Dear Big,

It’s so crazy that a year ago I didn’t know you, but now you are one of my best friends and biggest supporters. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through freshman year without you. Thank you for everything you have done for me so far; you truly are the big sister I never had. You’re always there for me, from me freaking out over nothing to just needing a second opinion on my outfit to educating me on the best poses for our pictures, and everything else in between. It takes a special kind of person to deal with me with the grace and class you do, so just know I appreciate it every time.

This week, you’re graduating with your undergraduate degree. You’re one step closer to full-time adulting (ew). I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished. You set a goal and you reached it; you didn’t give up even when things were tough and you felt like you wanted to quit. You now possess something many people are after, and many people in the world will never have the opportunity to have. Remember that and be proud of yourself always.

While I couldn’t be happier for you and everything the future holds for you, I can’t help but feel a little bit sad. Graduation means it’s time for you to leave me. I know we’ll still be just as close as we are now, but it just won’t be the same. That’s not a bad thing; life moves forward and changes are necessary and healthy. But it still won’t be the same. We won’t be a part of the sorority together this semester. You won’t pick me up from my dorm for chapter. I won’t see you around campus. We won’t meet up at the library to talk study. We won’t ride to events together because neither of us likes to show up alone. You still have to go to the beach and the mall with me, I hope you know that. Even when you move!

You’re probably crying now like me, but the closing of this chapter only means the opening of another. We have so many more memories to make! I know that no matter where we are in the world, we will always text each other with updates or send a Snapchat of the weird things we see. You are nothing short of one of the most amazing, kind and supportive people I’ve ever met. You never take anything for granted, and you always appreciate everything you have. I look up to you in so many ways. You’re so important to me, and I can’t imagine what I would do without you. I can’t wait to see you grow even further as a person and find your niche in the world. I know you’re going to be great at whatever you do, and I’ll always be there to stand behind you and support you. Promise!

Love you always,

Little