Dear Baby Brother (and to everyone else in the class of 2020),
Well, calling you "baby" brother is quite ironic in itself. After all, you are 18 years old and technically a legal adult. Additionally, you just got accepted to college. WOAH! Needless to say, the "baby" name title no longer seems appropriate for a college student.
I would like to first start off by saying that words cannot even truly express how proud I am of you. You have really grown into a mature (albeit the occasional prank), compassionate, responsible and intelligent adult with such a bright future ahead of you. I am still in amazement of who you have become and all of your astounding accomplishments, including the fact that you're about to attend one of the most prestigious universities in the nation.
However, there are a few things that I would like to say to you before you open this new chapter. I must admit that you might find everything I am about to say somewhat parental and possibly condescending, but after all I am your older sister. It is technically my job to tell you what to do on occasion. So with that baby brother, here is what I have to say:
The next four years of your life are going to be incredibly fun, memorable, weird, stressful and unique. Honestly, college is the perfect compilation of every emotion and feeling you can possibly think of. This fact in itself makes the prospect of entering this chapter of education that much more intimidating and frightening. However, this is the time for you to truly grow even more. It's the time for you to find the people, activities, and subjects that will continue to make you happy for the rest of your life. The only way you can do this though is by being true to yourself and confident in who you are and your decisions.
I know that this has never been a characteristic of yours, as you have always been a true leader with confidence and security in your decisions; however, in college when you are trying to fit into an unknown environment and make new friends, it is so easy to get sucked into a trap and partake in things that are in contradiction to your personality, and that will prevent you from being both happy and successful in college.
Take that random class or join the club that may seem "weird" to your peers, but piques your interest.
Do not partake in the inappropriate and crude activities that I know others around you will partake in, but may make you feel uncomfortable. Any "friend" that makes you feel bad about what you do or anything that doesn't make you feel good nor happy will allow you to truly enjoy college and all of the great opportunities and memories it has to offer.
Do not ever be sorry for who you are, what makes you happy, or second guess your judgements and interests. You are honestly one of the most responsible, intelligent and inspiring people I know. The four years of college do pass in the blink-of-an-eye, and you should do everything that you want to do and before the chance expires. There is no time to sweat the small stuff and start guessing on what's going to make you happy. Just stick with your gut on what feels right, and you will do amazing!
I must admit that even in four years from now and although you will be 22 years old, l will still refer to you as my baby brother. I know that you are going to be an even more inspirational, kind-hearted and intelligent person than you are right now (though to many this may not seem possible). You, my baby brother, will be the one giving me the motivational and insightful advice, and I cannot wait to hear it and be even more proud come 2020.
