You could say that my world was turned upside down on June 12, 2009, because after being an only child for 11 years my sister, Ansley Quinn was born. Looking back on the time we have spent together, I can confidently say that she and I could not be more different. However, now that she is 7-years-old, I've realized that I've learned a lot from having a sister so much younger than me and I wouldn't have it any other way. So, I'd like to share a few things that I attribute to the large age gap that I hope others can relate to.

1. You have the opportunity to relive your childhood.

Who ever thought that Disney World with a 5-year-old would be so much fun? My sister was my excuse to do all of the things I wanted to do that I would typically be considered "too old" for. It's nice to be able to take a step back from adolescence and be able to do fun kid activities.

2. You realize how boring life was before them.

Driving her to a friends birthday party, going to a first-grade volleyball game and having someone to go Chic-fil-A with you are just a few things that have made my days more eventful. Without these things in my life, I feel as though a part of me would be missing. Overall, just having someone around has been a lot more fun than being an only child.

3. You recognize how love is endless.

My main concern when my sister was born was how I would share the love from both of my parents with my sister. My mom described the phenomena as that no love was taken away, more love was added. I found this fascinating as I feel the same way toward my sister and for other people.

4. Your parents will never get your name right.

I feel like everyone who has a sibling can relate to this one. I sometimes feel like I should legally change my name to my sister's, however, I don't even think then my parents would be able to get it right.

5. You think a lot about how old they will be when you have kids of your own.

I can't even describe how many times I've thought about how old I will be when she graduates high school or even college, or the times that I have counted based on how old I am when I have kids how old she will be. It can be very weird to think about sometimes, but I think she will have the title "fun aunt" on lockdown.

5. Time flies by.

I feel like since my sister has been born, time has sped past me. I realize that she is 7-years-old and it makes me wonder how seven years can pass so quickly. I then look at how I have grown and matured and can't even begin to fathom how I am old enough to be in college.

6. You can teach them things that your parents can't.

Crazy hair day coming up and you need a very weird hairstyle? Want to experiment with makeup and paint nails? Well, I'm your girl. I feel as though I have stepped into this role at times where I can offer expertise where my parents rarely can't. For example, my mom does not know how to braid other people's hair and so I was the master hair braider for my sister. I do enjoy this role as I feel as though I can contribute as a parental figure, but without the responsibility.

7. You get very protective.

I guess I am very biased, but I wholeheartedly believe that my sister can do no wrong in regards to other people, except for things done against me of course. If she were to ever get in trouble it would be the other person's fault. My grandma has the saying that "our girls are the prettiest, the smartest and the best" and I can definitely see my sister in that way.

8. You will miss them more than you think you will.

Leaving my sister when I went to college was very difficult for me as I became accustomed to seeing her every day. As I said earlier, my life became more exciting when she came into this world. It sometimes makes me sad to know that I am missing out on her class parties and her school programs. I have realized; however, that coming home from college allows me to experience the things we used to do together in a more appreciative light. We can sit on the couch together and watch movies again and she will sometimes sleep in my room with me at night for a "pajama party."

9. You will be an official chauffeur.

My friends laugh at me as the back of my car is filled with toys and miscellaneous children's clothing and shoes. Since both of my parents work, I sometimes had to take my sister to practice, a friend's house or birthday party. I think one of my favorite places to be with my sister is in the car as we both enjoy rolling the windows down and playing music with us both singing along.

10. You realize the expansion of technology.

This may be a weird one, but it is equally true. My sister is obsessed with her tablets and playing with her X-Box where I didn't receive a phone until I was eleven. It is so fascinating to see how technology has progressed over the past decade as it has started to affect younger age groups.

11. You are at different points in your lives, but that is OK.

I graduated high school and she was just graduating kindergarten. I'll be getting married and she might just be having her first boyfriend. All of these things I thought would bring us apart but in reality, I feel as though it has brought us together. I realize that we never have to fight about who stole who's clothes and I'm sure she is glad to not be getting hand me downs. I think that overall this is the biggest benefit of having a sibling so much younger than you as all though you are not in the same points of your lives, you can use each other to learn more about yourself and hopefully give them good advice in the future.

I always thought I would live life as an only child, but I am sure glad I didn't.