My dear newly 18-year-old sister,

I cannot believe that you are about to graduate high school and begin your journey into college. It seems like just yesterday I was at your Bat Mitzvah making fun of you and your boyfriend during snowball. The scariest part though is that your Bat Mitzvah was five years ago... You're now 18 and can do all sorts of new things like get tattoos or be tried as an adult in a court of law.

There's only one thing scarier than the fact that you're legal and that is that you will be heading off to college in the fall. You're so grown up now and I am so proud of the person you've become. I know you're probably nervous for college so I just wanted to give you some words of wisdom that I've learned over the last three years at school.

First things first, make sure to enjoy every moment of college. I know that probably sounds so cliche, but it's the truth. College goes by quicker than you could imagine and once it's over you have to go out in the real world. So go out whenever you get the chance, don't be afraid to talk to that cute boy in one of your classes and make bad decisions, because these are the only four years where all of this is truly acceptable.

Secondly, make sure to put yourself out there and make friends. I know you have great friends from high school and hopefully you'll keep in touch with them but I've met some of my best friends in college. The people you become close with in college will become your second family, so just be friendly and I know everyone will love you.

Thirdly, take your school work seriously. I know I haven't always been the best role model in this department, but learn from my mistakes. Do your homework, spend time at the library, and make sure to study for tests because your grades really do matter in college. We both know you've always been the smart one in the family so keep it up and don't slack off because, I promise, you can maintain a 4.0 GPA and a social life easier than you'd think.

Fourthly, dont take things too seriously. Life is hard and college helps prove that. You'll fight with people, get bad professors who don't care and give you bad grades, and have breakups with guys who aren't worth it but really try not to let it affect you. I know that is so much easier said than done, but it's all such small stuff and in four years it will be beyond irrelevant, so focus on the positives and just know that you have a ton of people who care about you and love you.

Lastly, make sure to consistently talk to Mom and Dad, and visit home when you get the chance. Going away to a college so far from home has really made me appreciate everything that Mom and Dad do for us so much more. I love them and miss them like you wouldn't believe and while Mizzou may not be super close to home, it's still just a drive so do it whenever you can. Thank them for everything they do for us and make sure to keep them updated on your life because you are their baby and I know that it's going to be very weird for them once you are gone too next year.

I know college is a scary thing and it's hard at first, but once you get settled in it becomes the best four years of your life. I know you'll love it just as much as I do and I can't wait to hear about all of the amazing experiences that you have!

Love you so much little sister and I'm so excited for you!

From,

The best big sister around