You have been there through every up and down in the past seven years of my life. You know about every fight, have shared every success, and have pushed me to be the best version of myself. You tell me when I’m wrong, but also accept it when I’m right. You and I fight like the sisters God forgot to make us. Being an only child, I never knew what having a sibling was like. I never had anyone who knew me better than I knew myself. However, I got a pretty good idea as soon as you came along.

You know when I’m sad without me having to speak a word. You know when I’m happy before I can even tell you the news. You aren’t afraid to hurt my feelings if you know it’s the best thing for me. You are the most honest person I know. You are also the kindest. You never let me forget how much I am loved, and you love me at my worst and my best. Thank you for that, I know it can be hard to do at times.

You remind me that the boys are dumb and that we are each other’s real soulmates. You do crazy things with me that lead to great stories. We have so many of those. My best memories have you in them. You never judge me for anything, even when you probably should. You never lie to me when I ask you if I look fat or if my shoes match my shirt. You are my personal consultant in basically every aspect of my life.

We like a lot of the same things, but also have our own tastes. We love the same kind of music, but have different tastes in boys (which is convenient so we never will fall for the same one). We love the same foods, and if we don’t, eventually we will, because we rub off on each other so much. Our personalities are so compatible it’s outrageous. The fact that I can say, “read my mind about what song to play next,” and you know what I mean is a little freaky. But that’s us — it's what makes us each other’s person.

There are so many things I need to thank you for. However, words can’t even explain how thankful I am for you. You have been my saving grace too many times to count. I would not be where I am/who I am at this moment without you in my life.

The thought of not being down the street/down the hall from you after college is terrifying. It is scary, because we have never been apart for more than four months while I was abroad (and even that was too long). However, as life is approaching and we are getting ready to make big changes, just remember this: you are my sister. You are my family. Nothing that we do or any place we go in this big world could ever change that.

I am so proud of you. Of everything you are, everything you have been, and everything you are becoming. I can’t wait to see the great things you do in the world. I will be in your corner every step of the way, even when I can’t physically be right next to you. If there is ever a time where everything seems to be falling apart, just know I will always be here. That’s what sisters are for. Thank you for always being mine. I love you with my whole heart, forever and always.