She wakes up every day tired but gets ready for school because she knows there are people counting on her. She grabs her black glasses she’s had since freshman year, puts them on and smiles at her reflection. Then she looks at me and asks,“Do I look okay?”

Everyone has that one person that inspires them.

For me this person is my sister, Fe Valencia.
I look up to her, not because she taller than me — although she is — but because she’s independent. She doesn’t let anyone bring her down. She never gives up.

When I was younger, I was known as “Fe’s little sister,” or “Little Fe.” I’d just nod because I knew I’d always want to be like her.

She has taught me so many things, from learning how to work a camera to curling my hair. As an athlete, she’s constantly telling me to try my best.

During every game, over a crowd of screaming fans, I hear her holler something like set higher, dribble with my head up, or sprint the last lap.

Like everyone, she has her faults. She isn’t perfect. In the morning she’s grouchy. She always dictates us around to do stuff for her.

Yes, there are moments when we fight, argue, and scream at each other. But that’s what makes us sisters. All the good times overpower the bad.

When she leaves in the fall to attend UC Irvine, it’ll be my turn to step up and fill all the footsteps she’s left. My brother will be a freshman next year and it’s my duty to guide him through everything like she did for me.

She’ll no longer be in the room next door to me. All the photographs will be just a memory of how it was when she was here.

I won’t have her to be at every game cheering me on and being the voice to help me improve. But the miles we’ll be apart are just numbers. Phone calls, Facetime, or even the occasional SnapChat selfie will keep us together.
She’ll be out in the real world pursuing her dreams and I’ll be here, creating a path for my brother to follow.