Ever since my sister committed to the University of California, Berkeley, I realized that I would soon become the new target of my parents’ expectations. This didn’t excite me at all. I knew I wouldn’t be able to avoid them anymore as all the attention would be on me. I realized that once my sister left for college, the dynamic of my life would change drastically.

Because we are just two years apart, my sister has been in my life every step of the way, whether I liked it or not. A lot of the time, I hated it. Whenever we did something together, it always seemed like I ended up with the shorter end of the stick. We stubbornly fought over the most random things such as not allowing each other to borrow the other’s clothes or makeup.

We would sometimes talk for hours, ranting about our problems and catching up with one another. Other times, we would lie leisurely on my bed and watch K-pop on Youtube — funny compilations of our favorite boy bands or attention-grabbing music videos. Starting next year, I will no longer be able to do any of those things with her on a regular basis.

Losing a sibling is like losing a partner in crime. Once my sister leaves, I won’t have a relatable source of comfort at home anymore; there won’t be anyone to spill my secrets to or rant about my problems to when I’m upset. When I’m in desperate need of help, I won’t be able to run to the room right down the hall from mine to get advice.

Despite our constant bickering, I always knew my sister and I would stick together and annoy each other until she left for college. I never thought, however, about the actual day when she would pack her bags and leave to live somewhere other than our home, only visiting during holidays and breaks.

How much she is a part of my life won’t hit me until she really does leave. There will no longer be anyone sitting next to me in the car when I go to school, and there will be an empty room next to mine down the hallway. I won’t have anyone at home to complain to or keep me company when my parents aren’t home, even if it’s just by blasting music from a different room.

Although I am now extremely grateful for everything my sister has done for me — taking care of me by teaching me lessons from experiences she has had and taking charge whenever our parents were not around — I wish I was able to realize this earlier. Siblings see each other every day and sometimes take advantage of the fact they have one, thinking they will always be there for you. However, it isn’t long before they will separate, stressing the importance of creating a strong bond beforehand. Siblings must cherish their relationship with their brothers and sisters before it is too late.

Despite our separation, I know my sister and I, through all the hardships we have had together, will continue to have the same relationship as we had before. Even though she won’t physically be by my side next year, my sister will continue to be a huge part of my life. She has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for all the times she has helped me by setting an example and giving me advice. I am extremely proud of her and excited for her future endeavours as well as the many things we will do together in the near future.