I am lucky enough to be the big sister of a great 16-year-old girl. My sister is tough as nails, smart as hell, and more beautiful than any model out there in my eyes. Even though my sister and I are total opposites in every way imaginable, I love her more than anything. I would do anything and everything for my little sister and I’ll always be there to protect her. I know when I was 16 I had no idea what to expect as I got older and it was definitely hard for me, so I want to give some advice to my sister, as well as many other young girls who read this, on how to make growing up a little easier.

• No matter what happens to your body as you get older, always love yourself. Your body is bound to change as you get older, that’s just life. Your boobs might get bigger; your legs might get longer, but no matter what happens know that you will always be beautiful no matter what you look like. Also, life is way too short to not appreciate how beautiful you are, so instead of worrying about how you look, know that you are perfect in every way possible.
  
• I know mom might annoy you in this stage of your life, but you don’t even know how much she loves you. Mom will always be there for you and will do literally anything to make you feel better. I know it’s very easy at this age to shut mom out because you think you know what is best for you, but I know for a fact mom knows better. Also remember that people will come and go in your life and it is very hard to deal with, but mom will always be there with a kiss and a hug ready to make you feel better.
  
• If anyone makes you feel bad about yourself, erase them out of your life. Growing up is hard enough to deal with, but having people who are constantly bringing you down makes it 1000 times harder. So whenever you get the sense someone isn’t treating you the right way or is being purposely rude to you just forget about them. You don’t need people like that in your life, they’re probably just jealous about the fact that you’re so awesome and they suck. Surround yourself with people who love you and will do anything for you.
  
• I know school is hard and stressful, but try not to stress out too much. I remember when I was in high school and I was so overwhelmed by the work, the projects, and overall just everything. I would drive myself crazy if I didn’t do well on a specific test or get an “A” in a class. I want you to know that as long as you try your best you’re going to be fine. You don’t need to get straight “A’s” and you definitely don’t need to make your mental state suffer to survive high school. You’re a smart girl and high school is only a small chapter of your life, so enjoy it and don’t stress too much.
  
  
• Your high school best friends are the greatest people you’ll meet. You will meet tons of people during your life and people will enter and leave your life without warning. You’ll make new friends and you’ll loose friends, but that’s what happens in life. I want you to know that your best friends from high school will always be with you. They are the greatest group of friends you’ll ever have. They’re living through four years of high school with you and that is something you’ll never forget. They have seen you in your awkward stage and they’ll see you through your drop-dead bombshell stage. These friends will be your life long friends and will love you no matter what, so keep them close and never let them forget how much you love them, because they love you a lot.
  
  
• STAY AWAY FROM BOYS. Oh my god, I sound like mom don’t I? There is no doubt that there are tons of wonderful boys out there, but there are also a lot of rude ones out there. Don’t focus too much on getting a boyfriend or finding a date to prom. When the time is right, it might be next month or four years from now, a boy will come into your life and love the crap out of you. He will know how beautiful you are and he will fall in love with your true self. But this magical thing only happens when you’re not looking. I remember how bad I wanted a boyfriend and I searched everywhere and it was exhausting. So have fun, be carefree, and don’t focus on stupid boys because the right one is coming and you’ll know it when you find him.
  
  
• Take care of yourself. What I mean by this is take care of your physical state, as well as your mental state. Eat healthy, workout, don’t do drugs, and don’t drink…well until you’re 21 and you can party with mom and I. But having said this also take care of your mental state, if you don’t want to workout one day and feel like eating cupcakes in bed while watching gossip girl, go right ahead! It’s called balance haha. Also don’t stress the small stuff and just be happy, because life is too short not to be happy.
  
  
• You are never ever alone. This is the most important thing I was you to know. I know you may feel alone during many times in your life, but you never will be. You can always call mom and dad whenever you need them, but if you can’t talk to them you can always talk to me. I will keep all your secrets and I’ll do whatever I need to so that you are happy. From the moment you were born I knew that I was always destined to be a big sister to you. I know we may fight, yell, and scream but I will move mountains for you and protect you against anything. You are loved by so many people and you could never possibly be alone. You are the most incredible girl in the world and I love you more than you’ll ever know. So be happy and enjoy the journey of growing up, and know that whenever it gets too much to handle I’m a text away and I’ll be there for you through thick and thin.