Having a big sister has always been one of my biggest blessings. She’s always there, which is usually a good thing… sometimes a bad thing.

But when it came to school, my sister was always the star student. She was usually smarter than me in most aspects of school. I would rather chat with anyone around me than pay attention, while she usually managed to do both.

So when I started college, I knew I would need her. I would need her knowledge and brains to help me get through the tough stuff I was never good at.

But I needed her for more than that, too. I needed her for things I knew I would, but also some things I never thought I would.

I needed her life advice, from boys to friends, going out to staying in, and making plans to canceling them. She was older, which made her kind of wiser in some aspects. I think I’m wiser in others, just sayin’.

I needed her to proofread my articles in the beginning. Writing is something I’m good at, but spelling is where I fall flat. Not really sure how that happens, but she was always willing to read them over and check them out.

I needed her to have my back. My sister would take a bullet for me, and I would do the same for her. But she has always been right there, ready to jump on anyone who messed with me. Whether it’s a girl at school or a guy in a bar, she has no problem having my back at any second.

I needed her to be there for me. Every time I thought I couldn’t do it. Every time I thought I wasn’t doing the right thing. Every time I let someone down. She was there, reassuring me, comforting me.

Honestly, as my college career winds down to the end, I realize it wouldn’t have been easy without her. I realize I never took the time to thank her enough. I realize I wouldn’t be me without her.

So, now is probably a pretty good time to get those thank you’s out with just a few days until graduation.

Thank you for every piece of advice, even the times I didn’t want to hear it. Even the times I swore you were wrong. Even the times I knew you were right.

Thank you for every time you helped me with homework, papers, and exams. I couldn’t have done them without you, honestly. Thank you for being there for me always. Thank you for having my back, no matter what.

Thank you for lending me money. Thank you for not getting mad when I drank most or all of your Tito's. Thank you for always encouraging me to drink on a weeknight, and all the drinks you’ve bought me when we’ve gone out. Thank you for getting me truly addicted to Riverdale.

But most importantly, thank you for being the best big sister. For never letting me down. For doing literally anything for me, no questions asked.

I definitely couldn’t do life without you, and I especially couldn’t have done college without you.