Dear Sissy,

You are starting a huge chapter in your life--high school. I know this can be terrifying, but you will get through it, I promise. I can also promise you that there will be a lot of changes in this new chapter. Don't be afraid of them, embrace them. This will be the only chance you have to go through high school, so keep your head up and your nose clean.

You will still notice when boys are 'hot,' but this is where you start to notice who the jerks are, too. Just try your best to stay away from them. You deserve someone who will treat you like a freaking queen, not just another girl. Don't get me wrong, falling for the 'bad boy' can be fun at times, but you will eventually end up with a great man, so don't make it a hobby to only date bad boys.

Also, take it from someone who tended to fall too hard, too fast: don't. Great relationships take time. It's completely okay to be friends first. No, that won't be weird if you do start dating. It will actually make the relationship a lot bit better because you will actually know each other. I had so many relationships that I just jumped into. They didn't last long. The best relationships are the ones where you were friends first, and if it still doesn't work out, you will be friends after.

You will lose a friend or two. Remember that friend I had in 8th grade? Yeah, we stopped being friends at the beginning of sophomore year. I lost another friend sometime my junior year, but I gained so many more that are still important to me. It's okay to drop a friend, especially if your friendship is toxic. If your 'friend' is always bossing you around or making you feel like crap, time to dump her. You know how to stand up on your own (I've seen you do it).

Sometimes you will hate the teachers. This is completely normal as you go through school. You will always have that one teacher that you constantly butt heads with. Just keep in mind that they are still your teacher, and they can give you a detention. On the flip side, you will find that awesome teacher that helps you through sticky situations or helps you study for finals. This may sound bad, but use that teacher. That's what they are there for: for you to ask questions or talk about what or who is bothering you. Just be sure to thank that teacher every chance you get.

Lastly, family will probably be the last thing on your mind for the next four years. But just remember who will be there for you after all of your attitudes, broken hearts, or failed tests. Your family will be. This was probably my biggest flaw in high school; I just wanted to think about what I wanted, I didn't care about what mom and dad thought. But we are here for you, Sis. We will never leave your side, no matter what. We all love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Sis