Kylee Deering | Staff Writer

College is a time to branch out and explore new and different things. Usually, this means moving away from the family and friends you’ve known while growing up, even the siblings we lean on most for support. But for some, this isn’t the case.

For sophomores Tanner and Gage Cook, Buena Vista University (BVU) was the right place for both of them.

“I chose BVU because I fell in love with the faculty and staff as well as the lake. Everybody was just so friendly and nice,” Tanner said.

Both brothers enjoy outdoor recreation such as biking and fishing, so the lake and trails had a lot to offer them both. After coming on a visit, they were both sold on being at BVU and didn’t mind sharing the experience with each other. After almost two years here, Tanner says that he likes having Gage close so they can bond and share their experience.

The siblings not only attend the same college but live in the same building just a few doors down from each other, so they remain literally close every day.

Tanner noted that being in such close proximity has its benefits, but it also has a few downfalls.

“Going to the same college has strengthened our relationship in some ways but also has sort of driven a wedge due to the fact that we take seeing each other for granted. We can do it everyday if we want to,” Tanner said.

Tanner also likes that having Gage on the same campus means there is somebody around who has his back no matter what. He also said that his friends are usually Gage’s and vise versa, so it’s easy to meet new people, and they know twice as many people by proxy.

Choosing to be on a small campus where they’re bound to run into each other at least once a day was a big choice for the Cooks but at the end of the day, they both say that they enjoy having each other’s company and a friend when in need.

Photo courtesy of Tanner and Gage Cook