When I was asked the other day to talk about my role model and how they influenced my life, of course, the person that immediately came to mind was my older sister.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be exactly like her. I grew up following her every lead. From what to wear to styling my hair or how I decorated my room to what things I could get away with when it came to our parents, and everything in between.

If she did something, I’d do it. If she said something, I’d say it. It got to the point where she would get so aggravated with me copying her every move that it started many arguments. And while my parents tried to assure her that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” she certainly didn’t see it that way. She just looked at it as her annoying little sister.

It wasn’t until we got a little older that I think she realized how big of an impact that she truly had on me, and still has on me today. Wanting to be just like her all those years may have made her upset and angry at me many times, but she was, and still is, everything I strive to be in life. If you know my sister, you would be impressed with her confidence and independence, and how she can light up a room with her presence.

My sister is one of those happy people that is fun to be around and you can’t help but want to be by her side 24/7. She makes people feel incredibly cared for and loved. She gives her all in anything she sets her mind to and has this natural ability to make the best out of the worst of situations. She is always brave and has never been afraid to try new things or go out on a limb and be different. She is everything I hope to be someday, and more.

Though my annoying copycat days are starting to fade, I am in awe of the amazing person she is and I continue to find myself mirroring so many of her characteristics and traits. And so, to my older sister, thank you for being the best role model a girl could ever ask for. I apologize for annoying you by being your little “mini-me,” but I will never apologize for wanting to be like the extraordinary person you are.