To My Brother As He Graduates From High School:

First of all, I'm so confused on how you're graduating high school because last time I checked, you were still 5 years old, running around the house, doing your karate moves. Now you're about to venture out into the "real world." Upon graduating, you'll learn so many things, some of which will hurt you, some will make you happy, but they'll always make you grow as a person. Because I'm so old and wise, I'm going to share with you some spoiler alerts that I think will help you along the way. You're welcome.

You'll realize the true value of money and you'll painfully count the numbers of hours you'll have to work in order to pay off whatever you just bought. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees, and when you really need it, it doesn't pile up as fast you need it to. I've learned, though, that things always have a way of working out. Mom has told me this time and time again, and she's right.

That brings me to another piece of advice: listen to our mom. She knows what she's talking about. As much as we'd like to believe we know everything, we don't. Listen to dad, too. He has a lifetime of knowledge to share with you.

But, don't be afraid to not listen to our parents (sorry, Mom and Dad). It's okay to do what you think is right and what you think is best for you. Don't be afraid to take the path less traveled simply because it's unknown. Your life is what you make of it.

College can create distance among you and your friends in more than just the physical form.

Make new friends. You'll soon see a pattern of faces that fill your classes as you dive deeper into your major and minor. Befriend these people. You'll help each other get through the semester. It's better to be the weirdo that tries to make friends with everyone than to be the weirdo who doesn't talk to anyone.

Commuting to school may be a bummer now but I promise after a couple years, you'll appreciate not having to pay rent, buy all your own meals and any of the other endless perks you receive when living at home.

There are bad people in the world. They come in all forms and some will trick you into believing they're on your side. Try not to let them distract you.

As cynical as I may be, I promise there are good people in this world. They're harder to find but when you do find them, hold onto them. I don't care what age, you'll appreciate their kindness and the grace of their caring soul. These people will make you realize life isn't as bad as it can seem.

You've been blessed with a personality that brushes things off without you getting upset and you have a level-head that will keep you steady when the waves of life become choppy.

Be nice to your future girlfriends. All of them. They have hearts and only want to love you to their fullest capability. If you don't feel the same, be polite, be respectful. If you do, treat her like a princess. (Try not to find one like me, though. You don't need extra crazy in your life.) Repeat after me: being a jerk does not make you cool. Just a fair warning: I'll be judging her the moment she walks in the door and she better live up to my expectations because they're sky high and anything less won't pass as acceptable.

Keep your expectations for yourself high. Always set goals. And when you reach them, treat yourself and then set them higher. Have a plan but understand that road blocks are put in your way to see how much you want what you want, not to tell you to stop wanting them.

Stay humble when life goes your way. Stay hopeful when it doesn't.

Don't forget to throw some fun into your life whenever you can.

You possess some of the most valuable traits a person can have; your motivation, your passion, your mellow temperament, your confidence, your kind heart. Don't lose these. Honestly, I've always been jealous of you for having these traits, but don't let it go to your head.

This is all I can share with you for now. The rest you'll have to learn on your own. Some of this, you'll have to experience in order to believe. I've given you an ear full and I know you're ready for me to shut up now. I just have one last thing to say:

I'm so proud of you, bud, not solely for graduating from high school (although, congrats on that milestone), but for growing into the young man that you have. I know you'll do great things throughout the course of your life and I'm so excited to have a front row seat of what's to come. Thanks for being a great brother.