To my little boo,

I'm sorry I have to go. I've been around all of your nine years in this world and I would give anything for nine more. You've taught me so much about myself and my self-worth, brightened my 6 AM mornings before school, and given me hugs whenever I've cried.

I wish I could take you with me so I could still snuggle with you at night and color for hours while listening to Moana on repeat, but I know you have your own life here in Charlotte. You're going to be a fourth grader and it's so crazy to think that in just one year you'll be heading off to middle school. I hate to say it, but I just might be that person who cries at your lower school graduation.

I may not be around for the next four years, although that doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking out for you. I'm only eighteen but I'm going to attempt to pass on some of my "wisdom" I've learned over my life so hopefully, you won't make the mistakes I have -- because you're so worth it.

1. Zits and scars don't matter -- you ALWAYS look beautiful.

Everyone has blemishes or insecurities, I promise you that! Don't spend time picking apart your appearance.

2. Good music can make you feel powerful

Thanks for jamming with me in the car to Beyoncé, Rhianna, DJ Khaled, Katy Perry, Kesha, and any other fist pumping, dance-it-out-and-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs music with me. Next time you need to get pumped up...you know what to do girl.

3. People will judge you no matter what you do, so live the way you want to.

Get that haircut. Join that club. Date that boy. Screw what other people think! It's your life. Why not make choices that make you happy?

4. God comes first.

God can get you through your toughest moments. Your church family loves you and supports you, and you'll always have a home at Trinity Presbyterian, Jules.

5. Boys don't determine your self-worth.

You are a strong, independent woman who doesn't need a man! Sure, they're great, but you don't need to rely on them. GIRL POWER.

6. You're never too old for a night-light.

Yeah, I'm 18 and afraid of the dark...sorry bout it. I like to see what's lurking.

7. It's okay to tell a little white lie every now and then.

You don't want to go out with your friends? It's okay to say you have family plans. You don't like your friend's new haircut that she's been gushing about for the past two days? It's okay to say it looks great. Don't let it get out of hand though, because honesty is the best policy when it comes down to it.

8. Eat that last slice of cake -- it's good for your soul.

Sugar = life. Don't deprive yourself of it.

9. Don't get four hours of sleep on school nights.

I made this mistake wayyyy too many times, Jules. Please please please don't do this to yourself. You really will regret going to bed at 2 AM when you have to get up at 6 to go to stat class.

10. Try that thing you're so scared to do.

No matter what it is, big or small, do one thing a week that scares or intimidates you. You'll be surprised how much more confident you'll be.

11. You don't have to dress to the nines every single day.

Sure, it feels good to look good. But we all know there are those days that you've got cramps or you've had a rough night or you're in a fight with your best friend -- so it's okay to dress down! You rock those big t-shirts and leggings.

12. Middle school girls can be ruthless.

For some reason, middle school is just plain cruel. Surround yourself with friends who appreciate you and support you, and don't stress! I promise it gets better.

13. Mom and Dad may give you a hard time, but they always love you.

They really are the MVPs. Who else would put up with us?

14. Makeup is fun, but natural beauty wins, too.

Watching beauty tutorials is definitely an addiction, and Sephora is a blackhole that I could spend hours in. When it comes down to it though, freckles, marks, moles, and pimples all make up who you are. Natural beauty is the best kind of beauty.

15. Study hard now, so you can live well later.

I promise you, studying will pay off. The future may seem far away, but you will thank yourself later for working so diligently.

16. Even if you don't want to go to prom -- GO!

You don't even need a date! Grab your favorite friends, put on a dress that makes you feel hot, and dance the night away. Prom is a night that you only get once a year, and twice in your life! Savor every moment.

17. Stay away from drugs and get your high elsewhere.

Drugs are messy and unnecessary. Running gives me a natural high and it lights up passion inside me. Find something that does that to you!

18. High school may feel like everything, but I promise there's life after it.

High school isn't the end all, be all. Life goes on. You don't have be the most popular girl, and you DEFINITELY don't have to stay the same person who you were freshman year for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone for college -- maybe you'll even come join me at Nova!

I know you ask why I can't I stay at home with you, but I have my own journey, too. I promise to never forget to answer your Thursday night FaceTime calls and to take a picture of every flower I see to send to you. Most importantly, Jules, I promise you will always be my favorite girl.

Much love,

Your big sister Molls