Being a big sister, I have taken for granted so many things. Most of our childhood we grew up hating each other, fighting over clothes, arguing over the front seat and who got to sit with mom or dad when we went out for dinner all together. There are so many things I would change about growing up with a younger sibling now that I never see her anymore. So many tips and advice for her before she takes on the endeavor called college soon.
One of the most important things I have learned since leaving home is that the things bothering you in high school, 110% will not matter when you leave for college. Do not stress over the dumb fights and arguments you and your friends get into. To be honest, once you leave you probably will not speak to most of them much. You will make SO many new friends in college. These friends will surely last a long time because they do not know your background and will like you, for the real you. Meet new people and expand your horizons because there are so many people you will meet at college that you'll instantly click with.
Don't be afraid to change your mind many times when you get to college. I know you think you have your mind set on what you want to do with the rest of your life, but you really don't. There are so many opportunities, especially on a big campus, to adventure out of your comfort zone. Join groups that you think will influence your career decision. There are so many things out there that you have never even heard about. I'm sure you have your eyes set on that one job, but let me tell you, these groups really did influence your mindset and you will probably fall in love with another major in the first few months and that is OK. I have faith that you will choose something YOU love, don't let mom and dad force you into something you won't enjoy because college is about YOU.
Just because you are going away from home, doesn't mean you need to do something every single moment of the day or weekend. Take advantage of the naps you are able to take because college is exhausting whether you play a sport or not. There are so many exams, meetings, groups, events and homework to do all day, every day. Usually when you take time to relax you will feel guilty you are not working on something, just don't fall behind. Falling behind in college is the hardest thing ever because your professors aren't lenient about due dates like your high school teachers. Stay ahead and work hard. Staying in a few weekends will not kill you and sometimes you just need to relax and enjoy the freedom.
Appreciate mom and dad. You have no idea how much time and effort they put into raising us. Especially US. We were not the easiest children to raise, that is a fact. Cherish the time you have to spend with them all the time now, soon you won't seem them for weeks in a row. In the end, they might annoy the living hell out of us, but we annoyed them for 18 years. They just want us to be happy and personally, if they are happy, I'm happy. Overuse the words I love you when talking to them, it means more than you think. Next year, mom won't have either of us home anymore so she will be extra annoying when it comes to contacting us everyday and thats OK. Hold that love and happiness tight, it will get you through the semester.
Have fun. If you thought high school and applying for college was stressful, you haven't experienced real stress then. But, I know you will do just fine. I have a lot of faith in you. Mom, dad and me, are all extremely proud of you. It incredible how much you have grown up. I guess you aren't so little now are you? It is crazy how much changes in just a few years. You have a crazy future in front of you, don't take it for granted.
