Hey Squirt,

First off, I just want to tell you how proud I am of the woman you have become. You have been in my life for 17 years, now, and I wouldn't trade a single second of it for anything. I remember us playing at the pool when we were little and I remember the time you sprayed me in the face with the hose. I remember your crooked smile before braces and your million-dollar smile after braces. I remember the times back in middle school, and some of high school, when you thought I was the most annoying big sister in the world and you wanted nothing to do with me. I think back at just last week when you got a puppy and didn't want to tell mom and dad so you hid it at my house for as long as you could, before they found out and, wow -- they were not happy. We have been through our ups and downs just like every other pair of sisters have. But, wow, how the time has flown.

You had your senior prom last weekend, and you looked absolutely stunning. Your date didn't look too bad, either. You are only a few short weeks away from graduating high school, and you will be at school with me next year. I cannot describe how happy that makes me. You are a truly outstanding person, beautiful inside and out. But before you come to college and experience this roller coaster of a world with me, there are a few things I want you to know.

I will always be here for you. There are going to be times when you screw up. There will be times when you need to borrow money. And there will be times when you fail a test and are too scared to tell mom and dad. Just always remember that I am right down the street. My door will always be open to you, and your best friend who I consider another little sister, no matter what time of day it is. Do not ever hesitate to call or text me; I'll always be here.

New friends are a great thing. You are going to make new friends, and you are going to become distant with some of your friends from high school. It's okay. You will see your old friends over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer breaks. You will gossip about all the juicy drama that you've encountered while at school, you will talk about all the different guys you've met, and you will chat about which teachers and lab TAs you thought were hot. It's okay not to be as close with them as you have been for the past few years. Don't feel bad about making new and closer friends. Your college friends may be from other states, but you are going to make amazing memories with them over the next four years, and probably even longer. I have met my best friends, ride or die's, and bridesmaids while at school. It's fun to branch out -- don't hesitate.

Boys suck. You are going to meet new guys at college. You're going to develop new crushes, and you are going to get into a lot of relationships. You are going to break some hearts and your heart is going to get broken -- more times than you think. But it's okay. With every relationship you get involved in during college, you learn valuable lessons -- it will only make you stronger. Plus, your friends will be there to hold you while you cry, they'll be there to make you laugh, and they'll be there at parties when you see him and they'll give him the “why do you think you can show your face around here" glare.

Missing home is okay. Calling mom at 2:30 in the morning on Tuesday nights to cry to her and tell her you miss her, is okay. Texting dad just to say hi or catch up with his favorite NFL team, is okay. Wanting to FaceTime the pets just because you don't want them to forget your face, is okay. Missing home is okay. And when college is just too much for you to handle, go home. Visit mom and dad, spend the night in your own bed, and watch late night TV with the dog. Don't be afraid of looking like a homebody to your friends because odds are, they're feeling the same way.

College is a whole new world. It will seem like a lot at first, but it is one hell of a time. Have fun while you are here. Make some mistakes. Learn from those mistakes. And most importantly, be yourself. Don't pretend to be someone you are not. We are given four years of college; they fly by faster than you think. Make the most of it while you can.

So, congratulations little sis, you've made it. Can't wait to see you in Tigertown next year.