Growing up, I assumed I would always be an only child. After all, I was almost 10 years old and my dad having another kid was not an idea that crossed my mind often. But after 10 whole years of being an only child, my stepmom announced that she was pregnant. I was only in fifth grade at the time and the concept of having a sibling did not really make sense to me. I had watched my friends grow up with siblings but I never thought I was going to be able to experience this myself. The news had come that I would soon be a big sister, whether I wanted to or not.

Being that I was an only child, one could make the argument that I was quite spoiled and very selfish. I was so used to everything being centered around me that when my sister was born I had to adjust. The 10 year age gap used to seem like a disadvantage at first. All of my friends were fairly close in age to their siblings. That all changed as we grew older.

That is probably due to the fact that my sister has honestly never seemed her age. She has always been much more mature and intelligent than the typical kid her age. Although having a sibling changed the dynamic of my life, I can honestly say that the change in myself and the change in my family was for the better.

For her I am grateful, she taught me to not to be selfish. The world does not revolve around me, and having her in the family really helped me put that into perspective. My life is a happier, and better place with her in it. For a little girl the amount of love she possess has never ceased to amaze me. I am a better person because of having her in my life. My sister is a blessing I will never take for granted.

Often my sister inspires me to a more loving, carefree and daring individual. I have a lot to learn from Jeanette. I honestly look up to my little sister.

I cannot wait to see what our relationship becomes as we progress through life. I am away at college and she lives alone with my parents, it’s basically her turn living as an only child. Of course she is not truly an only child but I am certainly not around like I was before I started attending Kettering University. Regardless of the age difference and the distance I believe we have a lot to learn from each other.

I think my sister is the perfect example of being wise beyond her years. The world would be a better place if people had a heart half as caring as she does. Not only is she kind, but she is also strong and possesses so much courage. Not only did Jeanette help me become a better person, but sometimes she really makes me see the best in different situations. The age gap has no effect on our relationship and I have found that it has allowed us to teach each other different things. I am so happy I only had to go 10 years without Jeanette because I can’t imagine my life without her anymore.