Dear Little Sister,
Wow. I never thought this day would come, but here we are. As I look back on all the things we’ve been through together and all the growing up we’ve (hopefully) done, I couldn’t be more proud of you. You breezed through high school with elegance and grace and now you’re headed off to bigger and better things. You aren’t my little sister anymore because you’re all grown up and headed off to college. I know you’re scared, but you’re about to experience the best four years of your life and I could not be more excited to see where this journey takes you. Although, before you pack up and leave me behind to make your mark on the world, here are a few things I want you to know.
It’s okay to be scared. Everyone fears the unknown and packing up and leaving behind everything and everyone you’ve grown up with. Let’s be real, living in a place completely foreign to you for the next four years is about as unknown as it gets. While the realization of saying goodbye to your best friends and going on to live a life without them by your side seems unimaginable right now, trust me it isn’t. In college you will find life-long friends who will end up being bridesmaids at your wedding and will continue to show you that this bond you’ve created will within the test of time.
Become a ‘Yes Man.’ You’re beginning a new chapter in your story, and I know you’ll make it a remarkable one if you always remember to live life beyond your comfort zone. I know you’re thinking of all the possible ways to get out of this right now, but give this whole ‘Yes Man’ attitude a chance. One of the biggest things I regret about my freshman year of college was not going after all the opportunities that were given to me and saying no to adventures I should have said yes to. I don’t want you to look back on your four years of college and have the same regret. The minute you start saying yes, I promise you won’t regret it. I know how hard this is for you so I’m going to tell you to start small-as simple as saying yes to that midnight frosty run with friends instead of staying in, and then work your way up to taking that position of leadership offered to you in your extracurricular activity of the moment.
Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out. I’m going to be real with you, when I was eighteen I didn’t know half as much as I thought I did. More importantly, I definitely didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. You’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you to figure it all out. Don’t stress about choosing a major (even though I know you will), or what sorority you should be in, because at the end of the day, it will all work out the way it’s supposed to. If your interested in something, take a class on it, eventually you’ll find something that sticks. Figuring out what you want takes time-be patient. I know the second you put your mind to something you are unstoppable, so I’m not worried. Find out what sets your soul on fire and go after it with every ounce of your being and everything else will fall into place.
Do what makes you happy and don’t let anyone tell you differently. There’s nothing I can stress more that this! College is a time of independence, excitement, and most importantly, self-discovery. There’s something about being miles away from home, in a new city with new people, that forces you to find yourself. You’ll find out what you’re willing to take and what you don’t have the time or energy to put up with. I pray every single day that you find happiness in these four years to come, and when you do, I pray even harder you hold onto it for dear life. College isn’t always easy, fun, or (sometimes) bearable. You’ll need to be so familiar with the good in your life to not let the bad break you down when it has its chance. Continue to pursue life with your warm heart, infectious laugh, and ferocious soul and you’ll be just fine.
Hopefully some of this advice makes you feel a little more at ease with the next step you’re taking in life. Most importantly, before I end this letter, I want you to know (as much as it pains me to say), I’m going to miss you so incredibly much. Despite all the stupid arguments and unwavering silent treatments, you are and will always be my best friend. You’re one of the most important people in my life and letting you grow up and leave is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. No matter the distance, I will always be here for you. Sure, you won’t be just a thirty minute drive away anymore, but I won’t ever miss a phone call; I can promise you that. So go out there and have the time of your life. I truly believe you’re destined for great things and I absolutely cannot wait to watch you take college by storm.
I love you.
Signed,
The Big Sister Who Can't Believe You've Grown Up.
