I’m finding that working with them is rewarding. My brother and I are having a good time working on our project. Aiding my sister is making me keep my own affairs in order. If you find you have some extra time this summer, look into volunteering at the YMCA, for the Big Brother, Big Sister programs, or if you happen to be home and have younger siblings, start up a project. I think you’ll find that you learn just as much if not more than the kids will.
