“An older sister is a friend and defender, a listener, conspirator, a counselor and a sharer of delights. And sorrows too.” When I was a little girl, all I ever wanted was a little sister. I wanted a best friend that would hang out with me all day. I remember finding out I had a sister and I was so excited. I had a lifelong partner in crime. Those who are older siblings can relate to all the sacrifices and thoughts we have had as older siblings. It’s a hard job but is rewarding.

Giving up something to give to your little sibling. Whether it was toys, clothes or food, if my sister would want something I had I would have to give it up. Now it’s just a routine of mine to give up what I have for others and has kind of made me a pushover.

Having two of everything. Yes, I shared, but at one point to make myself and my sister happy, my parents bought two of the exact same thing. Then there was nothing to fight about, so now we literally have two of every American Girl Doll.

Always taking the blame. If my sister and I were fighting I was the one to blame. She hits me and somehow it becomes my fault. I will never win.

Little siblings are always compared to their older siblings. I do feel bad for my sister. She tried going into the same sport that I was in and it did not end well. I got a ride to a division 1 university, so trying to compare her to me was not working. Then she makes me feel bad for my accomplishments, but I like being in the spotlight.

To all the younger siblings out there, you have molded your older siblings into the person they are today. I definitely am very good at sharing and doing work, whereas my sister is more lazy and greedy (I still love her though). I would never trade being a big sister over anything. I have a best friend for life, and we are there for each other. She knows me better than anyone else, and I know her even better. There are so many frustrating moments as a big sister, but I remember how much I wanted to be one. Being a big sister is challenging I would do anything for her, and it makes me who I am.

Dedicated to my own little bag of frustrations Hannah