Biggie, first and foremost, I love you.

You have been not only a mentor but also my friend. You have loved me when I have cried at 3 a.m. and I thought the world was ending, a sentiment all my sisters can relate to. You loved me when all I wanted was to be a spoiled brat during Big Sis Week. You even loved me when I needed to carb-load in order to keep going. Big, you have shown me the unconditional love of a sister.

You have taught me a lot. But most importantly, you have shown me what it means to be alive. You put positive thoughts in my head when I want to give up, and you order late-night pizza with me to the library. You have shown me to have fun even when I might have a little too much work. You have shown me that even when times are tough, someone loves me and I am never alone. You taught me that one assignment won’t kill me and that one day I will reach my goals. Most importantly, you have taught me to navigate college and learn to deal with stresses. These are the skills and memories I will carry with me my entire life.

You have helped me realize some of my goals. Thanks for switching into the class with me that my mom said was a waste of time -- because that class might have been just what I needed in order to see what will make me happy as I near the end of my academic career. Thank you for helping me realize I should always strive to be my best, even if the job seems daunting. Thank you for helping me see that the future is bright and there is a light at the end of the tunnel (graduation). Thank you for helping me dream big and never give up.

You’ve shown me kindness. You’ve been above and beyond a model, Big. Thank you for everything. You mean more to me than I can express.

Big, I love you so much, and as I get ready to take a Little, remember that the best of the best is my Big and you have shown me what it means to take care of another person. You welcomed me into this sisterhood through initiation with open arms and an open heart. You have shown me how important it is to be a sister and a friend to all.

Only because of you am I ready to take this on -- only because of the tears, the emotional 2 a.m. conversations, the laughs, and the little things am I ready to take on being a Big. I hope I can be half the Big you are. I hope that once you have gone on and graduated that I can be the exceptional role model that you have been for my own Little.

You have truly given me the unconditional love of a sister, and I am ready to pass that love on to another person. I am ready to support my Little because of how you have supported me. It does not mean I don’t still want you in my wedding party and that I don’t still want you to plan a raunchy bachelorette party.

It means you have given me the nonjudgmental love of a big and this is a gift I not only want to but need to pass on. You have helped me grow up (but not too much). I am ready to take the lessons you have helped me learn and be there for someone else.

I hope you never stop spoiling me, because, well, Little gets what Little wants. But I know it is time to pass this gift on.

I will never stop loving you, Biggie.

Your Little

P.S. I almost can’t bear to pass on the t-shirts you gave me.