To my big sister.

Four years ago I met this senior named Mallory. Honestly, I thought she was the coolest person alive. Although she probably still holds that status with me today, my 8th grade take on that statement has grown up with me.

From the first time we had a conversation at the infamous youth council retreat that January, we clicked. She soon began to mentor me throughout her last semester of high school and into the summer until she left for college. I remember how excited I was every time she came up and talked to me at church. I mean, I was talking to a senior. Waaa?

She showed an insecure 8th grader what it meant to follow the Lord. She walked what she believed, and I desire to have faith like hers. She will always be someone I look up to, even though I'm taller than her. One day, I told myself, I am going to be a senior just like her.

I remember the first time I saw her after she left for college. The time I first picked her up and drove her in my car. The time we walked up to my middle school and prayed over it. The time we challenged each other not to complain for a week. The time she gave me the Bible that I still use today.

The crazy part is that I am now the age she was when we met. It is now January of MY senior year. I'm not sure if I am the person I wanted to be four years ago or that you are either. But here we are, and I'm thankful for who you've been to me. A friend, a mentor, and also my sister.