There's a lot of things that you can learn from doing basically anything. It could be from parents, from siblings, teachers, advisors, counselors, role models, speakers, the list goes on and on. But, I've learned something by being, for the first time, for the longest time.
On July 13, 1999, my sister was born. I become an older sister and had to no longer be an only child. To be honest, I had no clue what to expect. Two year old me didn't even know what a baby was. In fact, all I said when I saw her for the first few days was, "Hi baby," over and over and over again. And to add onto the honesty, I don't really know how I acted. As an 18 year old now, I can barely recall any conversation with her past this week (Sorry girlie). In order to help with that, and to better honor "National Siblings Day," here are some things that I learned from being an older sister, or, better yet, things I learned from my younger sister, Jasmine.
No level of pain is as bad as fighting over something with your sister. We learned this one the hard way, didn't we? As members of the same crew team, being in the same boat was inevitable. As yes, we had fights often, but nothing was harder to endure than fighting over something we both had a huge love for -- rowing. Sitting in that boat with you as my stroke seat and fighting over race plans at home made me realize I was more worried about losing you than I was about losing a race. Rowing has been a big part of my life since freshman year, and when I introduced you to it, I didn't realize you would be just as effected by the water beneath the boat, the feeling after a race, the list goes on. Nothing will ever be as hard as choosing a boat over you. Nothing will ever be as hard as fighting for you to keep rowing with 2000 meters left. Nothing will ever be as hard as telling you that you could have rowed harder, especially when you know it better than anyone.
I have to be sensitive. I've always been pretty good and hiding my feelings and not being a person who's open. We're very different people, which is good, because I would hate being the same person (no offense). But, it's because of you that I am able to take a step back from different situations and really see how things are going before making a full decision. It's because of you that I am able to care about others for real instead of "faking it." It's because of you that I can make choices with others in mind. It's about the bigger picture rather than about me, and that's really important, and I would have never figured that out without you.
There is such a thing as a time constraint. I always think that there's more time in the world than there is. I think that there is time to do everything, but it's clearly not the case. That being said, I wouldn't really know that without you. I don't answer your calls, I don't answer facetimes, emails, it's bad. But, because of you, I've been more punctual about everything I do. I probably wouldn't be this way if it wasn't for you, because I'm a mess, and on top of that, you keep me aware of what is going on. Usually I get into a lot of things at school, but because of you, I have a real schedule. So thank you.
I have to split time between family and friends. I've had this problem all throughout my life, where I tend to put my friends before family, and that should never be the case. We've had a lot of problems with this one. I don't know why I do it, maybe it's because I think I have you guys anyway, which just makes me a terrible person to be completely honest. That being said, I really should find a balance between friends and family, and it was only because of you this year that I was really able to realize that I needed that balance. I had this problem of being oblivious to all the issues that would take place in our family, and now that you have opened up that problem, I'm much more aware of the issues in our family, and in my friend groups.
Listen, I've learned a lot from you, girl. I wouldn't be who I am without you. I wouldn't be the person I am without the laughs we've shared, the moments we've spent together, the races we've gone to, the food we fought over, the fights we've gotten through, the tears and success of a race, the disconnect to play computer games, the list goes on and on. And it's because of you I've learned to toughen up, that I can take criticism, that I can be the best person I can be, no matter where I am.
Jasmine, I am who I am because I have you as my sister. Yes, I've joined a sorority. And yes, I have my crew team. But there will never be anyone who takes your place in my heart, and in my life. You are the built in best friend I wasn't allowed to choose, the crying baby to set me on track, the person that makes rainy days a little brighter.
So, in honor of National Siblings Day, thanks for existing. You are one of a kind and I'm so lucky to have you and to learn from you every day on how to be a better person
