To my younger brother;

I love you so dearly, I miss you more than you know when I’m at college. When I found out I was having a little brother I was so excited. You mean the world to me, you are the sweetest little brother when you want to be. You are smart, you are sweet, you are funny, and you are a blessing. I know I’m not always around so I figured you could use some advice from your big sister. Some of these may not apply to you right now but someday they will. 

1. Stand up for yourself; You cannot let kids be mean to you. You are such a wonderful boy, show that to everyone else. Don’t be the nice kid that lets everyone walk over them. Be nice but be tough. 

2. Don’t try so hard to fit in; School can be tough for some kids. I never found myself to fit in a clique at school. Do not pretend to be someone you’re not to impress other people. If they can’t accept you for you, they’re not someone worth being friends with. There is only one you, don’t let anyone change you. Don’t forget who you are and where you came from.

3. You are smarter than you think; You are one smart kid, don’t forget that. You have so much potential in you, don’t waste it. Make sure to always pay attention in class and try your best. As long as you try your hardest that’s all that matters

4. Follow your passion, do what you love; Do not let other people’s opinions shape your own. If you have a dream, follow it. It’s better to pursue something you love than doing something you hate.

5. Even on the hard days try and be positive; Life isn’t always easy, you haven’t had the easiest life either. I know sometimes things get you down but try to think positive. Don’t let the negativity of others stop you from being happy. Try your best to make each day a good day even on your bad days.

6. It’s okay if you’re unsure of what you want to do; You are young, you shouldn’t be worrying about that stuff yet. Do not dwell on the future quite yet. You can do anything you put your mind to. I had no idea what I wanted to go to college for until this year. There are tons of people who still are unsure what they want to do in their 30’s. 

7. Be nice to everyone; You never know what is going on in someone’s life. They could be going through a really tough time and need someone to be nice to them. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Go sit with the kid who is sitting alone at lunch. You could make their whole day without even knowing it. 

8. Know you are loved; We all love you so very much. Sometimes we all get busy with everything else going on. Just know we all love you no matter what.

9. I’m always here for you; If you ever need me, I am a call, a text, or a snapchat away. You can always talk to me about anything. Your secrets are my secrets as long as mine are yours. I got your back always.

10. Don’t grow up too fast; You’re going to be taller than me soon enough! Don’t rush your childhood. I couldn’t wait to be a teenager and be older. I always thought it would be fun, it’s not as great at TV makes it out to be. High school is nothing like high school musical makes it out to be. Sadly, not everyone gets along and breaks out into song. Enjoy your childhood while it’s here, play with you friends, spend time with family. 

Everything will all work out in the end. You are going to do amazing things one day and I can’t wait to see how far you come. Know that you are loved by many. I love you, along with grandma, grandpa, nana, papa, mom, the twins, daddy and so many more. You are such an amazing boy with so much ahead of you. 

Love you always,

Cyn