My sweet Little,

I'm writing this to you because I think that sometimes you don't realize just how much you mean to me. You've filled a void that some people never get to fill: the love that is having a little sister. Though you aren't my actual sister, I consider you one and will always cherish you as if you were. As you're growing up, I wanted to share with you a few things that I've learned upon entering adulthood. You're doing a pretty great job establishing yourself as a fierce, passionate young girl and there's a few things I want you to remember.

1. This life, you don't have to do it on your own.

So many times growing up I thought that my inner demons and fears had to be hidden away from anyone who may not understand them. But trust me when I say that these things will build up and you will one day regret never just expressing them to someone you're close to. You can always trust me. And you can always tell me anything even if you don't quite understand. We can't do life alone. And that's why we have people we love to count on.

2. You might lose friends along the way, and that's okay.

Looking back, there are several people I thought would be my forever friends. I thought they had my best interest at heart, and that they would always be loyal to the friendship I cherished so much. The truth, though, is that people change. People grow out of each other and I promise you that it is okay. I have very few of the same friends I had when I was younger but I've made new friends that I know I can always count on. You won't always have everything in common with your new friends but you should always have one thing in common: loyalty. If you're loyal to each other, nothing can beat your friendship. You'll lose people along the way and you'll gain people on the way. And it's going to be okay.

3. If you have a passion, fuel it like a fire and never let it die.

Even if you haven't discovered it yet, there's something out there, whether it's a cause, a career, or anything in between that will truly set your soul on fire. It will create who you are. And you should cherish it with all you have. If you have a calling for something, it will be hard. Some days you'll have to work really hard for it and sometimes it will be hard to keep going. It will hurt your feelings. You can't change the whole world, but you can change your world and someone else's. I promise you it will be worth it in the end because dedication is a rare thing to see in this world.

4. You might not marry your first love, but someone is out there.

Something I've learned is that the person you thought you'd never have to live without will change. And just like the friendships I told you about, you can grow out of each other. But even if you don't marry your first love, they'll teach you so much about who you are and what you want. Don't regret them and appreciate the lessons you learn. Everyone is going to break your heart, but there are certain people you won't mind it breaking for. Never settle; someone out there will love you endlessly and value you for the amazing person I already see you becoming. Don't take them for granted.

5. You'll question your faith.

There are several times that I've wondered what I believe and who I believe in. Arguments along the line of "if God loves me so much, why does he let me suffer?" have gotten to me before and made me really wonder what I believe. Ultimately, if you aren't questioning your faith, you are settling and you must continue to evolve what you believe in order for it to truly mean something to you. I know what I believe and I know I have faith, but you'll get to decide this for yourself. You won't always agree with every aspect of the religion you may believe in, but if it's important to you, you'll have to work hard for it and try and fully grasp it. It's a lot to figure out. But you don't have to know everything right now, all the time. You're a smart girl, and you'll figure it out.

6. Be kind, always.

In a world where cancer exists and violence is much too prevalent, you cannot be too kind. You cannot love too hard. With such violent people existing, the worst thing you can do is not love too hard. You have a heart of gold. Having a big heart is such a special quality, and the best thing you can do is to love everyone you can. There is always someone fighting a battle you know nothing about. People might not remember what you looked like or if you had the newest fad in middle school, but they will always remember how you made them feel. And with this being said: be kind, always.

There are so many more things I could say, but I think these will do for now. Thank you for being the little sister I never had. I will always cherish you and love you for exactly who you are.