If you are the youngest sibling in your family, you might be familiar with the fact that things come easier to you because you personally know someone who has lived through everything first. This is definitely the case with my sister, Alaina, and I. One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was an older sister. I feel so fortunate to be younger than her because I have had the advantage of learning from her various successes and mistakes before marching through similar experiences myself. We are 3.5 years apart in age and 4 years apart in school, meaning the last time we went to the same school at the same time was when I was in first grade and she was in fifth.
So far, I’ve ended up following in most of my sister’s footsteps. She’s set a perfect example for everything I wanted to be. She played softball, basketball and soccer, received good grades in school, and was well-liked by her peers. Growing up, I tried out all these sports as well and had similar experiences in school. I feel like my sister and I still share many similar aspects in regard to our values and personalities, but we’ve definitely begun to establish our own strengths and interests.
Currently, Alaina is only 22 years old and already a grad school student hoping to earn her Masters in Social Work at the University of Minnesota. She attended the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire for her undergrad where she double majored in Social Work and Criminal Justice. She is passionate about social justice and helping other people. I haven’t chosen a major for myself yet, but Alaina has been very supportive of me in my college and life journey.
I’ve always looked up to my older sister because she is smart, kind and compassionate. I’ve learned nearly everything I know, including how to be a good person, from Alaina. I’m not sure where I’d be without my sister.