Being the older or oldest sibling can definitely have some benefits, but it can also have some downfalls. For starters, I didn't have anybody to show me the ropes when I entered high school. Sure, my mom and dad did they best the could to prepare me for high school, but they clearly graduated years before me, so they don't actually know what it's like to be a high schooler in this day and age.

When I was a senior in high school my younger sister was starting her freshman year. I did my best to prepare her, which wasn't exactly easy because we've proved to be very different and have had complete opposite experiences. I hope that I did offer her at least some good advice, despite our different situations.

While I can't turn back the clock and give her more advice to her pre-high school self I can give her some advice for her senior year as well as for herself as she nears graduation.

So Abbey, this one's for you. Here's _ pieces of advice that I hope you can appreciate

1. The summer after graduation is a very important one.

It's the last summer where all of your friends are still in the same place and where you all still know the same people. Treasure these last few months before you all start to venture off into different places and have to start being kind of real adults. So do fun things and make some great memories before you all part ways.

2. Prom is way less of a big deal than you think it is.

I'm in no way saying that prom isn't fun or worth buying the fancy dress and doing you hair and makeup. You know how much I loved getting ready for it and dancing with my friends. I just want you to know that prom is really not something to stress about. I would stress for months about not having a date or not fitting perfectly into my dress. I promise you, it's not worth it. I know that you've heard people say a million times that it's more fun to just go with friends but you're about to hear it a million and one times...because it really is a lot more fun just going with friends.

3. You'll end up going to the right college, whether it was your first choice or not.

I know that you have your sights on one or two colleges, and I will support your decision 100% no matter where you go. You bet your bottom dollar I'll be visiting no matter how close or far you are. I'll be proud of you no matter where you choose to call your home for college. You're going to think this sounds incredibly cheesy so get ready for it...but I think the right college kind of chooses you. You kind of just know that it's the right place for you.You'll know when you're in the place where you'll belong. I promise.

4. Your last two months of high school will fly by faster than you can imagine.

You're more than well aware that I couldn't wait for high school to be over. I counted down the days and weeks until I finally got to walk across that stage. I know that the case is different for you. After spring break is over the last few months will fly by like crazy. Enjoy those last few months as much as you can. It's your last few months of a senior.

5. Graduation day is very bittersweet.

Graduation day is a very weird experience. You feel on top of the world in a way. You're excited that after this moment you're "officially" a college student. You feel like you're an adult. But my best advice for this day is to really take everything in. Take in these last few moments as a high schooler with your graduating class. Things will never be like this again.

6. Drama isn't fun. But sometimes you have to pick a side even when you don't want to.

I know that you're pretty great about avoiding drama, and you should continue to do so. But sometimes you do just get involved without even asking. You might have to pick sides and even though it can be hard you need to stand up for what you believe in and choose what seems right.

7. Money is not everything.

Trust me, I know having money can be great. I'm not denying that one bit. But please do what you want with your life without money as the big picture. It's better to happy with what you're doing than just to be happy with materialistic items.

8. Don't feel that you need to be in a relationship just because all of your friends are in one.

I know that watching your friends constantly flaunt their relationships can be really hard sometimes. Being the forever third wheel can make you pretty sad sometimes and can make you feel pretty bad about yourself. Trust me, there's no point in getting in to a relationship for the sole reason of wanting to be in one. The perfect guy will come along when it's time.

9. People in college could not care less about who you were in high school.

Let me tell you, nobody cares if you were the lead in all the musicals or whether you were the homecoming queen. Nobody cares if you sat by yourself at lunch or if you've never dated anybody in your high school career. As long as you're a nice person people will gravitate towards you.

10. Work hard, but make sure you make time to have fun.

Whether you're in high school, college, or 50 years old I think this is important. Sometimes we all get so caught up in work and school that we totally disregard doing anything fun. Trust me, you'll go crazy if you don't at least dedicate one night a week to doing something you actually enjoy.