One of the things that I am so grateful for is my sister. She has truly made my life better, and I wouldn't be the person that I am today without her. Growing up with a sister is like growing up with a predestined best friend, who you know, without any doubt, will always be there for you.
Even though my sister and I are six years apart, she never made me feel less than an equal. She always lets me know that whenever I'm going through tough times, I have her - not only to lean on but to be there if I fall.
She has always been a constant in my life that I know I will always have.
My sister has not just been my best friend, but she has been the best role model a young woman can have. She has taught me many lessons and has she showed what it means to not only be a woman but an active member of society.
She has showed me that with drive and grit you can truly accomplish anything you set your mind to.
She is the hardest working person I know and has a tenacious attitude in everything she does. She has also taught me what it means to be a friend, sister, daughter, and family member. She has showed me that family isn't just a one way street; it is not only about taking but also giving.
Here are five important life lessons that my sister has taught me through the years.
1. The true meaning of family.
My sister has taught me that as long as you have your family by your side, you can accomplish anything. She has showed me that growing up doesn't have to mean growing away from your family - it can actually mean growing closer. Family isn't just about taking all the love and support to never give any back. Family is about giving back to your parents - giving back the love and support they provided for years. It's about not only thinking what's best for your future but what's best for theirs', as well. My sister attended a law school nearby because she knew how important it was to stay at home to help take care of our 102 year old great-grandmother. She also knew that I would need her when I started college, to help get me through the changes I was about to experience as a homeschooled kid attending a school for the first time.
2. The true meaning of being a woman.
My sister has taught me that being a woman in this modern age is about not being afraid to work hard for what you want. She has showed me that you can't let yourself be defined by others and their opinion of you. It's about never being discouraged and to always get back up when you fall. Being a woman can be about wanting a family and still wanting to be the powerhouse of the family. Or, it can be about focusing on work instead of your love life.
3. The true meaning of being an active member of society.
My sister has taught me the power in having a voice and how important it is to stand for something. She has showed me why it is important to care about not only national politics but also local politics. She has taught me the importance of knowing who you're voting for and why you're voting for them. She has showed me why it is crucial to volunteer and to help those who can't help themselves. All throughout high school, she would take me to the places she was volunteering at to show me why it is important to get involved.
4. The true meaning of being a friend.
My sister is my best friend, and because of our relationship, I not only know how to be a sister but how to be a friend. Being a friend is a lot like being a sister because you should always be there for the person - not only when they want you to be there but when they need you to be there. Being a friend isn't just soaking up their love and attention, to only leave when you get bored or when times get hard for your friend. Being a friend is about being by their side through everything even when it isn't fun. It's about giving them love and support and knowing when they need it.
5. The true meaning of being a sister.
My sister has taught me that it is truly a gift to have and to be a sister. She has showed me that there is no stronger or unbreakable bond than that between two siblings. She has also showed me that it doesn't matter how many years apart you are - you can still be a best friend to your sibling. Even if that means playing dolls when you're a teenager, watching the newest Disney movies, or going to a Shawn Mendes concert. There are so many things that my sister did to age herself down so that I would feel equal and have a friend that would obsess over the same things I did. Especially since I was homeschooled, I didn't have a lot of friends, but she did everything she could to be my best friend.
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