Aarushi Srivastava: Age Gap Siblings

When Aarushi Srivastava became an older sibling, she gained much more than a younger sister.

I still remember that day so vividly, an image ingrained in my mind. The sky was a periwinkle blue with a few scattered, wispy clouds and a warm breeze danced through the air, a typical August day. However, as I walked up the daunting staircase, my heart beating out of my chest, it felt anything but “typical.” Today I was finally meeting my little sister.

To say the least, I wasn’t ready. I was an 8 year old only child that never had to share anything. I was diving into the “oldest child responsibilities” without the slightest clue. As I walked into that hospital room and laid my eyes on this little bundle of cloth, with smiling eyes and perfect little fingers, it didn’t occur to me how much she would change my life. But she did. Greatly.

Like all siblings, we definitely argue; with my parents often saying I act younger than her. However, the difference is our 8 year age gap. I don’t think many siblings can say they’ve had grocery line strangers with friendly faces telling them how cute their daughter was. I have. The response is always an “Oh thank you!” and to laugh for ages afterwards.

I’ve watched her grow up, and I’ve learned a lot from her, as weird as that sounds. This four year old child taught me more than others ever will. She taught me the importance of sharing, she taught me how to be a true role model, but most of all, she taught me determination.

She would try every day, without fail to climb the monkey bars. Every single day, countless hours spent at parks; finally settling after mastering them forwards and backwards. She taught me to do this with my passions, complete my own monkey bars and do them over and over and over again. So yes, that’s the irony of it all: SHE taught me everything.

With a Perspective, I’m Aarushi Srivastava.

Aarushi Srivastava is a freshman in high school. She is passionate about many hobbies including tennis, piano, and art.