Dear Big Sis,

Growing up a few years apart, it seemed as though we would never be friends. People didn’t believe me when I said we were sisters; we looked so different from each other, had our own unique styles, and never hung around the same kids at school. I was always so determined to be different than you, but as time has passed, I have realized that I have a few things to truly thank you for.

Thanks for being so one of a kind.

I could not imagine obsessing over stupid girl bands, like No Secrets and The Spice Girls, with anyone else.

Thank you for being my first friend.

Even though mom made you, thanks for letting me hang out with you and your friends and, to this day, still getting lunch with me when everyone else is busy.

Thank you for always taking the blame.

I am eternally thankful I am not an only child, because then I would have no one to accuse when mom asks who left the dirty dishes in the sink or who forgot to take out the trash.

Thanks for showing me what is cool

…And what definitely isn’t. Whether it is from mimicking you or watching you make a total fool out of yourself, thanks for always being my guide.

Thanks for being my best friend and my worst enemy, all wrapped into one.

Regardless of our continual fighting I know that we will always forgive each other at the end of the day, no matter what ridiculous thing we do to get under each other’s skin. Our fights may be rough and savage, at times, but there is no one else I would be able to forgive for pouring brown sugar all over me in my sleep or tearing up my beloved poster of Zac Efron.

Thanks for putting up with our family with me.

This is a big one because no one else will ever be able to accept how dysfunctional our family truly is. I really do not know what I would do if I had to experience family gatherings without you.

Thank you for consistently being there.

Whether it was picking me up from practice or letting me sleep with you when I had a bad dream, you were always there when I needed you.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

Reading my papers in high school before I turned them in, mailing me care packages when I am homesick at college, and sending me funny articles to read when I am feeling down; you always help pick me up and motivate me when I really need it.

And lastly, thank you for being my biggest role model.

Whether I like it or not, I realize that we are more and more alike with every day that passes. Even though I grew up wanting to be the complete opposite of you, I somehow found myself studying your same major, wishing I could make the same travels as you, and admiring where your life is going.

Thank you for teaching me to set high goals and to never stop chasing my dreams.

With love,

Your Biggest Supporter.