Sometimes in life, it's hard to find a person that just gets you on every level.

A person who knows every aspect of your life--from childhood memories to what you ate last night for dinner. Someone who wholeheartedly supports your dreams while simultaneously keeping you grounded in reality. Someone who you can sit with in silence for hours at a time and never have to worry about filling the void. Someone who sees you yell and scream and cry and be the absolute worst version of yourself, and who stills love you unconditionally after the damage is done.

For me, this person is my younger sister.

At 15 years old, she's already taught me so much about the important things in life.

1. She's taught me how to be patient.

Sometimes I forget what it likes to be a sophomore in high school and catch myself rolling my eyes when she complains about all of the homework she has to do and the drama in her friend group. But because of her, I've learned how to be more patient and accepting of other's circumstances.

2. She knows the importance of laughter.

My phone is filled with her silly selfies and gifs she sends at random times. One time when she was eight at a Dairy Queen, she ordered a "dipped cone without the dipping." The worker looked extremely confused before handing her a plain ice cream cone. My brother and I still tease her about it to this day, and she always pretends to look offended before laughing with us.

3. Because of her, I know the importance of compromises in relationships.

I've learned that sometimes, it's just easier to say yes. When we have to leave for school in five minutes and she says for the millionth time, "Please, please, please can I wear your shirt?", I finally let her wear it. And then I make her promise that if she stains it, she'll buy me a new one.

4. She's shown me how to be kind.

More than anything, my younger sister has taught me about love--being loved, giving love, and loving yourself. She knows that kindness is valued above everything else. Her compassion and open-mindedness always amaze me, and I know that she has so much to give this world.