In about two weeks you will start a journey similar to the one I took on only a couple years ago. You will pack your bags with all your necessities and head to the airport of our hometown and board a plane that will take you to a new place. This is the place you will start the next chapter of your life. Here, you will make new friends and grow immensely as a person. You will make mistakes and learn from them and create memories that you will tell and tell again as you enter adulthood. It is the place you will eventually begin to call your home. This place is college.

To my little sister going away to college—how did we get here so fast? When did we change from those shy little girls who played pretend into actual adults? When did we go from sitting in the backseat of a minivan in car seats to driving a jeep? I am not sure how we ended up here, but all I can say is that I am so proud of how far you have come. As you take on this next chapter away at college I just want you to remember how blessed we have been and to never take that for granted. Stay focused, but also remember to live life and to take opportunities like they are gold. This is your time to live life however you want to live it. Don't be afraid to take chances and never be afraid to be your authentic, beautiful self because it truly is beautiful.

I am only a couple years older than you so I don’t know how much advice I have to give, but if I could tell you anything it would be to always go with your gut. In any situation, just go with what you truly feel is right and okay. I am not just talking about going to a party or drinking or anything like that. I am talking about anything at all. If any opportunity arises and some part of you is telling you to take it, then take it. Don’t take time to think about it—just do. Opportunities don’t always pop up, so take them when you can. And going off of that, remember it is okay if you make the wrong decision on something. These are your best chances to learn so take them and soak it all up. Your best lessons aren’t always going to be found in a classroom.

My baby sister—you are no longer a kid. We are no longer kids. We have entered the real world and this is our time. This is your time, don’t let it go to waste. Though we will now be in different time zones, and may not always be at home at the same time don’t forget I am here 100% of the time. You are going to be busy, but never forget about where you came from because it is how you got to where you are now. Call home (and call me) every chance you get. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or to ask for advice. Mom and I and everyone else who has watched you grow only want to help you continue to thrive. Cherish the time you have at home and enjoy the time you have in your new home away from home.

Take a deep breath and let your new adventure begin.