It was a typical school night. I was in my room procrastinating on homework when I heard my door knob twist.

My older sister walked in and sat down on my bed. It was really strange because she never did this. Like we usually just text each other if we need something or annoyingly yell the other’s name until one of us comes out of our room, but we rarely ever went into each other’s rooms. She was quiet at first, but then she finally broke the silence, “I just told mom I dropped out of college.”

I was shocked and confused. My relationship with my sister wasn’t close, we used to fight a lot when we were little, but as we grew older we kind of just left each other alone. We also never had serious or deep talks. We were raised in a family where everyone kept things to themselves and didn’t really express our feelings to each other unless it was absolutely necessary.

That night, when my sister told me I was speechless. But, after a few silent moments, I finally asked: “Why did you drop out?” Slowly she told me how she felt like school wasn’t for her, and that she would rather work.

I didn’t know how to feel. This was my older sister who I looked up to, and now she was telling me she gave up on college. We were raised to think that school was our biggest priority. It was a lot to take in. My sister is the oldest of three of us, she was the first to go college out of my siblings.

But I also understood where my sister was coming from, and I supported her choice. I wanted her to be happy. I know she’s smart and strong enough to make it work. I also started to realize that there’s more to life than school. Don’t get me wrong, I still believe school is a top priority, but so is happiness. I was beginning to realize that everyone is different and that school may not be for everyone.

Despite her decision, she told me that it didn’t mean I couldn’t succeed at college. In fact, she told me that she believed I could, because she thought I was better at school. Hearing that felt like a lot of pressure, but it was also motivating.

After she shared her news, we started talking about a lot of things that we never talked about with each other, like our parents, old memories, and old experiences. It felt like we had the first true bonding moment as sisters that I can ever remember. It was the first time we had shared our worries and showed each other our vulnerable sides. That night is one I’ll cherish because it was a turning point in our relationship. It changed my relationship with my sister and made our relationship stronger. We went from fighting and arguing, to barely interacting, to now supporting each other whenever we need it. Now we’re both able to go to each other to vent when we need to about anything.

Our conversation that night lasted maybe two hours, but it made such a big impact on me. I now feel I am able to allow myself to open up and express myself, to not only my sister, but to other important people in my life. It also made me realize that everyone’s path is different and the importance of happiness. It made me feel stronger as a sister and an individual.

Late that evening, our conversation came to end. We said our goodnights and she left. Then, I sat there letting that whole conversation sink in and then thinking to myself it really was a good night.

© Makayla. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.