To my little sister Hanna,

I can't believe how fast you have grown up, it seems like just yesterday you were running around in a diaper and getting into everything. It's crazy to think that in just a little less than a month you will be starting high school. I know that you are both nervous and excited to be starting at a new school, but I promise that you will be fine!

High school is the best and worst four years of your life. Some of the best years of my life happened while I was in high school which you may not understand this at first but some day you will. As your big sister who has been there and survived, I thought I would be the perfect person that could give you some tips.

Be kind to everyone.

A simple act of kindness goes a long way so be kind to everyone you meet along this journey. If you see someone sitting alone at lunch, go over and sit with them. They will really appreciate this and who knows, you might even get a new friend out of it. When someone drops their things, help them pick them up instead of laughing at them. It is so important to be kind to people, life is too short. Of course, you will meet people who aren't going to be kind but you know what they say, kill them with kindness!

Get involved.

There are many opportunities available in high school ranging from sports to clubs and everything in between. Not only will it look good on your transcript, it will provide an amazing experience. Get involved in whatever you can, play sports every season and join every club that sparks interest. Try to go to every school dance, every football game, and participate in whatever events your school has to offer. High school will fly by and you don't want to regret not doing the things you really wanted to.

Grades are important and come first.

This may sound so corny but I can't stress it enough. Grades are so important and school should always come first. Strive to get an A in every class, put the effort in and study! Studying is so important, develop good studying habits during your freshman year to help you throughout your other three years. Always make sure to do your homework and stay on top of your work. It is so easy to fall behind the eight ball and it is even harder to catch up. Ask for help when you need it and stay after, it will pay off. I wish I could have gotten better grades while in high school but that is something I can't change. I hope you don't look back and think the same thing one day. Grades are so important and will get you far.

Stay away from boys.

Again this may sound corny and you're probably thinking, "yeah right", but seriously stay away from them. They just aren't worth it. You are a very beautiful girl with so much to offer and I know that the boys will take note of that. Focus on yourself and don't let a boy get in the way of that.

Make as many friends as you can.

Going to a new school and making new friends can be scary but it is something that can be done. Try and be friends with everyone that you can, don't just limit yourself to certain people. There will be cliques in high school just like in the movies, but that doesn't mean you can't be friends with who you want to be. Your friend group probably will change throughout high school and that's okay.

Hopefully you follow this advice and make these next four years the best. The time will fly by, trust me. Prom and graduation may seem so far away but in what seems like the blink of your eye it will come and go. I wish I had a big sister that gave me advice for when I was entering high school, but I didn't so I wanted to make sure that you did!

Love your big sister,

Kiana