Unless you are an only child, God granted you with one of the greatest blessings in life: siblings. He said, "Here...have a brother or a sister, or a couple of each, and grow up with them by your side." Personally, God gave me two older brothers. I am the youngest, the baby, the only girl. Sure, I am the "princess" of the family, but that's not why I love my siblings. Growing up alongside two older brothers has undeniably shaped me into the person I am today for several reasons...

1. It made me tough.

Whether it was pushing me into the pool, using me as a wrestling partner, or teasing me until I cried, my brothers never failed to torment me when we were little. They had no mercy beating me in any game we played and had no sympathy when I cried afterwards. Though I thought they were just being mean at the time, my brothers taught me from a young age to suck up the pain, rub some dirt on it, and keep on pushing: a lesson that can be applied to all tough situations in life, not just whiffle ball or knee hockey.

2. I've had an all-access pass to the way boys think.

Since I've been around them my whole life, I can read a guy like a book. Openly talking to my brothers about girls has helped me to acquire a sixth sense; I can easily tell when a guy is lying, doesn't care, or is genuinely telling the truth. Since I was little, I have never been ignorant to how careless boys can be sometimes and I don't think this would be true if I didn't have my brothers.

3. I work hard to follow in their footsteps.

This has motivated me to work hard. Both of my brothers were outstanding athletes who have accomplished many achievements. Being an athlete myself, they have inspired me to work hard throughout the years. The countless days I spent watching my brothers shine on the field have motivated me to try my best to shine too. Aside from my parents, my brothers are the next people in line who I hope to make proud. They have built a long path of success and I work hard in order to follow down that path.

4. I have two people I know I can always count on.

This has taught me the meaning of loyalty. Whether it's helping me cover up a mistake from our parents or giving me brutally honest advice, I know wholeheartedly that I can always, always count on my brothers. If I was ever in a bad situation, they would be the first people I call. They are two men I truly know will never let me down and never break my heart. They are my biggest fans and supporters, my favorite company to be around, and my lifelong best friends.

5. It blessed me with two lifelong friends.

My older brothers are two men I truly know will never let me down and never break my heart. I would not trade our childhood together for anything in the world. All that they have taught me throughout the years, (whether they knew they were even teaching me or not) has truly shaped me into the person I am in this very moment.