Dear Little Brother,

It makes me laugh a little typing that because you are most certainly not so little anymore. Although you have been way taller than me for several years now, even when I wear heels, this year I have become aware of just how fast you are growing up as you packed up your stuff and moved away to college. It hit me even harder after we were both at home for Winter Break the last few weeks and I was able to see how much you have matured after surviving your first semester of college.

Now, it's time to go back to college for the second semesters of this academic year. As we pack back up and return to our separate schools, I want you to always remember some important things.

First, college is going to continue throwing curveballs at you.

As you probably learned after your first semester, college is full of ups and downs. No matter how difficult these situations are, they provide the best learning experiences that will give you the skills to deal with similar situations later. It is so awesome that you have made it through your first semester successfully, I hope that the experiences of those 16-weeks have inspired you to carry on and accept all the challenges that come your way. After all, you have proven to yourself that you are perfectly capable of doing so.

Next, I hope that you remember to take advantage of all the opportunities that arise during your time away at college.

The wide variety of experiences that you are exposed to while on a college campus can definitely be overwhelming. Since you know your way around campus and have already made it through the first semester jitters, take this second semester to really explore different clubs, activities, class options, professors, and friends. Nothing has to be set in stone, only trial, error, and time will tell what works best for you. Yet the only way for you to figure out what works best for you is by trying out different things.

Additionally, having fun is important, but also remember why you are dedicating this portion of your life to studying, pumping up your resume, and making connections with new people.

The decisions that you are making right now have the potential to sway your life in a positive or negative direction, thus, please be caution of time management as you develop your system of value preferences and goals.

Finally, I hope you never forget how proud everyone is of you for choosing to endure the college experience.

As your older sister, I am always here to answer any questions or offer any direction for you, in all realms of life, but especially now. I look forward to watching you continue to develop into the successful adult that I know that you are well on your way to becoming.

Best wishes and good luck as you finish up your first year of undergraduate studies, little bro.