Being the older sibling has always been a blessing and a curse. I was always charged with more responsibilities and expectations, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It built my character and taught me how to care for someone other than myself.
Watching over my younger sister as we grew up together was both stressful and fulfilling. I was always the protector, the instigator, the one in charge. However, when we both reached adolescence, I didnāt feel as much of a need to keep a close eye on her; she had her own friends and her own life, and I wanted her to experience life for herself.
Then college happened. The thought of my younger sister alone in a brand new city for the first time terrifies me. Iām experiencing all of the emotions my parents must have gone through when I left for college.
That being said, I canāt brag about my sister enough. I love telling people about how sheās at her dream school studying what she loves. Every time we FaceTime or text, she sounds so happy and excited about where sheās at in life. She tells me how productive she was that day, what her plans are, who sheās hanging out with and it almost brings a tear to my eye every time. Itās beyond bizarre to feel such pride for her going through something Iāve already been through, but I canāt help it.
My sister and I donāt talk on the phone as often as either of us would like, but whenever she needs something, she knows Iām only a phone call away. And I always will be.
