How can I update the OS on a 2010 Macbook pro?

I just bought a refurbished 2010 Macbook pro for my son. It is in great shape and it's running High Sierra 10.13.6. It has 8 G memory, 1TB SSD, 2.53GHz Intel Core i5processor. In general, I have no complaints and it seems to work really well.

I was hoping to update the OS because I know High Sierra is a few operating systems back. I tried right away going to Monterey but that didn't work. I thought maybe I'd have to do it step by step (?) OS by OS so the next one after HS being Mojave I thought I'd see if I could upgrade to that but received a message that it wasn't compatible with the system?

Now I am really confused because it didn't say why or what wasn't compatible.

I personally have a Macbook Air that is also from the 2010s. I bought it new back then and have used it daily ever since and it's been great! I have never had a problem with it. It is currently running Monterey. Mine also has half the memory and waaaaay less storage. Mine also has a 1.6 GHz processor -- I'm not sure if any of that makes a difference but in comparing the two it seems like the one I just bought for my son, though it is the same year seems a bit better than the one I've been using (*no offense old friend*) and I have OS Monterey on my so my question is: Why am I getting messages that say I cannot update his to Mojave?

I will appreciate any and all help.

Thanks