A Sister's Guidance by Makenna

A Sister's Guidance by Makenna - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

I am the youngest of two kids. Growing up my older sister and I where constantly compared to each other and I know that this is a basic story of growing up that you hear over and over, but we were different. My sister and I wanted nothing but the best for each other. There was no fighting to be the best or come out on top. We simply wanted the other to do their very best. If that meant she out scored you then, hats off to her. Madi and I are only two years apart. So we spent many years together in grade school through high school. We have taken most the same classes, have had a lot of the same teachers, have taken all the same standardized tests and always we are asked, "Did you or your sister score better?". This would seem like it would create tension between us but it didn't, we wanted each other to succeed.
It is my sister who has most inspired me to do well academically. She always did very well and was at the top of her class, I wanted to be just like her. Instead of Madi getting annoyed at her little sister asking her for help she would always kindly oblige. She would sit with me for hours studying with me until I understood. Many nights before a big test of mine she would stay up and test me until I felt confident in my knowledge. I have done well in school so far as well. I know this is because of the help and guidance my sister has given me along the way.
I have taken many honors and Ap classes while in school. For some I was nervous about signing up for them not sure I would succeed in them. But, what do you know my sister encouraged me and convinced me to sign up for them. She has pushed me to be my best academically even if that means taking classes that are very challenging for me because she knows I will out the work into it and have her help and do just fine.