Dear Younger Brother,

It seems only like a few days ago that you were born and look at you now: you’re almost a teenager, making your way into middle school. As you become older, you will have to make a lot of decisions some may be good, some may be bad. So here’s some advice that may minimize the amount of bad decisions you make, but if not that it will at least make you a better person. So here it is…

1. Think Different

I know your friend’s influence who you are and your opinions a lot, but don’t feel pressured to agree with them about everything. An intelligent argument will not only help you learn about other ideas and point of views, but help you learn that you can't necessarily change everyone's opinions. Also some of the most famous and most important world leaders were people who thought out of box and didn't just "go with the flow."

2. Don’t be an egotistical jerk

I have no doubt that you will excel and do great in middle school, but don't let it get to your head. Once you start being egotistical and believing that somehow that you're more cooler, smarter, or better than other people, it will lead to your downfall. No one likes a jerk who treats other people poorly and thinks they are better than everyone else. Never let the moment come when you stop doing hard work because you think you're smart enough to wing it; it may work a few times, but after that it's a slippery slope.

3. Always be kind

This goes hand in hand with my last point. Kindness is the most important virtue to not only carry throughout your academic career, but your whole life. You never know when your kindness may not only help someone but help you too.

4. Stay true to your family and friends

As you grow older, you may be pressured to be someone who you aren't. If you don't want to do something, then don't. If you keep doing things, you don't want to then you are just lying to yourself. That is not who you are and if your friends don't understand then they are not your true friends. And remember never feel afraid to tell something to your family. We have always been there for you and always will be there for you, so never hesitate to tell us anything.

5. Grades don't define you

Grades certainly are important, and you should do everything in your ability to get good grades, but never let your grades take over who you are. It's important that you not only make good grades, but make trustworthy, life long friends, have amazing experiences, tell funny jokes and stories, and have fun. These days won't come back and you'll regret not going to hang out with your friends more often. By saying grades don't define you, I want to let you know, if things don't work out the way you want it to, don't be disheartened. Bad grades don't necessarily mean that you're going to live on the streets, but they certainly are important.

6. Get off the virtual world

In today's day, it's really easy to be distracted with iPhones, video games and social media. Although these are great and fun things to do, but please remember to use them in moderation and never let these devices distract you from your real goals and priorities. So remember to talk to your friends, instead of texting them all the time, go play tennis with them instead of dueling them in video games, and make time to spend with people who matter to you and do things you love.

I really hope these tips will help you make the best decisions you can, and you should never feel afraid to ask me for guidance. I will always be there for you, and I know you will do great things one day.

Love,

Your Older Sister