" I am the oldest in our family. I have three younger brothers. I needed to set a great example for them. It instilled a sense of competition in me and hunger to strive to be the best. There’s a lot of pride being the only girl and the oldest. "
- Hilary Knight

In the given quote, Hilary Knight reflects on her role as the oldest child in a family with three younger brothers. She highlights the responsibility she felt to set an exemplary standard for them and how this position fueled a competitive spirit within her. This sense of competition was not merely about outdoing others but also about striving for personal excellence and achievement.

The deeper meaning of Knight's statement touches on themes of leadership, role modeling, and personal ambition. Being the oldest sibling often comes with responsibilities that can shape one’s character profoundly. For Knight, this responsibility instilled a powerful drive to excel, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. The pride she mentions is not just about being the only girl but also about leading by example and inspiring her brothers to aim high as well. This sense of pride underscores the significant impact an individual can have on their family dynamics and personal identity.

Hilary Knight is a renowned American illustrator best known for her work with children's literature, particularly contributing illustrations to “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. Her experiences growing up in a family where she was both the oldest and the only girl have significantly influenced her approach to life and creativity. Through her work, she has demonstrated the same dedication to excellence that defined her childhood journey.