As I head into my final year of high school and look towards college and real life, I find myself more and more inspired by my older sister. I look to her to see how she handled the very things I am going through right now. I look to her to understand how to better look at the world. I look to her to figure out how to grow up.

Being the oldest, she had to do all of this alone. She didn't have someone who grew up with her to take experience from. That takes a whole lot of guts if you ask me. I am so thankful that I have my older sister to call if I'm in trouble, that I can look to my sister when I don't know what to do. I am so thankful to my sister for being my role model.

I know we don't always get along, and that sibling competition is very real between us, but I can't imagine anyone else I would rather grow up with. My older sister had to deal with my parents first with growing up first, with becoming independent first. I have so much respect for her for doing that alone.

Every day as I get closer to college applications and the 'real world', I find myself looking to my sister even more. I am so grateful to have someone to look up to, who can teach me how to be a grown-up because she already is one.

So, thank you, big sister. You are a huge inspiration, and I can't think of anyone else I would rather go through this crazy life with. I love you.