Growing up with an older brother was equal parts painfully frustrating and incredibly rewarding. In short, we were enemies most days, and I was his number-one fan for pretty much all the others. On the bad days, I know for a fact that our constant bickering irritated my parents to no end; I have distinct memories of screaming at each other over computer time and threatening violence with the middle seatbelt in the backseat of my mom's car. But I have a million good memories, too--my brother introducing me to the wonders of Pokemon, following his ever-changing music taste like a lost puppy, and binging new TV shows together. We're completely opposite people, yet, somehow, we made it work.

I've learned so much from my brother. I looked to him all through school, always really excited to ask him questions about the social aspects of school (let's just say that I was more of the expert when it came to the academic side of things) and pleased when we could relate about certain happenings that he'd already been through. His music taste greatly influenced mine — when he went through the emo phase, you can bet your bottom dollar that I did, too. I'll admit that we didn't spend as much time together as we should have when we got older, yet I seemed to always somehow find a way to pick up a new hobby or interest from him as the years went by. Some of my favorite memories are the bonding moments we experienced over some tv show or anime we both obsessed over.

Even as he pestered and annoyed me to no end, I always felt his affection for me. It's amazing to have someone who you know will always be there for you, even though you're totally different people who don't always click. If I ever need anything, whether it be a concert buddy or a shoulder to lean on, I can count on him, through thick and thin.

Having an older brother, especially one that was the outgoing and carefree to my reserved and focused, taught me more than I ever thought it would. Having him to look up to broadened my horizons, and made me a more well-rounded person. I can't thank him enough for being unapologetically who he is, no matter life throws at him. It's inspiring, and I'm so grateful to have such a strong person in my life. In ways he probably doesn't even realize, he has a large hand in the person I am today.

Ultimately, to my brother who is my real-life foil, the yin to my yang, my complete and utter opposite: Thank you so, so much. You are an amazing person, and I am so happy to be able to call you my family. Keep being who you are, big brother, and please never stop giving me recommendations. Your little sister loves and appreciates you more thank you think or know.