The first time I met my sister, she was two minutes late.

Technically, this is just our birth order. Yet, my twin sister has grown infamous for her tardiness. Growing up going to the same school, soccer practices, and birthday parties has subjected me to many impatient hours of waiting for her at the door. This is not meant to insult her, but to share the lesson that I have learned from her: being on time matters.

Timeliness is a necessary skill in every facet of life, from professional to collaborative and even social settings. Being tardy to class has a bigger effect than just a dash in Powerschool. In an empathetic sense, timeliness is a way to show your teachers and peers how
you value them.

Walking in late to class immediately shows the teacher that you don’t respect their time or agenda. Although this might not seem to have a large effect, it could impact your grade or be the deciding factor in a teacher choosing to write you a letter of recommendation. You also risk the possibility of interrupting your peers, suggesting again that your time is more important than theirs. Tardiness can also create a strain on relationships. Beyond fighting over our favorite tank top or who gets to drive, arguments over being late have been one of the most common sources of tension between me and my sister.

She’ll probably always find a way to make me late, but she’ll also always be my sister. However, friendships lack the security that familial relationships contain. Friends and partners being consistently late can damage trust and over time create distance if not
addressed.

Some people who struggle with time management experience this because of conditions like ADHD. In situations like these, showing effort, communication, and accountability can help both parties understand each other and decrease the
normal impacts of tardiness.

In a professional setting being on time is expected by employers and if maintained can set you apart by showing respect. Being punctual in high school can build a habit, setting you up for success in the future.

Next year, when I am in college, I will finally be free from the burden of my sister’s tardiness, and I will strive to be on time to all of my classes and activities. My sister is working to improve herself, and she has done so throughout high school. But I have not lost sight of the gift her time blindness has given me.

So this is my thank you to my sister.

Because of her, I know that a scheduled time is not a suggestion, but a way to show effort and respect.