"You're finally learning how to be more like me," I said, proud of her. Standing up for herself and thinking about herself first is something that I wouldn't ever associate with my sister but I'm glad she's started it.
Other options:
no subject
"You're finally learning how to be more like me," I said, proud of her. Standing up for herself and thinking about herself first is something that I wouldn't ever associate with my sister but I'm glad she's started it.