Someone once said, “Fate made us sisters, but choice made us friends.” I can’t think of a better way to describe the relationship between my sister Jenna and me. Since Jenna is four years older than I am, there has never been an obstacle in my life that I’ve had to face on my own. She is my oldest and best friend. In our years together, I have learned many important qualities from her that have shaped me into the person I am today. Jenna helped me to protect each of my beliefs. She steered me away from mistakes that she made. Her direction helped me become ready for each part of my life. I am a better person because of my sister’s guidance.
Jenna taught me to stand up for myself. She is very true to her beliefs and strong in her opinions. People react differently to this trait that she possesses. Some people enjoy a good argument and respect her strength; others are more stubborn and won’t consider her point of view. However, whether they admit it or not, even her critics have a level of admiration for her vigor. By Jenna’s example, I too have become someone who is loud and proud about my beliefs. This characteristic has helped me inspire some of my younger friends to come out of their shells as well. It gives me confidence when someone admires me so much that they follow my example. Without Jenna’s influence I would be unable to express myself as adamantly. Sometimes, my big mouth can get me into trouble, but Jenna has demonstrated how to avoid that too.
I’ve learned important lessons through Jenna’s mistakes. If Jenna broke a rule or acted immorally, I observed and understood the consequences. I remember when she got caught at a party her junior year. She lost everything in the school that meant anything to her: cheerleading, FCCLA, FBLA, Honor Society, ASB. But worst of all, the respect of her teachers and peers. Watching Jenna suffer such devastation, I knew I would never let myself compromise everything for one dire decision. Even if she got away with her wrongdoings, I would share her guilt. Jenna had no secrets from me; she even let me read her journal. Every time she successfully disobeyed our parents, she would explain to me that whatever she’d done hadn’t been worth lying to the most important people in her life. Now, honesty plays a major part in my relationship with my parents. Jenna helped me to avoid trouble and prepare myself for life’s little disasters.
Jenna prepared me for each part of my life. I haven’t gone a single picture day, school dance, or birthday party without outfit confirmation from Jenna. Now that she’s in college, digital cameras keep us connected and keep me properly attired. I remember the instant confidence I got every time she went shopping with me or did my make-up. Jenna’s assistance was not all so superficial, though, she also mentally prepared me for all the important aspects of my life. Jenna was already in college my first day of high school, but we had spent many lazy days in the summer discussing what to expect. Jenna never made me feel stupid for my incessant questioning, and she answered truthfully no matter how shocked my reactions would surely be. I strutted to my locker the first day with so much self-assurance that it felt like nothing had changed since middle school, except for the hallway. Jenna prepared me mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically, whether I asked for her assistance or not.
I’ve had many phases in my life concerning my sister, whether I wanted to be exactly like her, or her exact opposite. Now, I am perfectly content being somewhere in the middle. I know I possess strong opinions, I make a conscious effort to stay out of trouble, and I enter new situations with confidence. I also know that without Jenna’s influence, I would be a completely different person. I am a better person because of my sister’s guidance, and I can’t imagine how my life would be without my oldest and best friend.
This is a wonderul tribute to your sister but it is also a fine self-revelation and validation of your own character/personality. Well-expressed, Kacie. Love and best wishes,
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