Dear Talia,

Warning: I apologize in advance for the sappiness. 

Yesterday was my sister’s high school senior prom. First of all, as the older sibling, you never realize how fast your younger siblings grow up when you leave for college. As I was standing there taking pictures of her and her friends, I realized that she is becoming an adult. Secondly, I was envious because she looked absolutely gorgeous and I would give anything to dress up for a night. She was truly a princess. 

Me and my sister have been best friends since day one and, this might be embarrassing, but we still share a room when I come home from school. Something about the bunk beds we have had since we were 10 and 12 give me comfort. She and I still stay up laughing our heads off and try not to wake my parents up when midnight comes. It’s like we are young again, and not 17 and 20 years old. There is a part of me that never wants her to grow up.  

Something you should all know about my sister is that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her personality shines through anything and she can make anyone smile, literally anyone. She is my better half and she knows it. Sometimes I think she knows me better than I know myself. In high school she accomplished so much and I know it will be hard for her to leave. But she shouldn’t worry because she will take Purdue by storm. Her academic performance is unmatched and the list of her extracurriculars include just about everything you can imagine. I really don’t understand how she has time for anything. But she makes it work and she looks good while doing it. As I was taking photos of her all these thoughts were running through my head. She had become a beautiful and strong woman.  

Now you are probably wondering why I am going on and on about my sister. Well that’s because she is my favorite person in the world and she is high school graduating soon. I want to dedicate this column to her and all her hard work. She always knows how to make me laugh and that is something I will never forget. I know this all sounds cheesy, but it’s true. 

Siblings always have their bickering and fights that last about ten minutes before they forgive each in silence and go get food. It’s just a part of the sibling code. She knows how to push my buttons and I hate it, but I know one day I’ll miss that. I know my sister well enough, she will never stop poking fun at me. 

Congratulations Talia: on finishing high school, overcoming a knee injury, starring in musicals, being homecoming queen, leading a varsity volleyball team and making it to the international science fair. I know you have way more accomplishments than that, but for the sake of space and words, I had to narrow it down. Whether you become a woman in STEM or a fierce politician, just know that I am so proud of you! 

Talia, I love you more than you can ever know. 

Love, 

Allison