I still remember the exact moment my parents told me that I was going to be a big sister. I was 7 years old and standing directly in front of Cinderella's castle at Disney World.

I had always wanted to be a big sister so I could have someone look up to me the way I looked up to my big brother, and how appropriate for this wish of mine to become reality in "the place where dreams come true."

From that moment on, I knew I had a big responsibility on my shoulders. Especially when the news came that the baby was going to be a little girl. I wanted to be someone she could turn to for anything, trust with everything and ultimately look to as her go-to role model.

I can only hope that now, 14 years later, I've been doing my job for my little sis. She's beautiful, smart, athletic, funny, talkative, careful, loving and honestly a lot cooler than I ever was, (can someone explain how she was lucky enough to never have an awkward stage?) I couldn't be more proud of her.

I'm a daughter, friend, student, etc... but one of my most favorite titles and positions I hold is being called a big sister.

Being a big sister is so much more than just passing down your old clothes and giving your little sis rides because she can't drive yet (even though trust me, she definitely takes advantage of these things). To me, being a big sister is having a built-in best friend for life.

Having a little sister means unconditionally loving someone so much before they're ever even born, and remembering that love when they decide to steal your clothes or makeup. It means they will NEVER be right in an argument when it's between the two of you, but if anyone else ever tries to mess with her, you've got her back no matter what.

It means pushing her to be her best (and maybe sometimes being a little too bossy, oops), but only because you're her number one fan in all that she does.

For me, it's really helped shaped who I am as a person and has a major influence on the decisions I make. We all have values and standards we aim to uphold. Remembering that I have a mini-me who watches and hears everything I do and say helps keep me grounded while I strive to be a good role model in her eyes.

Clearly, I still mess up. A lot. But when these things happen, I try my best to give her advice so she learns from my mistakes.

In the end, that's what I love most about being a big sister. I love being able to help her through times when middle school drama happens and it seems like the world is over. I love being able to tell her from my own experiences that life, in fact, will go on. I feel so lucky that I get to be the one to remind her how awesome she is and that no one or nothing can take that away from her. I can only pray that she sometimes listens to me at least a little bit. ;)

There's just something special about a bond between big and little sisters. I know I would do anything for mine, and I will love her no matter what life throws our way.

So if you've got a sister, give her a hug and be thankful that they're here to stay! (Whether they like it or not). :)