Growing up, there have been many people who have had a strong impact on my life.  I have had lots of role models and people to look up too, but the one person who has had the biggest impact on my life and who has helped make me the person I am today is my seven year old sister, Emma Sage.

The life lessons I have learned while growing up with her as my sister have helped me;  choose a career path, made me more accepting of others, and opened up my eyes to a whole new world.  I was never once upset at the fact that my sister had Down syndrome, but I was upset that she was going to grow up in a world that is not always accepting of differences or kind to people who have disabilities. If people would take the time to get to know someone who has a disability they would find out that they are some of the greatest people they will ever meet. 

My sister has opened up so many doors for me, and I find myself learning something new from her everyday. I have met some of my greatest friends because of her, and have had some of my fondest memories because of her. Every summer I am a counselor at Camp PALS, which is a camp for teenagers with Down syndrome. I can honestly say that this is not only the highlight of my summer, but also the highlight of my year. Although it is only a weeklong camp, the memories, friendships and lessons I take away are ones that will stay with me forever. Being around all the campers changes your perception on life, you see how they live each day to its fullest, laughing and being care free and you realize that this is how we should all live our lives. I don't think my sister will ever realize the impact she has had on my life, but I know I would not be the person I am today without her.

Thank you Emma Sage, you are such a wonderful and inspiring little sister.

I love you soooooooo much!!!