Dear Little Sister,
The day has finally come: you are now a senior in high school! Two years ago, I went through the same thing, and let me tell you: it was quite the ride! As you start applying to colleges and go through your last year as a high school student, there are things I want to tell you— some wisdom I want to impart on you— to help make sure you get the most out of your last year as a high school student:
Stay true to yourself.
No matter what happens in your life, never ever lose a sense of who you are. Don’t ever try to be someone you’re not. It does not help you in the long run. There is nothing worse than pretending to be someone else just to impress other people. After all, “an original is worth more than a copy.” You are a great, fun-loving, and caring girl, and I want others to see that in you. The right people will love you for who you are, not who you’re not.
Visit colleges you don’t think you’ll like.
College visits are very important in the decision process. You can become easily hooked on a college just from “the feeling” you get when you visit. I didn’t think I was going to like Xavier, but I fell in love after that first visit. You never know what you might think until you try. So be open-minded at every visit you go to.
Make sure you have an outlet or someone to talk to during the year.
With senior year comes many different emotions. Some are good and some are not so good. It’s always helpful to have someone you can talk to when the not-so-good-feelings come around. It’s never a good idea to keep feelings inside. Find someone who you trust that you can find comfort in, whether it’s your mom, a friend, a trusted teacher, or even me. Make sure you don’t keep your feelings hidden.
Don’t wish away time.
I know how much you think you want to go to college, but that day will be here before you know it. So, before you wish you could fast forward to next August, take it all in. Spend time with your friends and family as much as possible. Make memories with them that you will remember for the rest of your life. You will be much happier if you live in the moment rather than wish away time.
What you want and what you think you want are two different things.
I remember there were things I thought I wanted in a school, or even a school I thought I wanted to go to, but God had other plans for me. It’s perfectly okay to change your mind if, one day, you wake up and don’t want to go to the school you’ve been thinking about going to (unless it’s May 1. Then you’re screwed. ;) Consider all your options and really listen to your gut, no matter what it tells you. Where you attend college will affect the rest of your life. It’s an important decision that should not be taken lightly.
Hug mom, a lot.
This might sound silly, but I’m serious. After you leave, mom will be an empty nester. Cherish the moments you spend with her this next school year. Try your best to listen to her and don’t argue with her when she tells you to do something. This is her last chance to be a parent to you before you become an independent woman. (Though this doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want when you come home from college next year, either.) Spend time with her and be good to her. She loves you and wants to make sure you can make it on your own in college; show her you can do it.
Don’t worry if you leave high school without a serious relationship.
Not everyone experiences a high school relationship before heading off to college. Don’t be ashamed if you don’t have a relationship either. Sure, having a relationship is wonderful, but long distance is also very hard (I know from experience) and, depending on who you're with, it may or may not be worth it. Enjoy your last year, and if you end up having a boyfriend, great! If not, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of times to date as you get older. If it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen.
It’s okay to not be okay.
This is something I learned when I started senior year. Not every day will be rainbows and butterflies, as you probably already know, but know that if you don’t know where you want to go or what you want to do, you will figure it out. If you have days where it seems like nothing is going right, a new day will soon arrive and all your troubles will be behind you. Take this year day by day and you will do great!
When you finally get to college, what you did in high school won’t matter.
This might sound weird, but hear me out. If you fail a test, don’t get the grades you want, or you don’t make a certain team, it won’t matter in a year. College gives you the chance to start over. Sure, junior year grades are important and keeping your grades up senior year will be helpful as well, but once you reach college, you will forget that time you failed an American Government test. Like I said before, take each day as it comes and as long as you do your best and you are happy, that's all that matters.
So, as you start the journey that will shape your future, I hope you remember these things I’ve told you. I wish I could be around to see you conquer senior year like I know you will. I’m just a phone call away, so don’t be a stranger while I’m at school. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because everyone does. Just learn from them and everything will be okay. I love you. Now, go follow your heart and don’t look back.
Love,
Your Big Sister
