I remember what it was like when I turned 16. I got my license and I finally felt like I had some freedom. But I am absolutely terrified to see your driving and making your own decisions because you're my little sister and I have spent my entire life looking out for you. I can't always protect you and so here is some advice I have for you. I had to learn a lot of these lessons the hard way and I do not want you to ever feel as sad and alone as I did at times. So please for my sake, take care of yourself and learn from my mistakes.

1. Don't forget to look up from your phone and live in the moment

Whether it is a family holiday dinner or just a movie night with your friends, do not spend the entire time on your phone. Your Instagram feed and Snapchats will still be there when you are done. Life is too short and no one is guaranteed tomorrow so live in the moment. Laugh with your friends and make memories you'll tell your kids about one day. One day you will wish you had spent more time with someone. You will realize that you will remember these moments but you won't remember everything you see on Instagram or every Snapchat you send because they aren't important.

2. Take school seriously but not too seriously

Study for tests and do your homework but don't stress yourself out. I remember not sleeping before tests and having panic attacks because I was so stressed and scared that I would fail. Universities want to see that you're a good student but they also want to see that you're involved. High school does not determine the rest of your life and honestly you won't remember a lot of the stuff you worked so hard to study for one test.

3. Drive safe

Please please please do not text and drive. Do not speed. Do not drive when you are tired. We all know so many people who have died from tragic car accidents. If I ever got a call saying you died in a car accident I would have to bring you back to life and kill you again myself just so I could tell you how stupid it was. Your life is worth so much more than the text you want to send because you can't wait 15 minutes. If you are ever running late for school then just stop and get breakfast because late is late. Do not speed because it isn't worth it.

4. Find your own opinion

I learned a little too late that it is okay to have a different opinion than the people around you. Don't ever let anyone tell you that your opinion is wrong just because it isn't what they believe.

5. Test your limits but don't be stupid

I am not at all encouraging you to drink or try drugs but I know that it happens. So don't be afraid to try new things but don't be ignorant. Yes you should jump off of that bridge into the water because it could be really fun, but don't be as ignorant to think that you won't get hurt.

6. Know that there are so many more guys in the world

Don't waste your time and energy on someone who makes you feel like you aren't good enough. Don't cry over the small town guy who broke your heart because one day you will leave and you'll realize there's an entire world of people. But I know how it feels to fall in love with someone and never get over him. So don't completely push everyone away but find the one guy who means the most to you.

7. Don't do anything you don't want everyone to know about the next morning

Social media is your biggest enemy in high school. Everyone feels so confident behind their keyboard and anything you say or do will be used against you. You might think having a Finsta is safe because you only let certain people follow you, but those people can still use it against you.

8. Spend time with your family and friends even when you're mad

I remember getting into arguments during family events and storming out. I avoided so many days with family because we were fighting. I don't regret any of it, but I wish I had spent more time with them. Now that I am 200 miles away from home, I realize how precious that time is, so spend time with them because one day you won't be able to.

9. Start good habits now that you'll want in 4 years

Drink water, eat your vegetables, go to bed on time, and work out. Get in the habit of being healthy and happy. Find a studying or note-taking technique that works for you now because you'll need to have it down by the time you graduate. I wish I had more healthy habits now and it would be a lot easier if I had started those before I left for college.

10. Travel when you can

I am so thankful that I have gotten the opportunity to travel so much. Flying by yourself teaches you a lot. So travel to visit a friend or family for the weekend. When you travel alone, you will learn so much about who you are and who you want to be. Don't live your life confined in one place.