Brent Randall and Melanie Randall have a lot in common. Not only do they share the same last name, similar genetic markers and a flair for wacky board games, but they also attend the U together.
The Randalls’ situation is not unique, as there are many siblings that attend the U together.
Because Brent Randall is a metallurgical engineering major and Melanie Randall is an organ performance major, the sibling’s paths rarely cross. But according to Brent Randall, the best thing about having Melanie Randall around is “the ride into school in the morning, (because) she sits next to me so the crazies don’t.”
Melanie Randall is a transfer student from Utah State University, so after going to college by herself for a year, she said, she appreciates “the relationship of unconditional love, even if it’s not obvious, on a campus of 30,000 students.”
Lizzy Totterer and Lorraine Totterer are another sibling team at the U. They say that while the extra support is helpful, sometimes they experience too much family time. They said they love working together at University Bookstore and sharing experiences and knowledge that benefit both.
“It kind of becomes a competition of who is busiest and who has the most homework,” Lizzy Totterer said.
Not only do the Totterers share the same school and workplace, but they also attempt to share a textbook, which has tested levels of patience and coordination.
Though having a sibling on campus can sometimes have its hassles, the Totterers said they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s nice to just have someone that you know. It just makes coming here and meeting other people easier,” Lizzy Totterer said.
Ryan Garey, a freshman English major, said he doesn’t see a difference in having a sibling on campus because he rarely sees his sister, Brittany Garey. But, he said, “it’s kind of nice to be able to take advantage of her car and U parking pass.”
Ryan Garey also enjoys having his sister on campus with him because he knows that there is always family to turn to in times of need.
“(She) encouraged me to come to the U because of the education and the institution that it is,” Ryan Garey said. “But,” he added, “it discouraged me because I wasn’t able to truly get away from my family.”
Josh LeeWorking together at the U Bookstore, sisters Lizzy and Lorraine Totterer sort paintbrushes in the educational supplies department.