The question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” seems to have haunted me for many years. My mind draws a blank when I try to think about what I wanted to be when I was younger; however, the related thought that jumps into my mind is the fact that I always wanted to be my sister. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been called the “mini-me” (and yes, that is after the Austin Powers movie character). Six years older than me, Neli could stay out later than me, Neli was in high school, Neli left Tucson for college. She loved to pretend that I was her doll; she would dress me up in a big flower dress with a brown hat and sat me down in the middle of the hallway, put a newspaper in my hand, and put on a show for my parents. When I was younger, I thought I was the coolest little girl with friends six years older than me, who also happened to be my sister’s friends. When Neli acted in shows in high school, my driven jealousy allowed me to help back stage during her show. One specific time that I remember was during the show 42nd Street. Neli was the lead and the high school produced twelve shows within two weeks; by the 4th show, I was allowed to help backstage. And on closing night, I proudly stood on stage during the bow in my short shorts and rainbow-colored toe socks. As I sit here today, a senior in high school, I dwell on the question of whether or not I have truthfully lived my life as Ari, and not Neli. I have accomplished so much just as Ari, yet I haven’t as Neli; is this okay? As I travel along the train of deliberation about who I am and how I want to live my life, I hope to someday stop the train and see a new road ahead of me, beginning with my life as Ari, and only a sliver of Neli.
3 comments:
I like this piece. I can relate to it because when I was little I always got the "Why can't you be like your older brother?" question. I wanted to be as good as him, but sometimes I had to deviate as far as possible from him in order to be myself and not be referred to as "another Wynkoop." I think that anyone who has a sibling can relate to this, whether they are the older or younger sibling. As a younger sibling, I dressed my brother up in dresses, which he did happily because I was his little sister and he'd do anything for me. Anyone who doesn't have a sibling can get into the head of a little sister through this piece, too. Nice job!
I completely know what you mean! I have two older sisters and it is only natural to try to be exactly like them--especially when you're a little kid. I also really liked the ending and how it tied in to starting a new chapter in your life and finding your identity which everyone can relate to. My only issue was that a lot of the sentences were very long with a lot of commas and got a little confusing. Other than that this piece was great!
This is a really cute topic. It is interesting to read because many of us have older siblings that we try to mimic. The things you discussed in this short piece, such as your interactions with your older sister, really make this piece relatable. Interesting subject matter is very important to writing- you did a good job with this. The pacing of the piece went a little fast- right when I wanted to keep hearing more about you and your sister the story finished. It ended a little abruptly, but i really liked hearing about you as a little girl and your older sister. I also liked the way you started your piece with a question because it is attention grabbing and it gets the reader thinking.
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