Hey Kels,
I know I haven't been home much the past three years while being away at school, but I've missed you. I miss having my partner in crime always there to help me cover up the broken Christmas decorations. I miss the games we played when we were younger, even if they usually ended up with us just trying to push each other off things. I miss having someone there to argue with just for the hell of it, knowing all the time we can laugh at the end. Mostly, though, I miss not being able to come home everyday to one of my best friends. I know it's been a tough few years for you at home, but you've made it out alive and stronger than ever. Now as you are preparing to leave the nest yourself I decided I was going to write you a letter about what it's like and how to get through it all.
First things first: don't be afraid to call me during those first few nights away. The homesickness is real, trust me. You may think that you won't have it but then it hits you like a ton of bricks, but that's your queue to give me a call, ok? It happened to me, too, and it'll all be alright.
Second, don't worry about making friends. I know you and I know you'll make friends right off the bat. Who knows? The first person you meet at orientation may become your best friend. Continuing with the friends thing: don't be afraid to join a club or sport. Everyone there is in the same boat as you and just looking for something to bond with people over, even if that something turns out to be your extreme competitiveness during board games. By the way, I will still take you down any day at Mall Madness.
Number three on the list is classes. Yes, it is completely different from high school, but that doesn't mean its a bad thing. You have longer classes with more information but you have the time and chance to learn the way you want to and study the way you want. If you just plan your days out a little bit and try to stay ahead of the game and you'll be fine. I know how smart you are and I can't wait to see what you do when you get out of college because I know it going to be amazing (especially if you transfer some of those poster making skills to your marketing projects -- just kidding... kind of).
Lastly, I just want to remind you to call home once in awhile. You're the baby leaving now, going off to do big things. Don't forget about the ones who got you there. You may not think it's "cool" to call your mom but, trust me, she's always the one who's the most helpful. She knows where you've been because she's helped you through it all and now she's the best person to ask when you're looking where to go. Mom and Dad and I will always be there for you, watching over you and making sure you're ok, so don't hesitate to ask us for some help along the way.
I know it may seem scary now, Kelsey, but I promise you it'll all be alright. I'm always going to be your big brother and I'm always going to be there for you. Day or night if you want to talk I'll be there for you. Whether it be stress from classes, boyfriend trouble, or just boredom, my phone will be on waiting for your call. Now go have an amazing Freshman year of college.
Love you Kelsey Belle,
Brandon a.k.a. Brambi
P.S. Also, remember that when we come home for breaks, I call first dibs on the car.
