Dear little sister,

Today is the day that you leave for college and start the next chapter of your life. For my entire life it has felt like you were my little responsibility. It didn't matter that we had mom; I made it my job to protect you from any harm this big world may cause. Ever since the day you were born, you were my best friend. People may come and go, but you will forever be my person. You have always been so young in my eyes and it's crazy to think that you are done with high school and about to embark on the best four years of your life.

It has been such a privilege to watch grow into the young women you are today. Ever since you were young, you were this fearless little thing that went after everything she wanted in this world. I have always been very shy and anxious in manner and you are the exact opposite. You are so unapologetically yourself; you have never cared what others think. You just do what makes you happy, no questions asked, and that's something I have always strived for.

You may be my younger sister, but you have taught me so much about life and myself. We aren't twins, but I know for sure that we have some type of telepathy going on. I have never met a person who knows me better than you. You have taught me to come out of my shell and be the person I dream of being. For a person that doesn't have a ton of confidence, you have always had enough for the both of us. It's weird that two people can be so different, but so similar at the same time.

I want to thank you for all the times you have been there for me, even if I didn't ask. Whether it was a boy, a problem with school or useless drama, you have always been my voice of reason and there to put things into perspective. You are so wise beyond your years and stronger than you will ever know.

Up until now I have always been the person leaving for school and I can't say that being on the opposite end of it is easy. I will miss countless nights watching Netflix till 4 a.m. together. I will miss going shopping and you hating every minute of it, but still doing it because you know I love it. I will miss getting candy at midnight and driving listening to our favorite song. But most of all, I will just miss seeing your face every time I walk through our front door.

I know you're only a few hours away and we will probably FaceTime everyday, but living life without you at home will be something that I will have adjust to. But enough with the sap. I just want to wish you so much luck in school and tell you how much I believe in you.

You have come such a long way, and college is going to be such an exciting time in your life. There are so many new things for you to experience and love. You are going to be a college athlete, so there are going to be times where you feel like you are spread too thin or you can't keep going, but, trust me, you can.

You have enough strength to get through anything. I can't wait to see all the success waiting for you. Your future is so undeniably bright and I think you are finally starting to realize that. You are such a strong force to be reckoned with in this world.

Life as you know it is forever changed, but all the people who mean the most to you will always be right here when you need us. Take each setback with grace and remember that no problem is permanent. Enjoy the craziness that is the next four years and don't forget to take a moment to take it all in.

I have a crazy amount of love for and belief in you. This is your time to chase after your dreams and enjoy every minute of it. Good luck girly—here's to you! Get wrapped up in everything this school has to throw at you and never forget that I am right here to support you through it all.