What Being a Role Model Means to Me...

Let me introduce you to my other half, my little sister, Alicia :)

She lives with my mom and stepdad in Utah, and sometimes it's REALLY hard to be away from her.

I've taken her on field trips, and even filled in for "Mom" at school when she couldn't make it to a class party.

She's even come to stay with us in Arizona a couple times.

As her big sister, I like to think I'm someone to look up to for her. So what does being a role model mean?

According to dictionary.com a Role Model is:

A person whose behavior, example, or success is or

can be emulated by others, especially by young people.

That seems like a fair definition, but I feel like a lot of people expect a "role model" to be perfect, and never make mistakes. And let me tell you, that definitely isn't me. I've made my fair share of mistakes in life.

"If you never fall down, you'll never know what getting back up feels like"

To me, being a role model, means being honest.

I've always been an open book to my sister. Anything she asks me, I'm honest with her. I don't pretend I never did the wrong thing, However, I do tell her what I learned from it.

But she's going to make mistakes, she's human.We all do it.

My mom and sister have a wonderful relationship, but sometimes, I think it's easier to have a sister to talk to, than a Mom. As my sister gets older, I hope she knows how much I love her. I hope she knows I'll always be right by her side. And most of all, I hope she knows how proud I am of the amazing young woman she's turning into.