I find it funny. How whenever we meet someone new, they aren't entirely sure which of us is older. How - after coming to the conclusion that we are not in fact twins - they automatically assume that I am older just because I have a couple inches on you. How they seem more surprised that you are the one buying a drink at a restaurant when I am not even 21.

I find it funny - not because, in reality, I may have a couple more inches but you have about 6 years on me - but because it has never felt like I could ever measure up to the big sister role like you could.

Ever since we were little, you had that role down pat. It must have been in your DNA or something. Day in and day out you looked after me, cared for me, loved me, and protected me. You led me through my childhood, watching me grow and encouraging me to be myself (especially as I got past the annoying younger sister phase of wanting to do everything you did but which was quite the feat when I went through all of the awkward middle school phases that I still cringe over).

You always knew the right thing to do in a bad situation, the right way to solve a problem, and the right thing to say whenever I needed some encouragement.

As we grew older, the dynamic never evened out. You still were always the older and wiser figure - probably much more responsible and sensible than me. And even though I wasn't trying to copy everything you did or everything you wore anymore, I still continue to look up to everything that you are as a person.

Everything that got you to where you are today.

Anyone who has watched a family member or close friend go through medical school - like I have with my sister - (not to mention, gone through it themselves) can see that it is not for the faint of heart. I don't think I would've lasted a day through the first year, let alone gotten through the application process.

But I always knew that you could do it. Because you have always been the strong one.

I wrote in a birthday card to you once that you were "headstrong" - silly me not realizing that it meant stubborn (which I felt really bad about and had to explain that I got confused - what else is new?). Probably should have looked it up before picking that word.

I picked that word because what I thought it meant was that you were the strongest, most hardworking, and resilient person I know. (I promise good intentions were in that card). You always have been. When you had your mind set on something, it was going to get done. Nothing could shake you or get in your way.

And now you have dedicated your life to helping others - something else I find so admirable. You always joke that I am a lot cooler than you because I live in D.C. and want to be an Interior Designer, but I think the fact that you are so set on making a difference in this world makes you a lot cooler than me.

So just remember that even though you are the big sister, and you always encourage and support me, that doesn't mean that I don't have your back too. Just remember that even though you are much older, these roles don't have to be set in stone. Just remember that even though you have encouraged me and supported me my entire life, I am always here to do the same for you.