Dear Sister,

It’s still hard for me to believe that you’re graduating from high school already. I remember when we were little kids together—playing with Barbie dolls and Polly Pockets, climbing trees and making mud pies, riding bikes and seeing who could swing the highest on the swingset in the backyard. Now, you’re so grown-up and sophisticated. You’re stylish and stunningly beautiful. I can’t really call you my little sister anymore, because you’re not little anymore. You’re a young woman ready to enter into the exciting (and maybe a little terrifying) next chapter of her life.

As you prepare to take that huge step, there are some things I want to tell you.

First, I’m so proud of you. I know that it wasn’t easy for you to get where you are today. This graduation didn’t just happen—you earned it. You have worked so hard for twelve long years, and now your hard work has finally paid off. Don’t forget this day and what it means. Don’t forget how good it feels to know that all of those long monotonous days of classes, all those tiring nights of homework, all the studying and the projects and the tests were not in vain. The effort that you poured into your education has not returned void—your reward is not only receiving your diploma, but also entering into the word with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of people and experiences that you will never forget.

Second, I’m so excited for you. This new journey into college and beyond is going to be different from anything you’ve ever encountered before, but I truly believe that you will take to it like a fish takes to water. It’s going to be challenging, but it’s also going to be wonderful. Your horizons are going to expand farther than they ever have before—you’ll see and learn so many new things, meet and befriend so many new people, and experience life in so many new ways. People complain about how much work college is…and that’s true. But the work is intensely satisfying because you know that you’re shaping yourself into the person that you want to be. And there is so much more to college than just work…there are adventures and discoveries, late-night talks with your roommate and coffee dates with friends, opportunities that you never knew existed and memories that you will cherish forever. College is a blast, and you’re going to have the time of your life.

Third, I believe in you. I know that you are strong and good and kind, motivated and creative and fun, honest and responsible and loyal, and I know that you won’t leave those things behind you when you leave home and head off into the unknown. Those traits—and many others—are what make you you, and they will serve you well no matter where you go. I know that you are going to continue to grow and mature over the next four years and beyond, and I can’t wait to see you blossom as you sink your roots into the rich soil of your new life.

Now, all that’s left to say is I love you. You are my best friend, my kindred spirit, and one of the biggest blessings in my life. As I watch you walk across that stage to receive your diploma, I will probably cry a little—but not from sadness. My heart will be overflowing with pride and joy for all that you are and all that you’ve accomplished. As you step out into the Big Wide World for the first time, don’t be afraid. You will face many choices, but you have the strength to make the right ones. You will face discouragement, but you have the strength to persevere. And you will also encounter so much wonder and delight. This life is so rich—it’s filled with exhilaration and beauty and love. It’s dripping with potential just waiting for you to come along and discover it. So face the unknown with a smile on your face, my dear. Live every day deeply and fully. Never forget who you are and where you come from.

And never forget how much I love you.