I know, I was the first. I was the first to enter high school, the first to get my license, the first to fill out applications, the first to write my college admission essays, the first to graduate, go to college, and be an adult.
You have watched me all this time and I'm sure that most of what you see isn't always true. What you see is often the "perfect" older sibling. You saw me get straight A's. You saw me win awards and scholarships. You saw me getting my acceptance letters. You see me going to college. I'm sure most of what you see is me trying to be the best big sister I can be by trying to be perfect.
Lately, I've noticed that sometimes my "perfection" is all you notice. Sometimes, you forget the girl behind it.
Younger siblings often feel the need to compare themselves to their older siblings, whether that's because of teachers, parents, or themselves. Just like I compare myself to the people around me, you often compare yourself to me.
Please, take this piece of advice: don't.
To my younger sibling,
As you take over the role of being the only child at home, know that you are gifted to lead in far different ways than I am. You are simply one of the most talented people that I know. First of all, you have such a natural ability to make friends. You have such kindness and faithfulness to those in your life. You have crazy athleticism and never give up no matter what the circumstances are. Your hard work and desire to love everyone around you makes you amazing in ways I could only hope to be.
You are meant to be a leader. You have a natural courage that I can only hope to have. You are almost always right when you give advice; it has always been the best. You are one of the most Godly, sincere, athletic, and talented young men that I know. I am beyond blessed to be your big sister and to have you as someone I can look up to. Yes, I look up to you even though you're younger. Don't ever doubt that.
You have the heart of gold and you love so incredibly much. You care more about other people than you do about yourself, and it's so easy for you to do so. You have no idea how much I admire your compassion.
Last but not least, you are smart. You are one of the smartest young men I know, and not just in academics. I know as you walk through the hallways at school and constantly get asked about your big sister, it makes it difficult to remember that you're your own person. I know it feels as though you live under my shadow, but you are so intelligent in your own, unique way and other people see that. You need to believe in yourself as much as I, and everyone else around you does.
I love you always,
Your More Than Blessed Big Sister