I never realized how much I like having you around until we were 2,000 miles apart.
What's good, lil' guy?!
You might be my little brother in age, but in every other aspect you have somehow grown to be my bigger brother. You're taller than me (where did those last six inches come from?). You've got a bigger personality than I do. You drive faster than me. You make way more money than me (but not for long, summer 2k16 here I come). One of my fondest memories with you was when we first moved from Oakland to Orange County. You let me put you in a suitcase and roll you around the cul-de-sac. Where did that little guy, who fit in a carry-on go? Now, you're almost 18, and heading off to college soon.
Anyways, here I am to give you some advice that I know you've been so looking forward to hearing!!!!
The next four years of your life are going to be some of the most challenging and rewarding years of your life. You're gonna be a new fish in the sea, once again. At a school with almost 30,000 kids, you're going to have to work harder than ever to make yourself know. Trust me when I say this, you're gonna wanna take heed of my advice. (Probably).
Do your work.
It's gonna hit you like a bag of bricks. If you're anything like me, which I know you are, get started real soon on your work and reach out immediately for help. Also, listen to Mom and Dad when they tell you to do things; they know more than we give them credit for.
Don't forget to give yourself a break either, though.
I know you won't have any trouble with this one. You are the most outgoing and fun person I know, so me saying this is more of a formality than anything else. Be sure to meet as many people as you can and not just stay with the same crew. Try out new people you wouldn't have hung out with back home. You're going to make some of the best friends of your life at college, so make an effort.
Keep a healthy balance!
Don't study yourself to death, but don't go too ham and forget why you're in college. Get your work done during the day and chill at night. There's no reason to stretch yourself too thin in either direction.
Other advice that I can't come up with headers for.
Be good to your roommate. Work out. Do the right thing. Get on your RA's good side, you never know when you might need them. Do your laundry before you're out of clean clothes, there's nothing worse than wearing the same pair of sweats three days in a row. Rent your books off Amazon, there is no reason to drop an extensive amount of money on a book unless it's been autographed by Barack himself. But make sure to actually read them, don't just use them as paperweights. It wouldn't hurt to join a fraternity either, it's fun and you make lifelong friends. Maybe consider picking lacrosse back up, it's the family's second favorite sport! Make sure to call Dad as often as you call Mom, he won't express it but he truly does miss our company.
Now I'm out of advice, so here are my final words.
This is your first step into the real world and you're gonna kill it, you just need to know that there are people counting on you to succeed (aka Dad because he wants a whole lot). These are going to be some fun years coming up and you're going to have moments where you just want to shut down, but your dedication and strength will help push you through anything college can throw at you. I am so proud to call you my baby brother. Remember, if life ever gets too crazy or seems too tough, I'm just a few time zones away and I'll always pick up.
Arizona is so lucky to get you! Miss you so much, but just think technically you're moving East so we'll be even closer!!
Your number one fan/big sister/probably your idol,
Ariana
