To my little sister who is about to go off to college:

As your big sister it's my job to make sure that no matter where you go in life, you are prepared for what's to come. I remember always being the guinea pig when it came to Mom and Dad, and that was completely fine with me. All the crazy stuff I had to learn allowed me to be a better sister and friend to you.

Now you're about to go off into the real world and start to grow up on your own and I am so excited for you. I cannot wait to see all the awesome places you're going to go and the great things you're going to accomplish! But before you go, I've got some important things for you to remember before beginning this exciting new chapter of life in the real world:

1. It's okay to cry your first night (or week) away from home.

College is scary when you finally end up on your own. Your dorm room feels cramped and you feel like all the seniors on campus are going to eat you alive the minute you walk out the door. Get your tissues ready! Tears are going to come and THAT'S OKAY. Just know that Mom and I are only a phone call away.

2. Go to class!

Going to class (on time) could literally be what takes your grade from a B to an A. I know it's tempting to sleep in for a while and skip your morning classes, but please don't do it. Not only will your grades thank you, but you'll learn a ton and continuously do better the longer you are in college.

3. Not everyone in college has proper communication skills.

You know that I already think you are the most beautiful girl in the world. Unfortunately, all the creepy boys on your college campus will think the same thing too. They'll come up and talk to you at the most inconvenient times and put you through the most uncomfortable conversation you've ever experienced. Just hang in there because people are going to grow up...eventually!

4. The more involved you are, the more you'll love college.

I was not a fan of college my first year. My daily schedule involved me going to class, writing papers, and then coming back home for a nice long marathon of One Tree Hill. Join a sorority or some random organization that loves to watch chick flicks every Friday - the choice is all yours! The more involved you are, the happier you will be.

5. Find a consistent bedtime.

I know I'm not Mom, but hear me out. Most of your friends are going to stay up late until the wee hours of the morning on a Netflix binge. I find that going to bed at the same hour every night has given me way more energy throughout the day and makes me way more productive than most of my friends. Sure, there are days where I stay up late to finish my latest episode of Gossip Girl, but most of the time you'll find me asleep no later than midnight.

6. Go on your own adventures!

This is your time to explore the world and find your own purpose! Go study abroad and do the things you never knew you could try. Roadtrip to the beach with some friends or go to a free concert of a band you've never heard of. Make memories while you still have the time and energy! Sometimes it's fun to try new things and you might even surprise yourself with a newfound love along the way.

7. You can never have too many T-shirts.

Move over diamonds! T-Shirts are a girl's best friend now. Whether you join a sorority or not, you'll come home from college with a whole new wardrobe full of overly large T-shirts, shorts, and leggings. Never be ashamed of the T-shirt trend. It's comfortable, perfect for finals, and can be worn as pajamas! Add a Starbucks drink in your hands and you are ready to take over the world.

8. Your family is your number one fan.

I can't stress this enough. What got me through the lowest points of my college career is knowing that I could always come home to you, Mom, and Dad. I called Mom five times a day just to tell her how it was going. I know that even if I were to mess up, you would stand behind me 100%. Annoying as our parents may seem now, they love you more than you could ever know and always will. During the loneliest times and the celebratory times, Mom, Dad, and I will always have your back. That's a promise.