You're growing up, kid. The time has finally come. While I'm not sure if I'm ready to quite accept the fact that you're about to be a college student, it's inevitably bound to happen.

I know that we've always had a close bond. From matching outfits for picture day in elementary school, to braces, and even now to picking out colleges – we've shared some really special moments in life.

While I see the eagerness in your eyes every time you tell me that there are only "83 days left until move in," college is not a cookie cutter experience. By no means do I want to lessen your excitement or burst any bubbles. I just want you to know what you're about to get into, so as the sibling that's already "been through it all," I want to be the first to tell you that your life is about to change forever.

So, here's an open letter to all the younger siblings going to college in the fall.

1. The transition.

The minute you step onto campus, your transition period begins. For some, the transition is easier than others. Why, you may ask? It all depends on personality. For some people, this is the first time they've really stepped out of their comfort zone, so they want to ease their way into college life. While for others, it's easier to just cannonball into campus activities. Regardless of what end of the spectrum you find yourself on, remember that we were college freshmen once too. So, give us a call if you can't find a classroom building, or even if you're just feeling a little homesick. That's what we're here for – and don't worry, we won't tell Mom you miss her home-cooked meals. (Because we both know that's going to lead to a parent weekend, and a fridge filled with casseroles.)

2. Campus involvement.

Next, I really encourage you to be active in the activities around campus. Everyone is looking for a friend when they come to college, and I met some of my best friends simply by participating. Whether it's Greek life, Intramurals, even dorm life, become a familiar face. It will make your life so much easier, and make a 50,000+ person campus seem more like a community.

3. Social life.

When you come to college, more than likely you're not going to be under the lock and key of Mom and Dad. You're going to have to make decisions yourself, and brace yourself because you probably won't always make the right ones, and that's okay. Also, remember that this is college – people party. While there wasn't much of that back home, live a little. Do something exciting, make memories! But never, ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable. That's a big part of coming to college. Sure, your friends may enjoy sporting some activities that you may not like here and there, but that's them. Yes, you can still hang out with them. No, you don't have to partake if you don't want to. If anything your friends will be forever grateful to you for being so responsible. However, times like this are no-judgment zones, so be a good friend – not a parent.

4. Academics.

While socializing can be one of the best parts of college, it is unarguable that academics is the most important. College coursework is going to be a rude awakening, bud. Sure, you were a decent student in high school, but more than likely you never left an exam contemplating if being a garbage man really was such a terrible career option. COLLEGE IS HARD. You have to put in hours, on hours of focused work to do well, but the taste of victory is worth all the blood, sweat, and tears in the end.

5. Life, man.

You get to be whoever you want. What you were in high school ends when high school does. So, it doesn't matter if you lettered in four sports or had a 36 on your ACT. College is a time to reinvent/better yourself. Though it seems like college is the time where you finally commit to who you are going to be in life, that is not the case at all. Be a double major, add a minor – college is a time for experimentation. Find your true passions and stand by them.

In the end, it is all about the journey and whether that journey takes three years or five, it is YOUR journey. As William Ernest Henley once wrote:

"It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul."

You decide who you want to be, kiddo. You are the master of your fate, and remember that I'll always be here for you through the good, bad, and confusing times. Be smart, but don't forget to have a little fun.

XOXO,

Mom & Dad's Favorite