Lil Sis,
You're a senior in high school, you made it! You've transformed from the girl who used to have braces and glasses who wore a chunk of hair in front of her headband into a beautiful, young adult (not to say you still don't make questionable fashion choices, but you definitely make less). I've watched you grow from day one, and although there were countless times I cursed the fact I wasn't an only child, you've done a pretty good job. I witnessed your first date, your first time behind the wheel, your first job and pretty much every other first you've ever had. That's what big sisters are supposed to do.
Now it's time for me to witness another first, your first life-changing decision. I proofread your first college essay and saw you press the submit button on your first application. Lately, I've seen your first college acceptance packets and heard all about your first college tours (that weren't the ones you were forced to go on for me, of course). And in a few short months, I'll watch you put down your first deposit.
But before you do that, let me give you some big sister advice because it's kinda what I'm good at.
First, don't get caught up in the glamour of one school over another. Just because one school has the nicest gym facility in the country, or another has the preppiest sororities known to man, doesn't mean that the glimmer won't fade. Day in and day out, you'll use the same old treadmill or have classes in the same shiny building, but what makes the college experience great is the atmosphere of the people. Brick buildings versus stone buildings mean nothing if you cannot find your niche. So place all the superficial criteria aside, and choose based on what feels right.
Second, when you know, you know. Don't try to force yourself into liking a school, it won't work. When you're walking around a campus and you can envision yourself spending all-nighters in the library and eating Chick-fil-a for lunch everyday, then you've found your spot. You'll be able to tell which schools are filled with people you would want to get to know and places you would want to hang out. Stick with your gut intuition and don't let your friends (or mom) sway you in another direction.
Third, don't pick my school. As much as I would love you to be five to 10 minutes away from me at all times, I wouldn't recommend it. Why? Because this is my happy place. This is where I thrive, where I figured out who I was and who I wanted to be. This is where I found my people (and PPL) and where I made a home. But we are two totally separate, completely opposite human beings. It would be ignorant to assume that just because I could never imagine my life anywhere else that you would feel the same way.
Lastly, find your happy place. Find the place that will allow you to be your groutfit-wearing, Bieber-singing, Panda Express-loving self. Find the place that will allow you to try new things. Find the place that will love you for all your quirks and insecurities.
Because Lord knows, I do.
Always,
Big Sis
