I am 19 years old and my sister still gives me crap for being born on the day after her birthday and still claims that I was supposed to be a boy. No, we have not been the closest growing up. But, I can say that she has impacted my life in ways I cannot thank her for.

I can fondly remember growing up with matching outfits on the holidays, stealing each other’s clothes (which we still do), fighting over who got to sit in the front seat of the car and who got the better Christmas presents. Playing house and watching endless amounts of "Lizzie McGuire" and "Dragon Tales" on our Saturday’s are some of the best memories I can recall.

Although, we may argue, my older sister has always looked out for me and inspired me to be the best person I can be. No matter what the argument is (sorry for all of the hair pulling and scratching) we always make up with each other at the end of the day. Big fights or small, I know my sister will always have my best interest in mind. Even though most of our arguments include who mom and dad love more or “how did my shirt go missing” we somehow forgive each other every time.

I have always looked at my older sister has a role model. Academics and excelling in everything she does (yes, she claims nobody is smarter than her) is something that she holds extremely close to her heart. If I was ever having trouble in math or science she was always my tutor. She always encouraged me to get the best grades I can strive for and be dedicated to anything I put my mind to. She always set the tone for how I should never give up on my dreams.

My sister has given me some of the best advice I could ever ask for (yes, she claims she is always right). She constantly reminds me to only worry and focus on the things that matter. Whenever I go to her with boy advice, her response is usually “who cares you’re young”. It always lets me reflect back and think about what is really important. She constantly helps me remember that life is short and we should always make the most out of it.

One of the many reasons I need to thank my sister is for breaking in my mom and dad. It made life very easy when it came to having a curfew, staying out on school nights and getting away with being a little too sassy. She was always there for me when I needed her to do some convincing for me back in high school.

We do not see each other often because she is 180 miles away from me, but she still manages to motivate me to be number one. Her advice, encouragement and having an amazing sense of humor is why I need to thank her every day.