The other day my Mom found an assignment of mine from the first grade. The paper said, "I like to ____" and, "When I grow up I want to _____". She called me laughing hysterically as she repeated what I had filled in for the blanks. On the paper I wrote in, "I like to eat." and, "When I grow up I want to be just like my sister." Any normal child would have filled in the blanks with the words dancing and Ballerina, but that wasn't me.
The last sentence pretty much covers it. I had always wanted to be just like my sister. I thought she was so cool with her friends, car and job, that I started doing everything she once did. I played the same sports, got the same job, and eventually joined her same sorority. I was literally living her life five years later.
The age gap was pretty tough growing up, but the upside was learning from her mistakes. I now knew not to hide water bottles of dragon berry Bacardi in my car, and bringing drunk friends home after prom. Although I've made my fair share of mistakes that have surpassed hers, she covered my back when she could. From convincing Mom and Dad to raise my curfew, to telling them to stop worrying about me; she truly cared.
She's really taken to her role as my big sister, being that she is my biggest role model. I'm grateful that she gave me a backbone, sarcasm, broke-in the parents for me, and she's goals AF. She is so independent and strong that of course I want to be like her. It's no wonder that I've always looked up to her because honestly she is pretty cool.
Having an older sister is one of the greatest gifts god has to offer, because not only do I have someone who's ID I can use, but he gave me a best friend from day one. Although there were a few years when we would barely speak, today as adults I would say we're the perfect match. She inspires me to follow my dreams by living hers every day.
Finally, to all of the people who tell me I remind them of my sister, thank you. And to all of those who have shared rude insights on her, goodbye. So be it that I copy many or most of my sisters lifestyle moves if I could be as hilarious and intelligent as her; I'd be set.
Catch me moving to New York in five years to take her job.
