Growing up as the youngest child gave me the opportunity to watch and learn as my older siblings experienced life and struggled through difficult times. I witnessed their high and low moments. I was their punching bag, their baby, their annoying little sister, and their biggest fan. I was left out and let in. I was the "Don't tell mom and dad" and the "Don't tell Megan." Watching them grow into the wonderful people they are today, I learned so much from my older siblings.

I learned that things will always get better. Whether it be a hard class, a breakup, a fight with a friend, or a rough patch with your parents, everything will always be OK eventually. My older siblings taught me that even when you think you are having your worst day, you'll still get through it, and you'll have really good days again soon.

I learned to follow my passion and pursue what I really want. Being an English major, I get the question all the time of what I plan on doing with my life. I hear the jokes of being unemployed or broke, but my siblings taught me to let nothing stand in my way. I learned to never pursue a job just because of the money that comes with it. They've taught me that making less at a job I love is worth more than any paycheck.

They've taught me that nothing—literally nothing—can stand in my way if I work hard enough. I've seen it through them working hard at sports, school, relationships, and life. They have shown me the benefits of hard work and desire. I learned that if I want something bad enough, all I have to do is apply myself and good things will come.

With that, I also learned that failure happens, but it's normally because something better is waiting for me. I know not to beat myself up when I fail because it's just a setback that is setting me up for something greater. I've watched them fall flat on their faces and then get up and discover greatness. I know not to settle for defeat.

I learned not to settle, ever. My siblings taught me never to settle for less than I deserve, whether it be a relationship, job, position on a team, or in life. I've also learned never to settle down and be content. My siblings have shown me the benefits of taking risks and being uncomfortable. I know that I can travel, work in a weird job, take up strange hobbies, and push myself out of my comfort zone because great things happen when I do.

I learned to be financially smart. My siblings showed me the benefits of hard work and saving money. They told me, "College is expensive, and you'll be thankful one day." Boy, were they right.

I learned that mom and dad really do know best most times. Despite my stubborn nature and emotional roller coasters, my sibs weren't lying when they told me that mom and dad are always looking out for my best interest. It doesn't mean I never fight with them, but I learned to respect them because they love me. Thankfully from my older siblings, I understand the benefits of having a good relationship with my parents.

I learned to work hard and play hard. While working hard is important, I also learned that having fun and making time for myself is necessary, too. They taught me to cut myself some slack and sometimes pick having fun over working because both are equally important.

They taught me to keep my family close. I learned the importance of having my family as my backbone, and as you can see, the benefits I've had from making my them a priority are endless.

And lastly, they taught me to make my relationship with God my main focus. They've shown me what happens when God is the center of my life and what happens when he isn't. I've seen the joy of seeing him reflected in my siblings, and I know the pain of rejecting him, too. They've helped me grow in my faith and set me on a path for continuing my life alongside him.

You see, being the youngest child might have a few drawbacks at times, but when you have older siblings like mine, it makes it all worthwhile. I've had the opportunity to be mentored, cherished, valued, and loved by the greatest siblings ever. So for me, being the baby of the family is an experience I'd never take for granted. Thanks for teaching me so much about this difficult and crazy life.