Dear Little Sister,

It will probably be quite a bit of a surprise hearing something from me that isn't a sarcastic comment, part of an argument we're having, or something laced with anger and hate. I know we fight a lot, probably more than any other siblings on the face of this planet. Anyway, even though we do fight extensively and throw words of hate to each other, I still am your bib sister - as much as you wish that statement wasn't true. And, as your big sister, I have some advice that may help you out as you finish up with your last two years of high school and undoubtedly move on to whichever college you choose.

First off - and I know I sound like our mother when I say this, but school should be your number one priority right now. It is more important than you may think. Study hard and don't be lazy. I understand that the idea of going to college doesn't exactly please you, but it isn't so bad. Take it from me, I'm in my second year of college and I'm happier than I was before. It is way better than high school that's for sure. Though it is really hard with all the choices you're forced to make and things you come across. Just don't be forced into doing anything you aren't one-hundred percent certain of. If you have any feelings of doubt or uncertainty in whatever you're about to do, sit down and don't do it. Don't listen to what other people say about it and that you should try. Be smart and don't do it.

While in school, please think about the friends that you need and that make you happy, and the friends that you really don't need ruining your life. Coming from my own experience, not all friendships will last - and that's something to be eternally grateful for because a lot of friends you have will let you down and try to bring you down to stop you from achieving your goals. Let these poisonous friends go. You can cry, realize they're best suited out of the confines of your life, and go find friends who support you and are walking with you in a positive direction in life. After you find your good friends you may find a boy/girl - or two or however many. Please, and I cannot stress this nearly enough for you, think before you do anything with a boy or a girl you like. Keep your distance and be smart. Don't put all of your heart into someone until your positive you can trust them with that responsibility. I don't want to see you hurting over a relationship even though it is a part of life you'll likely have to experience at least once as much as it will pain you. Just be smart, please. I know you'll be fine.

In life you'll find many paths with many different outcomes if you happen to go down them. You have the paths of life that occur in college like what do you want to be stuck doing as your career in life, where you have to live to do so, and how you're going to have money to pursue this dream. I'm currently going through these problems in life and therefore only can offer what advice I've learned so far. Do what you want. If doing what you want means taking classes that your friends aren't in - do it. If doing what you want means having to have a job while in college and not be able to hangout as much as you used to - do it. If doing what you want means graduating from college a year or so later than everyone else - by all means, do it. There's nothing bad about doing any of these things in order to achieve happiness for yourself. This time is about you and solely you. You no longer have to schedule things around others because you are now the adult and you make your own choices that will construct your own future.

I know this letter is short and sticks to only the main focuses that you'll be going through in the next few years, but I know this information will help. It is all written with love and hope because I know you'll strive to achieve only the best when you live out these years. I'm proud of you so far, and I know this feeling will never cease.

Love, Your Big Sister