To my younger sister,

Being the only child for the first two years of my life had to have been amazing, considering I was too young to actually remember, but I can only assume it was. Two years later, our parents introduced me to you, and of course I had my reservations at first, but I mean, who wouldn’t?

Eventually, I accepted that you were going to be a permanent and (I would soon come to realize) very unique member of the family. As we both got a bit older and realized our parents weren’t going to pick a favorite or give either of us away (I had my suspicions), it was time to do what any big sis does best; be the boss.

When we were kids, we did just about everything together. You didn’t really have much say in what we were going to do--fallbacks of being the younger sister.

However, you didn’t always agree with my plans. Inevitably, slaps, kicks, and pushes occurred. The exchange of unkind words frequently ensued and once, I even hit you with my bicycle, but you turned out just fine.

Anyway, that fight lasted until we were about 8 years old and had to share a room. We decided on bunk beds. Some of my best childhood memories came from sharing this room. In the middle of the night, if I had to get out of bed for any reason, you would follow. You wouldn’t say much, just trailed behind my footsteps.

Although you grew out of following me to the bathroom, you didn’t grow out of following in my footsteps in other aspects of life. My passion for sports and doing well in high school soon became a mutual passion we both shared. When it was time for both of us to attend the same high school, I was a bit weary. For two years, it had been my stomping grounds and now I would have to share it. Not a day went by that I didn’t hear the words, “You and your sister are so alike.” For a while, the similarities that you and I shared really bothered me. I guess at times I wanted to be my own person and not have you latch onto and mimic all my ideas and talents.

However, as I now look back, I appreciate all the times you mimicked my outfits and my interests.

I appreciate you pursuing all the talents that I enjoy.

I appreciate all the years and times you let me boss you around.

I appreciate you molding me into the person I am today.

You have pushed me to be the best version of myself. Because you wanted to pursue everything that I was an active part of, I had to make sure I was nothing shy of the best at it. I had to make sure you had someone to look up too and be proud of. I hate to admit it, but you inspire me.

Subsequently, I hope that I have had a similar effect on you. I hope that I have been, and will continue to be, an active role model in your life.

I know that I can’t boss you around or tell you what you can and cannot do. I know that you’ll have to discover and figure this new college world out for yourself. And, although I wish I could guard you from all the heartbreaks, failed tests, and hung over mornings you will experience, I know I can’t.

But what I do know for certain is that whoever has the pleasure of hearing your contagious laugh, ridiculous impersonations, and being touched by your heart of gold and radiant personality, will maybe, just MAYBE, have the opportunity to love you half as much as I do.

Forever grateful,

Your older sister