At my most recent college counseling meeting I started to talk about my extracurricular activities, but somehow my sister kept finding her way into the conversation. Every few sentences I either used her as an example or compared myself to her. If college counseling meetings were supposed to be focused on me and my future, then why was I spending so much time talking about someone else?

For many people who have siblings, this type of constant comparison may hit somewhat close to home. Regardless of the fact that siblings tend to be two entirely different individuals, it is easy for them to become benchmarks for each other. Although having similar interests is not necessarily a bad thing, I sometimes find myself “following in my sister’s footsteps” a little too much.

Initially, I attributed this follower mentality to the fact that my sister is one of my role models and that I want to be like her because to me she represents the ideal, well-rounded teenager. But, I recently realized that the true reason I used to get involved in similar activities as her was because it gave me a sense of security.

Timidly walking into a Red Cross club meeting as a freshman versus walking in with a club officer who just so happens to be your sister are two entirely different experiences.  Naturally, I felt more comfortable sticking with the second option. Yet, as I gained confidence and began to explore new activities, I was pleasantly surprised.

I decided to take up lacrosse my sophomore year because I wanted to go out on a limb and try something new, and I ended up loving it. Not only that, but after the first few games I felt an increased sense of accomplishment and self-fulfillment that I had never experienced when participating in something my sister was involved in.

As I continue to dare to try new things, I discover that finding my own niche not only helps me garner increased self-respect, but also serves as a constant reminder that I am an individual with unique interests.