I have been in your life since day one. I was one of the first people to meet you and see your smiley little baby face, but now you're growing up and you are not so little anymore. I wish I could stay by your side forever and walk you through hard times right when they happen, but both of our worlds are changing faster than we can tell, and before we know it we're gonna be all grown up. I want to offer you a few words of advice as you begin to take on the world without me right by your side.
Junior High -- yikes. Not one person can say they loved going through the junior high years. They were times filled with braces, awkward haircuts, strange friend groups, and neon clothing (that we thought was totally acceptable). This is one of the hardest times, you just left the comfort of your elementary school and you're now stuck in between the big kids and the little ones. It's the first time you will really stress about grades, but you don't need to worry because in the long run it won't count. It may not feel like it but this is helping you grow, it is preparing you for what is to come. And even though you have to sit through the required gym class or music class, keep your chin up high and know that this is just the beginning for you.
High school can be an amazing yet difficult place at the same time. You will meet friends that may stay with you forever and find out what you love doing, and you get to actually pick your classes. But then there are the stressful parts such as you need to start focusing in on your grades. They count in the long run now. You need to start thinking about colleges, and where you want to continue on afterwards as an adult (scary). You may even get your heart broken by a guy who you thought was perfect (even when it was clear he wasn't). All of these are a part of the crazy beautiful thing called high school. But I'm telling you now, enjoy every last minute of it. Go to every football game, participate in sports and clubs, make a solid friend group that'll stick around (even when you are being a bratty teenage girl). Stick to that advice and you'll be golden.
College. It's weird that I'm even thinking about you going to college. Even though it's years away from now I still want to offer you some advice. Don't let others influence your decision. Go where you will thrive in the field you want to spend the rest of your life doing. Make new friends. Trust me you will be nervous, scared and think that you may never meet people you'll mesh with, that's all in your head. No doubt in my mind that you will find great people that'll lift you up and support you through everything. You'll do great in the big bad world by following my words of wisdom.
Watching you grow up has been an amazing, terrifying, and a joyful experience. I can't wait to see what is to come from my sweet, annoying, pain-in-the-butt little sister. Go get 'em.
Love Always,
Your Overprotective Older Sister
