Hey little bro.
Well, I guess I should say "not-so-little bro," considering the fact I only come up to your shoulder now and you keep getting taller every time I see you. But, you’re not-so-little in more ways than your height now. After much agony over many essays and the Common App in general, you just sent in your college applications, and you just sang the Alma Mater after winning a home football game in Green Street Stadium for the last time. You’re growing up every day and I’m so proud of the man you are becoming. But, just because you’re on the verge of coming to college doesn’t mean I have to stop giving you advice. I am older after all, and I still get to boss you around. So listen up.
First, be yourself. Embrace your goofy sense of humor that never fails to make me (and your Twitter followers) laugh. Hold on to the creativity you’ve had since we were little kids, playing outside together for hours in a world we made up in our heads. Continue to be determined and work hard, whether it be in school (praying for you in AP bio, kid) or in football and baseball. But above all, don’t be afraid to keep being compassionate. You may try to act like a tough guy, but I know you’re sensitive and care deeply about others. Hold on to this quality, it will help you more than you know.
Second, choose your company wisely. Be friends with people who make you want to be not only a better friend, but a better person as well. This being said, don’t be judgmental either. Just because someone does things differently than you, doesn’t mean that you can’t be friends with them. In addition to this, don’t make it a priority to be with someone who doesn’t make you a priority. You are too good to be someone’s fourth, third, or even second option. And always remember, if you ever need a friend, you know where to find me.
Third and finally, enjoy your senior year. This is the last time you will get to spend the day with the group of kids you’ve been in school with for the past four years, some for even longer. You will never again have a locker at school, and you will never again be forced to wear khakis and a polo under threat of a demerit. This is the final year for high school sports and Kairos retreats and the final year you’ll have living at home full time. Cherish all these lasts, especially the ordinary ones, because you don’t get to do them again. Make the most of the time you spend at St. Vincent-St. Mary and with the friends you’ve made there.
That being said, you have plenty of firsts coming up, too, and I’m very excited for you. I know that wherever you decide to go to college, you will find your place there and thrive. I will be happy for you wherever you go, and you better believe that I’m buying a sweatshirt for your future college the minute you send in your enrollment deposit. (Unless it’s CUA, in that case I’m covered.)
But, Colin, whether you’re a day old, 6-years-old, a high school senior, or an incoming college freshman, you’ll always be my little brother and I’ll always call you that with pride.
Love,
Your sister and friend
