As you're growing up so quickly, little brother, here are some things that I hope that you know.

1. I will always be your number one fan.

I have always been and I always will be. I’ve been to almost every single one of your sporting events, practices, and award ceremonies. I believe in you and all of your abilities. You have made me so proud as a sister and you always will. Every day I’m amazed at the person who you’ve become. You are an incredible athlete and a very smart kid. I will always be there to cheer you on.

2. I will always be there to bail you out.

I’m fairly certain that you know that this is true since you always come to me when you’re in trouble, but I just want to reiterate this one. As much as I might enjoy you getting a lecture from mom or dad every once and a while, I never want to see you in trouble. No matter how big or little the problem is, I will always help you solve it.

3. I have always fought for you.

From the day that you were born, I was always on your side. Whether it was arguing with mom about why you deserved to get a car or justifying your behavior when you did something dumb, I have always stuck up for you. Nobody is a bigger ally to you than I am.

4. Nobody is comparing you to me.

Just because we are siblings it doesn’t mean that we have to be exactly the same. Mom and dad don’t expect you to make the same grades that I did or to hang out with the same type of people who I did. You are your own amazing person and it would be a shame if you thought otherwise.

5. It's okay to talk about your feelings, especially with me.

I know that there is a misconception that guys shouldn’t talk about their feelings. That is just not true. I’m not saying that you need to be a mushy ball of emotions, but it’s okay to actually share your feelings every once in a while. On top of that, I’m your sister. You can tell me anything. If there was anyone in the world who you should open up to, it’s me.

6. I will always tell you what others are afraid to.

Yes, sometimes you do act like a baby. Yes, that girl who you like has a reputation. Yes, your friends can be idiots. I have my ways of keeping tabs on you, even in college. I know about your friends, the girls who you like, and what you are doing. You’re my little brother and I’m always going to look out for you. I will never be afraid to tell you the cold, hard truth about anything. Somebody has to do it.

7. No girl is ever going to be good enough for you.

You are an incredibly wonderful, talented, and athletic young man. I’ve seen it already in your 16 years of life and I’m sure that I will continue to see it for the rest of your life, but girls love you. You’ve probably had more relationships than I have at this point and that makes me nervous. You deserve a wonderful relationship and I never want to see your heart get broken. In my eyes, no girl will ever be good enough for you.

8. You don't have to be friends with everyone.

Your friends become your family. You don’t need to be friends with someone who only causes trouble or who makes you feel bad about yourself. If you only get in trouble when you hang out with someone, you shouldn’t be friends with them. If you feel worse about yourself when you’re with someone, you shouldn’t be friends with them. Never be friends with someone who is constantly putting you down. You deserve better.

9. I will always be there to teach you the things mom and dad won't.

There are some things in life that mom and dad can’t teach you. As your sister, I will always teach you the things that they can’t. I’ve been doing this since you were a baby, teaching you to climb out of your crib. Only a sibling can teach you how to bend the rules, how to break curfew and not get in trouble, and how to successfully ask mom and dad for money.

10. You are one of the strongest people who I know.

You are both physically and mentally strong beyond your years. Not that we’ve had a hard life by any means, but you’ve had some tough times. You’re more accident-prone than anybody who I’ve ever met and I’ve had to watch you go through multiple injuries that were really tough. Nothing is worse than watching your little brother get hurt, but you have always shown so much strength through it all. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m incredibly proud.

11. Even though I may not express it enough, I love you more than anyone.

I have been here for literally your whole entire life. I have seen all of the ups and downs and I've been there to experience them with you. I will always be there for you, no matter what. I love you so much, more than anyone. (Except for maybe mom.)