Because my older brother Pablo graduated from college this past week, I thought I would write about him and tell the world why he is so great!

For as long as I can remember, my older brother Pablo has been one of the few people in my life that I look up to for guidance. Because he’s two years older, he’s always been there to give me some good advice, such as what to expect in my classes and which teachers were awesome. There were a couple times where I was lucky enough to get the same teacher he had when he was in that grade/class. These teachers would often speak highly of my brother and, because I’m a good sister, I would agree wholeheartedly with them! Jokes aside, I always knew there was something about my brother that seemed to make him stand out from others. Whether it is because he is funny or because he is incredibly smart, he has always managed to make friends with a variety of people and maintain lasting friendships with his past teachers.

According to my mother, I have always looked out for my brother, and he has done the same for me. Even if it were something as simple as my mom or dad buying me a bag of chips, I would always speak up and say, “I need to get one more for Pablo!” To this day, I will often buy two candies or two bags of chips without a second thought. While the cashier at the register may be silently judging me for purchasing two snacks, she most likely doesn’t know that one is for my dear older brother. I find it humorous and sweet that my brother and I have always watched over one another even after all these years.

Recently, my brother graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in physiology and neuroscience. Words cannot even begin to explain how immensely proud our family is of all his hard work and accomplishments. My brother was the first in our family to attend college, making him a first generation college student. My parents worked incredibly hard to make sure that he would make it to a top university, and it is obvious that their sacrifices paid off. Based on statistics pertaining to first generation students like my brother, he shouldn’t even have graduated high school, let alone get into UCSD and obtain a bachelor’s degree! Society seems to have such low standards for children of immigrants and I hope one day this changes. I know that my brother is only one of the many students who have come from immigrant parents and exceled in their education.

Currently, my brother is doing extensive research involving native bee diversity in San Diego. I never knew bees could be so interesting until he told me all about it! He hopes to eventually do research involving bacteria. Because this is such a growing field in the science field, I know he will have no problem finding research like this!

I know my brother has so many more accomplishments to achieve in his future and I can’t wait to be there to support him along the way. I know that regardless of what happens, my brother will be successful in whatever he chooses to do and he will always have 100 percent support from his family.

To my brother, I hope you actually took the time to read this article instead of just scrolling to the end! I want you to know that I will always love you and support you as you navigate through adulthood. I’m sure it’s kind of scary to suddenly not have to go to school anymore and have a lot of freedom. But, I know you’ll get through it! Besides, you kind of have to so you can tell me how it all goes!