Dear Sissy,
You did it! You finally finished school and graduated from college! I am so proud of you and everything you have accomplished in your young 21 years. It was so amazing watching you walk across that stage at Regis University. I have never been more proud or honored to be your sister.
You are about to begin the next journey of your life and enter the real world and I know you are going to crush it out there, but nobody can make it and thrive on their own. There will be times when you need a friend, a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on or a fabulous scarf to wear to work. Growing up, I learned so much from you from how to study and how to wear makeup and do my hair. I know I may be younger than you, but let me offer you some advice that you can take with you once you join the real world.
Always look nice
Not that you don’t always look beautiful, because you do, but whenever you leave the house and go to work, look nice. Whenever you dress nice, you walk around with an aura of confidence that makes you look like a superstar. Papa once told me “When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good.” So always look good and dress to impress; it will be amazing how much confidence you have when you know you look amazing and professional.
Remember to talk to Mom and Dad
I know your life is about to do a complete 180 and you will be the busiest you have ever been, but remember to always find time for Mom and Dad. They love you more than anything in the world, and they do not want anything from you except your time. So no matter how crazy your life becomes, find time to talk to mom and dad, they will appreciate it. Remember that Mom and Dad did a lot to make sure you have the wonderful life you do, and they expect nothing in return, so pay them back with your love and time.
Venture out more
This is going to be the first time in your life where people your age will not just be around you to become friends with, so you are actually going to have to work hard to meet people and make friends. Make sure you find time to go out with people and meet others. You can never have too many friends, so find a way and time to meet others.
Find time for yourself
You have chosen one of the most honorable jobs around; elementary school teachers shape the future generations. Being a teacher will bring you so much pleasure, but it is very time consuming. Grading papers, planning lessons and helping students will take up so much of your time and I know it is possible it will begin to consume your life. Make sure you find time to take care of yourself. You can’t help your students if you are going crazy.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
One thing you and I both have in common is our stubbornness and neither one of us ever likes to ask for help. Remember that it is OK to need help right now. Even though you look amazing in blue and red, you are not Superwoman. Nobody expects you to be able to do it all by yourself. Remember that I am here to help you with anything.
You are an amazing person and I know you will make a wonderful teacher. If anyone can make the transition from student to teacher and excel, it will be you. I am honored to call you one of my heroes and idols and I expect great things from you in the future. Congratulations, Sissy!
I love you,
Sissy
