I was halfway through my second year of life when my baby sister was brought into this world. I was suddenly given the responsibility of "older sister," and knew even as a toddler that my job from there on out was to protect and look out for my younger counterpart. Her and I were best friends, and she made a great playmate, but at the end of the day I knew my responsibility was great and took it seriously. Four years later, we were blessed with my baby brother, and my position as an older sister became even more important. I was nearly 7 years old and felt as if I had life pretty much figured out, and now it was my job to teach him all that I knew.

Time went on, and as we grew, my relationship with my siblings fluctuated, swaying back and forth between close and distant, as sibling relationships often do. But the responsibility I felt I had upon my shoulders as their older sister never faltered. I looked out for them as much as I could, making sure that no harm ever came their way to the best of my ability. I wasn't always the best sister, but I honestly did try to be.

Then came the time when I had to leave for college. I knew that I had to go for myself, and I knew that there was no other option that would make me happier. I was ready, but I was not prepared to leave my siblings behind. I knew that they didn't need me, but the responsibility I had always felt as their older sister made me feel as if I was failing them when I left. My sister begged me for a full year not to leave, and my brother--who rarely shows his emotions--admitted that he was going to miss me. I never told them just how much it broke my heart to hear these things, but in truth, I didn't want to leave them. We had our differences, but the thought of not being around for every second of their lives for the first time was intimidating.

The fact that every older sibling must face when they leave for college is they might not be around for important moments of their younger siblings' lives. Sure, you can make it home for the truly important dates, such as birthdays or school dances, but what about when they need your help on a homework assignment? What if they get into a really big fight with someone at school and need you around to talk to? What if they receive an award unexpectedly and you're not there to celebrate? What about all of the tennis matches, cross-country races and dance recitals that you'll have to miss?

It's really hard to come to terms with the idea that your siblings will continue to grow up without you around. For me, it was one of the hardest parts about leaving for school. As the year goes on, you start to adjust to how things work: calling the family every now and then to check in, and making sure that your siblings text you any important details about their lives. You visit back home for all of the important dates in their lives, as well as holidays, and you manage to make it work. It's an adjustment, but you get there.

At some point, everyone comes to the realization that we have to grow up. Our parents raised us for the moment that we can confidently live on our own and develop into an individual adult, where we learn not to depend on our family so much anymore. Being the first one to leave the nest can be scary, and watching your siblings continue to grow from afar can be even scarier. But everything is as it should be. Although I miss my siblings every day and want nothing for the best for them, I know that they are just a mere text message away, and that they're doing just fine on their own.