Being the oldest sister has its ups and downs, thats for sure. Every single time I made a questionable or bad move, and got into trouble with my mom, I will never forget the same repetitive line, "Your sisters watch everything you do, you have to set a good example."

I know for a fact I have not been a perfect older sister. I have made my own share of bad decisions, gotten into fights with my mom, lots, and lots, of fights, I have come home late, and cursed in front of my siblings. I am like the test dummy, whatever I do wrong, my sisters now know what to avoid. I do have a few more tips for them though, from things that I have observed and again, things I have done.

- DON'T ditch your friends for a boy

I know you're probably shocked that a boy likes you. I also know that this little bit of attention, can create the illusion that, "wow, this is the perfect boy." Recognize this. Don't be blind to someone who is in the relationship for a different reason. With this being said, don't leave your friends hanging to see a boy. Your friends have been there for you day in and day out, realize that leaving them can result in something you may not like when something goes wrong with the boyfriend, and you don't have any friends to back you up. Keep your support system.

- DO realize it is okay to say no

This can apply to a party, or even a relationship. If something is going on that you know is against your morals, don't be afraid to disagree, or remove yourself from the situation. If people make you feel bad for it, who cares, you probably shouldn't be friends with them anyway. Don't desert your beliefs because of peer pressure.

- DON'T apply to only one college

As much as I don't want to admit it, I was close-minded and applied to only one school. Thankfully, I was accepted, I got lucky. Keep your options open and be willing to accept a change in plans. Be smart and have a back up, even if you are dead set on a single school.

- DO get out as much as you can

Of course school work is important, and as long as you stay on top of that, then get out as much as possible. Don't sit in your room and watch Netflix. Get outside and get together with friends. You'll regret living a life as a hermit when it comes time for college.

- DON'T be afraid to try new things

Get out of your shell. Do something you wouldn't normally do, approach someone you wouldn't usually approach. This will be a great tool for making friends. Spread your wings and get to know people.

- DO go to as many school events as possible

I can count on one hand, how many events I went to in High School. I missed out on all the fun people had at games, celebrating a win, and more importantly, hanging out with friends. Even if you don't want to go, just do it, it won't be something you regret.

- DON'T be so hard on mom

She isn't dumb. She went through the exact same things you are, and will be going through. So when you go through the, "I hate my mom phase" just make an effort to remember, this is my mother and she loves me even when she hates me.

Obviously there are a lot more "Dos and Don'ts" out there, but these are a select few that really could've made a difference in my life if I had known better. Take it from the older sister, because in the end, I was the one who got thrown into the water first to see if I could swim.