For siblings Harper Anderson, a freshman, and Grayson Anderson, a junior, attending Latin together extends beyond shared family dinners. While the overlap of their school and home lives creates opportunities for camaraderie and support, it is not without its challenges.

The same can be said about Martin Testai, a sophomore, and Sofia Testai, a senior. Both pairs of siblings have their own distinct ways of navigating the pros and cons of attending the same school, balancing independence with their shared connection.
Latin’s small community ensures siblings see each other often, whether in line in the Learning Commons or in the hallways between classes. Teachers and peers often recognize one sibling through the reputation of the other, creating moments of pride or frustration. Whether borrowing advice or feeling overshadowed, siblings at Latin must navigate a unique mix of support and individuality.

For Harper, having her older brother Grayson with her in high school has been an asset.
“It’s helpful because he knows most of the teachers I have and understands the school environment,” Harper said. “He helps me adjust, especially with things like my schedule and talking to teachers.”
Despite the comfort of having him nearby, Harper describes their school relationship as distant but positive.
“He doesn’t say hi to me during the school day. But at home, he helps a lot—especially with math,” she said. “My dad doesn’t remember anything from when he was in school, and my oldest brother is in college, so Grayson is the one I can count on.”
This support was particularly meaningful in Harper’s first week of high school. Grayson stepped in to help her memorize her schedule and navigate the building.
“It made me feel more confident knowing he was there,” Harper said.
But their relationship at school isn’t without its quirks. “Whenever I see him, I used to wave, and he would just roll his eyes at me,” Harper said. “So I’ve learned not to wave anymore because I know he’ll keep doing it.”

Grayson’s perspective on having a sibling at Latin differs from his sister’s. He experienced a distinct bond with his older brother, Gavin Anderson ‘24, while they were in high school together.
“It’s definitely a lot different having a sister rather than a brother,” Grayson said. “With my brother, we ran into each other all the time because we took similar classes. My sophomore year, we even had a class together—Photography II. But with my sister, I don’t see her as much.”
Now as an upperclassman, Grayson finds himself stepping into the role Gavin once filled.
“I went from being the guy who asked for rides to the guy giving them,” he said. “I understand my brother’s frustration a lot more now—like when I’m super tired after school and get a text that I have to pick Harper up after her practices.”
Despite their individual interests, both siblings emphasize the importance of supporting each other, especially through supporting each other at sporting events.
“I went to the majority of [Harper’s] freshman volleyball games,” Grayson said. “The same principle applied to when I went to Gavin’s basketball games. You only get a small window to watch your siblings in high school, so I think it’s worth being there for them.”
Harper is equally supportive of her brothers.
“Last year, I went to every one of Grayson’s baseball games. I went to every one of Gavin’s basketball games,” she said.

While the Andersons’ dedication to supporting one another is evident, their interests are distinct. Harper gravitates toward theater and volleyball, whereas Grayson prefers the gym and baseball. Still, Grayson views their differences as a strength.
“We don’t have a lot in common,” he said. “But opposites attract. We manage to find common ground in the things we do share, and that’s what makes our sibling relationship work.”

The Testai siblings, Sofia and Martin, have a similar relationship to the Andersons, as the older sibling often offers useful high school advice. Sofia takes on a guidance role for Martin by using her own experiences to help direct him through his high school years.
“I saw a lot of myself in Martin when he was starting as a freshman,” Sofia said. “It took me time to settle in, and I’ve told him to be patient. Adjusting to Latin can take time.”
While Martin appreciates Sofia’s advice, he’s focused on carving out his own space.

“When I first started, people would say, ‘Oh, that’s Sofia’s brother,’” Martin said. “I felt like I had to make my own name because people already had expectations of me.”

Sofia has also helped Martin calm down when he struggles emotionally in or out of school.
“Whenever he’s had a rough day or feels frustrated with something like a teacher or a grade, he knows I get it,” Sofia said.
Martin echoed this point of view.
“It’s easier to talk about what’s going on when we’re both here,” he said. “She can relate to my frustrations because she’s been through it all already.”
With high school’s many challenges, the interactions when they see each other at school can help add more joy to their day.

Sofia said, “He never just says hi in the hallway. It’s always a fist bump or something extra. He brings a lot of energy to everything, which makes things feel more lively.”
Martin acknowledged that their relationship is not without its frustrations, however.

“She acts like a third parent sometimes,” he said. “She’s always telling me what to do or reminding me to call when I get somewhere. I get why she does it, but it can feel a little much.”
In Martin’s second year at Latin, he is beginning to accept what school would look like without Sofia.
“It’s good having her here, but I’m also figuring out who I am,” he said. “Even though we’re different, I think we work well as siblings because we support each other when it matters.”
Watching Martin adjust to high school has been one of Sofia’s greatest reminders of her own growth.
“He’s definitely his own person, but it’s nice to be able to help him along the way.”