Dear Brother,

You have just started your junior year of high school in a brand new state. You're just getting the hang of being the new kid again. Having to go through the motions of making friends, navigating halls, and figuring out what to do next in the college process. So let me give you a couple tips of surviving your last two years of high school and also show you how much I do love you.

I know that growing up together, we were never all that close. We would fight a lot, both physically and verbally, and we never talked about anything of substance. I also know that we have had very different high school experiences, so I'm not too worried about you, especially socially. Yet before I left to head to college, I knew that we would have many years of that typical, almost movie-like, brother-sister relationship I had dreamed of.

I want to give you a little bit of big sister advice, remember you're in my best interest, and you don't have to take it but I do recommend that you do.

First, sign up for your SAT and ACT so you can get them out of the way. Don't wait until the last minute to get them done because if you don't like your score, you don't have much of a chance to raise it. Normally colleges only take one of the two, but you don't want to be stuck rushing into an exam a couple weeks before an application deadline because you didn't think it was required.

Second, please study and get your work done on time. Time management is one of the most important skills that a student can have. I already know that you'll be juggling advanced classes and playing sports along with your social life. Don't let extracurricular activities and social events get in the way of your education. You already have big dreams for yourself and you don't want to jeopardize them. You have a lot of potential and letting a party screw up your GPA wouldn't be too good.

Third, girls are the same everywhere and they will be everywhere you go. No matter what, do not let them get in the way. Remember that romantic relationships aren't always the most important thing in life and sometimes they don't work out they way you intended them to. Don't try and force anything, it'll just end up adding unneeded stress and be a distraction from your long term goals.

Fourth, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Meeting new people is a really good thing to do, so don't be too quick to judge. Everyone has something about them that others don't know and you may never know when you've gone too far. Always be kind and make sure that you are welcoming and pleasant to be around, choose your words wisely. Mean people don't make it far, especially in the social world.

Fifth, I know I said not to get too distracted by the glowing lights of popularity, but keep in mind that you have to have a good balance of work and play. Stay healthy both physically and mentally. Remember that the best you is when you can look at yourself and love yourself both inside and out. So eat healthy and work out and spend time with friends, but also study hard. And if you're good at it, you can mix all of those together.

Lastly, never forget that I am always here for you. No matter what. You are my little brother and always will be. Don't be afraid to reach out to me, text or call me anytime you'd like. I know I'll be busy with school, but don't think that I won't make time for you. You are a very important part of my life; you will always be in my heart. I miss you lots and ca't wait to see how you grow.