College is a big milestone, but somehow it becomes even bigger when your younger sibling heads off. I say this as someone who just moved her one and only younger brother in for his first year. For me, it's something I haven’t quite wrapped my head around yet. My first emotion is pride. I’m happy for my brother, but also happy that he can further his education while simultaneously having the sport he loves—football—be a part of that. But for me, and I think anyone who has or will experience this, the overwhelming thought seems to just be weird. Somehow you grow accustomed to just you being in college and your sibling always being there when you come home for the weekend. But very quickly I am beginning to realize that is not the case. Alex is in school now, too. He won’t be home when I am. Instead, he will be in Ohio. You can’t tell me that’s not weird.

So, to my brother as he heads off for his college career-

First off, whether you were closer to home or in Ohio, college is so different than anything you have ever experienced before. And by no means is that a bad thing. But you are on your own. You’re responsible for your laundry and bank account and alarm clock. I know it is new and it is different, but I also know you can do it.

Secondly, no matter how many arguments or fights we’ve gotten in before, above all you are my baby brother. And nothing can change that. You can call me whenever, about anything. Whether it's issues with a girl, to complain about workouts, or ask about homework- I mean whenever. Being 700 miles away doesn’t mean I don’t still have your back.

And lastly, make me proud. I’m already so proud of the accomplishments you’ve made in the past year. Everything from being recruited and signing to finding the right college for you. Keep it up. Do what you have to do, don’t let the small things get to you, and be the Purple Raider we all know you are.

Good luck at college, baby brother!