Being a sibling is an experience I would never trade. Biologically, I have two younger sisters whom I adore. They are my best friends, confidants, and partners in crime. But for a long time now, it hasn’t just been the three of us.

When I was twelve, my parents divorced. Since then, I have gained six siblings, four older and two younger. As someone who values family the most, this has been a journey, but a great one. On my dad’s side I gained two younger sisters, a role I’m familiar with, but on my mom’s side I gained an older sister (and her fiance) and an older brother (and his wife), territory I am completely unfamiliar with. Becoming a younger sister has transformed me in some of the best ways.

Last year, my mom got remarried and I officially gained two older, fourteen and half years older, siblings. Even though legally we became siblings on that day, it feels like we have been for so long.

I feel like I can talk to my older sisters about anything and everything. It’s so nice to have these beautiful female role models in my life, though I’ve had many. They've had so much experience and lived in so many different places. They give great hugs in the morning, answer all my panicked texts and have the best taste in music. They're what I've always strived to be for my younger sisters. There’s no other word for it, they're so cool.

Being a little sister to a big brother was the biggest change in my life. I’ve always been surrounded by women, I’ve always had sisters, and I had no idea what it was like to have a brother. I am so grateful I know what it’s like now. My older brothers are my protectors, my coaches, and my friends. They've helped me realize my path in life will be long, winding, and unexpected things will happen. They've helped me be a better writer, a better intellectual, a better sibling, and a better person.

Having siblings that are so much older than me has prepared me for life in the best ways. They were there during my college search and they listened to me cry when I was homesick. They’re always there with the best advice. Most importantly, they’re always there when I need a laugh. Lately, I just can’t get over how happy I am to be their younger sister.

As we prepare for my sister’s upcoming wedding and get ready to make our family officially bigger, I can’t help but think about how lucky we are that we all somehow fell together. Adding to my family will always make my heart burst.