My sister and I are precisely 12 years and two days apart. While that age gap left us without the typical sibling dynamic, it allowed us to have something even more special. My little sister is my baby, I held her the day she was born and watched her grow up every since. At 9 years old, she is more beautiful and brilliant than I could have ever imagined. The years seem to pass more and more frequently. Before I know it, she'll be in the place I was three years ago, a college freshman. As I think back on my college experiences and all the joy I hope for her, there's a few things I wish to say.
Try everything!
Rush a sorority, try out for crew, run for student government. Get as much as you can out of these four years. You don't have to stick with everything you try, but you may find yourself a new passion. Worst case, you'll come out of it with a T-shirt and usually a free slice of pizza.
Live in a dorm.
As dreadful as it can be, your freshman dorm is the place that you take your first steps into adulthood. It's where you'll teach your suite-mates to do laundry for the first time, then later learn to do it at 3 a.m. when the machines are all open. You'll get in fights with the guys above you who never seem to stop partying, but are too cute for you to call Public Safety on. You'll eat ice cream with your roommate at 4 a.m. in your twin bed while you cram for finals. Even as a junior and senior, you'll walk by the building you once called home and smile to yourself at all the memories.
Boys are stupid and not to be trusted.
Even though there are a few good ones out there, in general, college boys still have a lot to learn. Don't let a boy play games with you, and never let anyone treat you any less than the queen you are.
These friends will last a lifetime.
Maybe it'll be your freshman year random roommate, the girls in your pledge class or the guy who lives down the hall from you. These will be the ones that comfort you after you get your first 'D' on a paper and take on dining hall food with you every day. Who encourage you to go to the library when you just want to watch Netflix in bed. Regardless of how you find each other, your experiences in college will bond you for life.
Remember why you're here.
During college, you're going to be exposed to a lot of new things. It's easy to get swept away in all the excitement. Don't forget that you're here to get an education and better yourself as an individual. With that being said, it's OK to let go sometimes. Go to a party and stay up all night to watch the sunrise with your best friends. Enjoy this time of young adulthood and exploration.
And most importantly, know I will always be here for you.
Call me after class to complain about a teacher. Send me a Snapchat of your drunk munchies. Skype me in the middle of the night because a boy broke your heart. No matter the scenario, I'm your big sister and I will always love you.
