Hi, sis. I know we don’t always see eye to eye. I know we are two polar opposites and that we usually don’t get too mushy, but today I wanted to say something nice for a change. Recently I did something I NEVER do: I stood up for myself. I wanted to thank you for being there for me, for standing up to bullies and fake friends, but most of all I wanted to thank you for teaching me to be able to stand up for myself.

Despite how much we fight and the fact that you sometimes think I hate you, I actually admire you. I admire the fact that you can speak your mind. I admire the fact that you can stand your ground and speak up for yourself. You have always been a symbol of strength for me. I have seen you overcome so much and the strength that you demonstrate every time inspires me. Thank you for teaching me to not be afraid to speak MY truth, even when I know people will disagree.

Thank you for always reminding me to aspire for more and to be the change. When I told you about the remarks of the Student Senate President about diverse students on campus you didn’t tell me to suck it up – you told me to go and BE the President. While I can’t do that since elections are right around the corner, you have inspired me to strive for more. You have awoken in me a fighting spirit that cannot stand to see injustice.

While you are always a great motivator, you also never sugar coat anything, and I am grateful for that. Thank you for telling me when I’m being irrational, for telling me to stop feeling sorry for myself and instead change my circumstances. Thank you for dealing with my constant ranting and either putting me in my place or telling me to stop crying and actually go do something about it.

Even though we don’t always see eye to eye, you are more than just my sister: you have been a counselor, a mother, a friend, a hero. Thank you, because without your courage and strength I would have never been able to follow my dreams and to learn how to speak up not only for myself but for those around me. Thank you, because I have seen you through your worst and seen you come back better than ever and I take comfort that in my darkness I too will be resilient one day.

Thank you for being my sister, my role model. My everything. I will always love you, fight for you, and strive to be more like you.