Movies and television shows often portray older sisters as the villains of the family. They are the greedy ones who take advantage of the youngest, and are always jealous and deceitful in their efforts to be perceived as the best child in the family. I’ve also recently noticed many people say with conviction they don’t want more than one girl in their future family because they are scared it will start petty drama and competition. As the youngest of three sisters, I can unequivocally say this has not been my reality and it could not be farther from the truth. So I’m here to set the record straight, and give thanks to the two most important people in my life: my older sisters. If anything, my house is filled with more love and compassion thanks to my two older sisters.

Being the youngest, I fulfill the classic stereotype of “getting away with murder.” Like most teenagers, my sisters got in trouble with our parents for things, but I often did not suffer any consequences for the exact same behavior. For example: For my sisters, staying out past curfew meant that their phone would be taken away from them for at least a week, however, I was just let off with a warning when I stumbled in 30 minutes late. As the youngest, you never fully acknowledge how much easier you had it in terms of punishments as no one wants to admit it. Yes, of course, I still got in trouble plenty of times, but a shout-out to my sisters for also royally screwing up from time to time. My parents were not quite as mad at me when I did the same, because you had prepared them for me.

Let me tell you yet another advantage to having two older sisters: they always had --- and still have --- my back. There is nothing quite as terrifying as an angry older sister who sweeps in to defend you. Whether it’s the boy who broke your heart or that girl who sent you that nasty text, I guarantee they would not want to be caught dead in the same hallway as my sisters. My sisters have stood up for me countless times when I was just too timid to do it for myself. They have called out my teachers when they were wrong and stared down the person who was rude to me in 5th period. So thank you for scaring the life out of people for me --- when they deserved it, of course. By example, you taught me how to stand up for myself and how showed me how I deserved to be treated.

When I was younger, I was always accused of being a “copy- cat,” which is 100% true. I copied everything and anything my sisters did, because frankly I wanted to be exactly like them. If they liked blue, then blue instantly became my favorite color. What’s that? You like Barney? Same, that’s the only stuffed animal I want to play with! As many youngest siblings know, we were always relegated to being the servants and the students when we played princess and school, instead of the starring roles in make-believe. But we didn’t care because all we wanted to do was play with our siblings and get their approval. So here is my chance to say sorry for always tagging along when your friends came over for a playdate, and for stealing your clothes to this day if I see your back is turned. Just know it’s because I wanted to be you back then, and I still want to be you today. Thank you for inspiring me in everything I do.

Another huge lesson my sisters have taught me is what it means to follow your heart. Whether it’s about their career or about people in their life, they are never apologetic for being true to themselves and doing what makes them happy. I’ve learned so much by watching them. I’m lucky to have two older sisters as role models to follow in life. They are: my teachers when I’m confused; my duet partners when we are singing way too loudly; my rocks when life tests me; my saviors when I find myself in trouble; my stylists when I can’t find the right outfit; my therapists when I break down; my cheerleaders when I succeed; and my best friends in everything I do.

To all youngest siblings: I know it can get annoying when a teacher calls roll and you are instantly known as the little brother or sister of your sibling, but having someone lead the way in life is a blessing. To my older sisters: I love you both so much and thank you for everything you do for me, and thank you for always leading the way.