18 is an exciting, nerve-wracking, perfect, adult-ish, bittersweet, amazing, sometimes awkward age.

Being a big sister means figuring out life on your own; and with the help of family and friends, even if you didn't want to listen to them at first.

You're the first one to experience heartbreak. The first one to get a speeding ticket. The first one to screw up. The first one to graduate. The first one to go to college. The first one to figure things out.

My sister will be fabulous at life, she already is. But, here are 18 things she needs to know before she turns 18:

1. You are beautiful.

Inside and out. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise. If they do, they're not important and you don't need them in your life.

2. He doesn't matter.

Whether it's the boy you dated, the boy you almost dated, or the boy who just made you feel like crap: he doesn't matter. He never will.

3. Have a BLAST.

Senior year happens in the blink of an eye. Enjoy every second of every day.

4. You WILL get into college.

Don't even sweat it.

5. It's okay to be scared.

I was. You friends are. It's okay.

6. Your life isn't anyone else's business.

You don't have to tell anyone anything.

7. Those girls, I promise you, are in the climaxes of their lives. They will ALWAYS be in high school.

You have A LOT of exciting adventures, people, and accomplishments coming your way. Be VERY excited.

8. Love the ones who matter.

Your family and your friends.

9. Smile as much as you can.

When people look back on high school, they remember the ones that were mean, happy, quiet, etc. Be remembered as the one who always smiled.

10. High school is just the beginning, not the end.

Don't be too upset. There is so much happiness coming your way.

11. It's okay to dream. It just might come true.

Really. It might.

12. Life sucks sometimes.

But you'll learn and grow from it.

13. That drama that happened yesterday?? No one will even remember it in a year. I can promise you that.

Pinky promise.

14. VOTE. VOTE. VOTE.

Be active.

15. Do everything and anything that makes you happy.

And nothing that makes you unhappy.

16. It's okay if you mess up.

It's part of life.

17. The only person you need to chase after is yourself.

Find yourself. Grow.

18. There's going to be a lot of "last times."

Embrace them ALL and don't let ANYONE ruin them.

18 is bittersweet. It's humble. It's exciting. It's absolutely terrifying.

But, you are beautiful, strong, and wonderful. Never let anyone tell you differently.

Be free, be happy, and be "unapologetically you."

Go kick 18's ass! I love you!