Dear Little Brother,
It’s that time now. It’s that time in your life when you finally are old enough to have the chance of figuring out what life is for you and what you want to make of yourself. It’s the time when Mom isn’t making you clean your room. It’s the time when you have the option of staying out late and partying (although we all know you won’t, which is fine). It’s the time when you can eat Chick-Fil-A for every meal. Yes, it time to leave home and be a college boy. You can do this.
But first, before you leave, I want to give you some advice. Since I have been in college for a year, I might know a thing or two that could save you a little time. You are going to make your own mistakes and learn from them, but here are a couple mistakes that I’ve learned from so you can have an easier college transition.
The first is obvious: don’t slack off on your schoolwork. I know you are smart. Heck, you are smarter than me. So please, do not worry too much about not doing well. You went through high school with an outstanding GPA and impressive time management skills; I’m here to tell you that college is almost exactly the same as high school. Academically, it's not too tough. The most important skill you will come to acquire is the willingness to study. You already have the smarts. All you need to be conscious of is studying. So, really, don’t sweat it. You will figure it out as you go with no problem.
Secondly, Little Brother, you need to break out of your shell. Take advantage of everything that college has to offer, whether it be trying a ballroom dancing class or finding a study group to study with after class. After all, your parents are paying for your college experience, so why not use it to the fullest? Getting out of your comfort zone is going to be scary, but I promise you that you won’t regret it. Each incoming freshman will be exactly like you: confused, excited, and eager to take on college by the horns.
And lastly, be yourself throughout this entire process. Don’t let people push you around. Don’t let people morph your beliefs. Sure, you may end up changing who you are a little because that is normal for most college students. Just remember what your morals are and stick to them. Let people know who you are up front so you can make quality friends. College friends will probably be your best friends throughout the rest of your life—they will be the ones that quiz you late at night before tests. But anyway, remember: don’t fake it ‘til you make it. You are a cool, sarcastic, witty guy that people will want to be around. Like I said, you got this.
I love you, Little Brother. Set the world on fire. I am so proud of where you’ve come and what you will do. One day, I know you will be a highly-respected engineer. So, please, promise me before then that you will help me with my math classes. Please.
Love,
Your Big Sister
