Many students are used to having a sibling at school but most of the time they’re students, but with Jacob and Eli Smith this is a different case.

Jacob Smith, a math teacher at Chapman, has a younger brother Eli Smith, a sophomore. This is a very unique thing that they get to experience together.

“It’s pretty cool, it is a rare experience, not many people can get to be a teacher with their little brother at school,” Jacob Smith said.

When they can both be at school simultaneously, there are both benefits and downsides

“The biggest benefit is probably saving the gas money with the carpool and just taking one car home,” Jacob Smith said.

Eli sees a benefit on the academic side of things “he helps me with my math homework when it gets difficult” Eli Smith said.

Even though it’s a positive experience, there are still downsides.

“I worry about him thinking I’m watching him all the time, and that’s just not the case,” Jacob Smith said. “Also, I don’t want him to worry about who his friends are because of me.

Eli Smith has a different point of view when it comes to the downside. 

“The downside of it is sometimes people make fun of it and think it is weird,” he said.

Jacob wouldn’t want to change anything about the experience. 

“I wouldn’t want to change anything because it is fine the way it is,” he said. “I know me and Eli are both content and can keep our lives separate.”