Like many other girls my age, I dreamt of having an older sister when I was younger. I mean, who wouldn't love a lifelong best friend, free hammy downs, and a chick flick movie watching partner? However, as I grew older, I found the many benefits of growing up with an older brother and learned that they aren't just a free chauffeur to school or there to laugh at your goofy outfit choices in middle school. Although having an older brother comes with occasional bickering and overprotection, I wouldn't want it any other way.

When my brother, Jeremy's freshman year of college came around and I had to say the dreaded goodbye, I was sad and didn't know how to handle being an only child. With the mixed emotions of not having him around and the fact that my family didn't get a puppy to replace the emptiness in the house, I came to the conclusion that there are many perks of having an older brother.