Almost every aspect of my personality and sense of self can be attributed to my older brothers. But I will never say that to their face because I would definitely get made fun of.
I have four older brothers and have looked up to them for as long as I can remember. The skills and lessons they have taught me have had an immeasurable impact on my life.
For one, I know the best way to throw a punch so you don't break your fingers. And how to deliver the wittiest, smooth comebacks for any situation you're in, ever. And my personal favorite, the best excuses to give to teachers at school for getting out of homework. Joking aside, each one of them has given me genuine life lessons, too, even if they don't know it.
I learned how to show tough love from Christian. I learned how to have strength internally and externally from Kiko. I learned how to be the smartest and most likable person in a room from Nathan. And I learned how to love who I am regardless of what others say from GJ. All of these lessons, among a myriad of others, attributed to who I am today and the outlook I have on life.
But most of all, my brothers have taught me that family comes before anything. I know that they will always be there for me, no matter what, no questions asked. At the end of the day, they are the first people I'd want to tell great news to and the only people I'd tell embarrassing news too. Around them, I feel at home. I will never forget the afternoons spent in our backyard playing football or soccer or any other sport that would knock my teeth out (yes, literally). And even though we've grown up, I know that they will always be on my team.
It is so important to cherish the people in your life. There are things to be learned from everyone around you, and the closest people to you have the biggest influence. I am so blessed to have my four older brothers around me. They might not know how much they mean to me, but they will always be my role models.
Being the little sister was hard. I was beat up relentlessly, used as a footrest and made fun of for literally anything I did. But I really wouldn't change it for the world. I know that my brothers would do anything for me in a heartbeat, and can only hope that I am half as good of an older sibling as they are. Although I honestly don't tell them often enough, I love my brothers unconditionally. But, something does tell me that they already know that.
