Dear not so little sis,

It’s crazy to think that you received your first college interest letter, you’ll be getting your permit soon, and you’ll be turning sixteen in a month. Where did my little sister go? Where’s the little girl who strutted around in nothing but red cowboy boots? Where’s the child that jumped from rock to rock in a North Carolina stream and somehow never fell? Where’s my disgruntled living Barbie-doll?

I know being my sister hasn’t been an easy task. My “type-A” personality, and “goody-two-shoes” attitude set the bar pretty high, especially in school. I know it’s hard when teachers compare you to me, but please keep in mind that there are so many talents of yours that I don’t possess. I can’t draw, or paint to save my life. I wasn’t an athlete in school, and I didn’t have your quirky personality.

Growing up when we played “school,” I was always the teacher, and you the student, but as I sit here in my dorm room I’ve come to realize that you’ve taught me so much kid. You’ve taught me how to care for someone more than I care about myself. I’ve been treated terribly by people who I thought cared about me, and the idea of you ever allowing yourself to be treated that way infuriates me. I know I gave you a lot of shit growing up, and still do, but at the end of the day I would put your best interest before my own.

You’ve taught me how to be a cheerleader. I think that’s one of the hardest things about going away to college, how many of your games I’ve missed. I love nothing more than sitting on the sidelines cheering you on, even if I had to get up at seven that morning to drive to your game.

You’ve shown me what strong is. I wish I had the courage to leave toxic friendships like you did, and I thank the Universe that you are so much stronger than I was at your age.

You’ve taught me how to not be so Type-A. OK, we’re still working on that, but I have faith that we’ll figure that one out.

You’ve taught me that sometimes laughter truly is the best medicine.

You’ve shown me how important it is to stop planning out every single aspect of my life, and that sometimes you just have to wing it (especially your eyeliner).

You’ve reminded me how important it is to stay young. I can always count on you to sing along to every throwback playlist on Spotify.

You’ve taught me how to stay grounded, because lord knows you know just when to knock me down before my head gets too big.

I know you’re almost sixteen, and really don’t want any advice from me, but I’m going to give it to you anyways because that’s what big sisters do.

Please work on loving yourself. It’s something that I’ve struggled with most of my life, and I hate the idea of you ever crying your eyes out at 3am wishing you didn’t wake up the next morning. You are your own biggest commitment and there will come a time that I am no longer around to love you, so please love yourself.

Learn from my mistakes.

Don’t chase after some boy who gives you a tiny piece of his time. If he wanted to call you, he would. If he actually liked you, he wouldn’t care what his friends thought. Don’t be his second-choice, don’t be his last call, and don’t build him up while tearing yourself down. Do be his biggest regret.

If someone wants to walk out of your life, let them. Don’t chase after them.

There are some things that can never be unsaid, so please don’t speak in times of anger.

Please feed your passions, despite what anyone says.

Study, but don’t spend your life with your nose in your textbooks. Go to the party, have fun, but study come Sunday.

If you ever feel uncomfortable somewhere, leave. Trust your instincts, I don’t care if it's four in the morning, call either our parents or me to come get you.

Love mom and dad, I know sometimes it feels like they’re utterly clueless, but hear them out. They seriously only want what’s best for you.

I know at times I get so caught up in my own life that I forget to check in, but I’m never more than a phone call away when you need me. It’s hard for me to accept that you’re growing up, and I know i’m guilty of trying to treat you like a child still. I am working on that. You are so much stronger, smarter, funnier, and better looking than I was at your age. You are an amazing person who will do extraordinary things in life, so please don’t be so hard on yourself.

I started this letter reminiscing about our childhood, and while I do miss how it was back then, I truly do enjoy our relationship now so much more. I am so proud of the person you’ve become, and I love talking to you about your future. No matter where life takes you kid, just remember that at the end of the day you always have at least one person rooting for you...me.

All the good vibes, and all the love,

Your Older Sister