Being away at school has allowed me to reflect, and do a lot of deep thinking. I think about all kinds of things, which I'm sure a lot of first-year college students can say: "Have I selected the right major?" "What if I change my mind?" "Where will I be in the future?" "Will I be able to find a job?" With these transitory thoughts enveloping my mind, I've learned that I need to allow myself to take a step back and debrief. After analyzing the bigger picture, I can honestly say that I would not be half the person I am today without the best support system back at home. Growing up with sisters was far from an easy task at times, but there's no other family I would want to be a part of.

With four girls in the house, there was rarely a dull moment. You guys know exactly how to make me laugh, and bring me up when I am feeling down. Over the years, I've learned to embrace the shenanigans, and understand that we wouldn't be this close today without it. The ridiculous noises, inside jokes, and completely awkward times that leave us on the floor laughing, are all things that I will never forget.

For the more serious times in our lives, I appreciate every moment we have spent comforting each other. I can remember every moment I've ever been sad, and that your guys always had my back. I would honestly drop anything I was doing in order to provide laughs, comfort, or a shoulder to cry on (my shoulder is always open for you). While I may not be home as often any more, I am only a phone call away. Just as you have always been there for me, I plan to be there for you...always.They say that you don't need a therapist when you have a sister, which is a statement I can validate. Whether I am having the worst day or the best day, I know that my sisters are always willing to listen to me. There are several days (or more) where I just cannot stop talking, and I know I can always turn to them to let my feelings out (I don't expect them to be interested in everything I have to say, but at least I know they're listening). Sometimes, we all just need to vent after a long and stressful day. Over the years, as my stress levels have continued to escalate, my sisters always leave their ears open for me, and I thank them for that.

On a less serious note, we share very special moments together in which we need to act like kids again. Whether we spend the day coloring, running around outside, or burying each other in the sand at the beach, we always find a way to bring out the inner five-year-old in each one of us. Some of the best memories I have with my sisters involve us laughing until my stomach hurts.

Finally, I've realized that your sister truly knows more about you than you think. I can recall many times that I've been sad, and my sisters were the ones to bring my up from whatever dark place I was in. They came right out with my favorite jokes, movies, songs, or whatever would make me feel better at the time. There were days when I was sick, and they would sit with me and watch Disney movies with me all day until we could recite every song instantaneously. It was in these moments that we connected on a much deeper level, which is when I truly saw the transition from sisters to absolute best friends.

Thank you for the endless laughs

Thank you for always having my back

Thank you for loving me regardless

Thank you for the frozen yogurt dates

Thank you for the movie nights

Thank you for letting me steal your clothes

Thank you for the spa days

Thank you for putting a smile on my face all the time

Thank you for being such a major part of my life, even when I'm away at school

Thank you for just about everything.