What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you?

Three somethings, actually—my siblings who, though congratulated for their achievements, often neglect, albeit unintentionally and especially with my dad deployed in Afghanistan, to recognize the (critical, application-completing) time I spend helping them study for their tests, fielding basketballs in winter darkness for their games, or chaperoning them to their charity league meetings, out-of-town parties, and other activities. But I’m not one to complain. Because regardless of my sacrifices, whenever a medal is dangled from my siblings’ necks, a certificate transferred to their hands, or they simply feel accomplished, I swell not with credit-taking nor vicarious pride, but the unconditional, you’re-closer-to-the-best-version-of-yourself-and-I’m-thankful-I-could-help-you-achieve-whatever-you-have fulfillment that might normally be expected of parents. As such, whether it be advising Josh to complete his college applications long before deadlines to avoid the heart-poundings and sweat episodes I endured, warning Emma about unprotected left turns (my own weakness) on her driving test, or reassuring Philip after he receives a disheartening grade, I’m most proud myself in these ribbonless, everyday interactions with my siblings, and it is my only hope that my efforts to engage with my siblings as a role model instead of onlooker have made them as proud of themselves as I’m of them.