Whitney

            One night, during Christmas break, my sisters and I were watching a movie. We started it very late so our parents were in bed by the time the movie was over. After the movie was done, Nicole proceeded to go to bed while Whitney and I brushed our teeth. When I was finished brushing my teeth, Whitney asked me how first semester was going. I explained to her the troubles I was facing and our little chit-chat turned into a conversation that probably lasted over an hour. I asked her how Letourneau was treating her and she told me of the problems she was having. We laughed and cried as we shared our recent school experiences. I said to her “We’ve been standing in the bathroom for nearly an hour and we’re both teary-eyed.” I think I was surprised with myself because I don’t normally express my emotions in the same manner we did that night. Afterwards, she simply told me “Natalie, this is what sisters do.”

        Shortly after she said that to me, I realized that she was absolutely right. Not only were we able to be honest with each other about what we had been facing, we had the opportunity to encourage one another. I know this experience was good for me and I think it would be safe to say that Whitney would agree with me. We hadn’t seen each other in almost four months and to be honest, I don’t know that anyone else would have been able to understand what I had told Whitney. I had bottled up my emotions for so long and when I talked with her, I knew I would be able to spill them all out. Most of all, she was willing to listen to me and I was willing to listen to her and I think that we both greatly appreciated one another for that.

            I know that Whitney will always be there for me when I need someone, but not only is she a great friend who supports me, she is an excellent role model. She always did well in her studies at school and as I watched her go through high school, I learned that grades were important to her. Seeing her excel in so many areas made me want to be like that. She was a good student and tried her best in everything that she did. When I saw how she studied and made school one of her top priorities, I realized that God's will for me right now is to be a good student. My job is to go to school and learn more about the world that he created. I must honor and glorify him while I am doing the job that I was cut out to do. 

            Another thing that she taught me was that life isn't always going to be easy and that in all things we need to have faith that God will guide us. Whitney endured some hard times during high school and I know that sometimes she felt like giving up, but she never gave up. She put her trust in God and persevered through it. 

            Throughout our lives, I have watched Whitney make some accomplishments. Before her senior year in high school, she went to all-state band. She had the opportunity to play in Duluth and Orchestra Hall in the Twin Cities along with students from all over the state. She was valedictorian in her class and maintained a 4.0 throughout junior high and high school. She has obtained many scholarships for college and was named to the president's list at Letourneau University. She has gotten her private pilot's license and has even taken me for a few rides.  Through all of these achievements, Whitney taught me to never give up and to chase after my

dreams.           

            Sometimes I can’t help but marvel at what a genius our Creator is. I don’t know what I would do without Whitney; I don't know what I would do without any of my family. All I know is that God put Whitney in my life for a reason and that I am incredibly grateful for her presence in my life. So I dedicate this essay and the time and effort that went into it to celebrate my sister.  I hope that everyone can experience the joy of Whitney as I do; for she truly is a magnificent part of God's creation.