It feels like it was just yesterday that I sat in the car with you, on the way to drop you off at college. I remember thinking, "wow, things are going to be so weird without him at home," and I wasn't wrong. I didn't think I would survive those years without you, and yet here we are, getting ready for MY move in day.

You have been my rock for 18 years, my best friend and partner in crime. We have built snow forts and played countless games of Sorry and Trouble. You taught me how to play baseball and basketball and even helped me understand football. You used to brush my hair and paint my nails. You have been by my side for everything and anything that has come my way and I truly believe that I am a better person for it.

Sometimes I think my life would have been easier if I had an older sister instead of you, but then I remember that I wouldn't be who I am today without you by my side. I would never have learned how to be as tough as I am (even though you still like to call me soft), and I don't think I would be as confident in my abilities. You have always pushed me to be the best that I can be, no matter what it is that I am doing. When I was playing sports, it was to be the best batter, fielder, shooter, etc. and when I started doing theatre you pushed me to pick the harder audition song and get the choreography right so that I would be the best one up there.

You were the person I went to when I was stressed about picking the right school, especially when mom and dad were making that stress even worse, and you helped me figure out what I really needed for my dorm. You have kept me calm through fights with mom and dad, and you've sat me down and told me that I was wrong, even when I really didn't want to hear it. You have always promised to protect me, even though you know I can stand up for myself when I need to, and even though I'm fairly certain I'll never keep a boyfriend because of you, I am extremely grateful for that promise because I know you'll keep it.

So, as we load up the car and get ready to send me off on my new adventure, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for helping me start my new journey. Thank you for teaching me that it's okay for girls to be tough and stubborn. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for myself and to strive for the things I want most in life. And I especially want to thank you for always having my back no matter what. I love you and I hope I can make you proud.