To my newborn niece,

It's true, you're not exactly my niece. I have no siblings, so I can't really be your actual aunt; you're my cousin's child. I may not have any sisters, but your mom is pretty much that to me. I've looked up to her all my life; she's been my role model, my confidant, my friend: the closest thing to a big sister I'll ever have. That's good enough for me. We're family either way and I intend to be a big part of your life.

I want to begin by reminding you how lucky you are. You were born to two very intelligent, kind, and loving parents who would do anything to make you happy. It may not feel that way at some points in your life (specifically the teenage years) but trust me they only want what's best for you, even if it doesn't seem that way at the time. I have never known people who are more down-to-earth, thoughtful, self-assured, or all-around good than your mom and dad.

Not only do you have amazing parents, you have an entire army of people behind you. You are now a part of a big, crazy, loving family. We're all a bunch of unique characters with which -- I'm told -- you'll fit right in. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll always have someone to trust and rely on. Any one of your cousins/aunts/uncles/grandparents would move mountains for you, and that's not something all families can boast. We're a very special group of people and we’re more than happy to welcome you into the clan.

Your family will always be here for you, but for the moments that you need to spend alone and the situations you will need to deal with by yourself, I -- your honorary aunt -- have some advice. Right now, I'm only 20 years old; I can only give you advice based on the few experiences I’ve had, as I have much of my life ahead of me. But I think that only qualifies me more to give advice since we’re pretty much in the same position. We’ve both got our lives ahead of us, and let me tell you how excited I am to see you grow and live yours.

There is a lot I want to say to you. I’ve got an endless stream of thoughts flowing through my mind about school, friends, romance, parents, pretty much anything. It’s all very specific and situational, so I’ll save most of that kind of advice for when you’re older, when you ask me face to face, and hopefully you will actually want to confide in me. Instead of an endless list of thoughts that might not even apply to you when the time comes, I’ll give you some general thoughts. I was given this advice by a fellow actor when I asked about how to have a successful career; however, I believe it can apply to anyone. The advice he gave me is one of the most important things I’ve ever been told: be humble, be grateful, be brave.

First: Be humble. A lot of people misunderstand this one. You don’t want to be arrogant, self-centered, egotistical, or anything of that nature. No one likes people like that and those who walk around thinking that they’re the best often get easily knocked off of their pedestal. However, being humble does not have to mean underestimating or underselling yourself. You will be great, you already are. You will do amazing things; you already have. The world deserves to know how awesome you are and you should have the confidence to show it. There is a big difference between confidence and arrogance. Being humble, to me, means allowing yourself to recognize your achievements while also recognizing that, like everyone in the entire world, there are things you can do to be a better you. Being humble means being grounded. If you are down to earth and in touch with yourself and others, incredible things can happen.

Next: Be grateful. Always remember where you came from and the people who helped you get to where you are in the present moment. No one does things completely alone. We all, as humans, rely on each other for help and support. Always thank your parents and your family; thank your teachers and classmates; thank your friends and coworkers. The people in your life, whether you like them or not, will mold you. It might be difficult to believe, but you wouldn’t be you without their influence. Whether they give love and support or make themselves an obstacle you must learn to get around, they’re helping you become a better you, even though it may not seem that way at the moment. Recognize the help you’ve received, and help others in turn. Appreciate the people in your life and they will appreciate you.

Last: Be brave. As cliché as it may be to say, the world can be a scary place. Unfortunately, not everything in life will go exactly the way you want it to. That’s not to say that you want to get the things you want -- you will -- or that you’ll be miserable -- you won't -- that’s just not how it works. You will make some mistakes, you’ll lose sometimes when you thought you could win. We all do, there’s no avoiding it. All you can do is stay positive and fearless. You must take chances. You must be passionate and hungry. Whatever you do, give it 200 percent. That’s how you get the chance to get the things that you want. Nothing in this life will be easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable.

This is the best foundation I can give you based on what I know and have experienced so far in my life. I hope that I can spend the rest of my life as a part of yours. I hope this is only the beginning of the endless advice I get to give to you. I hope it helps, even if only a little bit. As I said before, I know you will be great and do amazing things, and I cannot wait to watch you become the wonderful girl you’re already beginning to be.

Sincerely,