Some say I may be “too overprotective”. If you have a sibling, you should understand. Being the oldest of the Williams’ children, having only one younger sibling, makes me quite crazy at times.

My little brother’s name is Zachary. He will be a senior in high school at Arvada West High School in the fall, he is newly 17 years old. We have always gone everywhere and done everything together. He has his own friends, but he also considers my friends his own as well.

Growing up, we both were bullied very badly. This happened from elementary school through high school. I remember a specific time during my senior year, his sophomore year, that there was a boy picking on my brother. All I know is, I am sure that kid wishes he wasn't messing with Zach at the time that I came around the corner. I had a few special words for him, it definitely was not one of my kindest moments, but he was messing with my little brother.

He may only be 2 years younger than me, but he means the world to me. We have gotten in plenty of fights, but isn't that what siblings do? We have had each other's backs in plenty of good and bad situations. I am thankful for that.

Me going off to college was definitely a challenge for us both. The A-Z( because of our first names) team was split for the first time in 16 years. Knowing that I could not watch over him and give him advice all the time on things he struggles with, worried me. I know I have not always been the best sister, but no matter what happened, I was always there for him. I am the sister that tells my sibling about all my bad decisions, hoping that he will learn from my crazy stories.

Watching him grow up is a blessing, and also a curse. It is amazing how proud of him I am, he is becoming such an amazing man. Seeing him off to homecoming, with his first date, was quite hard for me. Hearing about his first major concert with his friends, without me. Why would my parents let my baby brother go out on his own into this crazy world? Isn’t he supposed to be age 7 or something? He is not allowed to grow up! Then it hits me, he is not a baby anymore.

We both have had rough patches where we did not feel like we had a purpose or worth of any kind. I am lucky to have a brother like him to stand by my side and show me that my life does mean the world to someone. I am so thankful for getting the opportunity to have a brother like Zachary. As we grow older, I hope we stay as close to each other as we have been these past 17 years. I am so blessed that God has given me such a great opportunity to help my brother become the person that God wants him to be.

I love you buddy!