Dear Little Sister,

Starting at a new school with new rules and new people is intimidating and also terrifying. You'll have some of your best days and some of your worst here. High school is the time to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. You should be excited for this. You will grow up with these people for the next four years and some of them will become lifelong friends.

Don't wish it away.

First and foremost, enjoy high school. Make the most of it because while you think that finding a lunch table is stressful, or its tough you don't know anyone in seventh period, after high school, you will wish you were back living those struggles. �Don't take for granted being there because you will look back on these memories you create and wonder how it could have gone by so quickly. One day you will be thinking you'll never get out of there and the next you'll be graduated wishing you had just a few more days.

Football games.

Friday nights during football season will be the most fun you will have all four years. With the lights, the crowd, the music, the cheering, and the football players (the attractive football players) you'll feel like you are Julie on "Friday Night Lights."

Spirit Week.

You may have had spirit week in middle school but I promise it is nothing like high school. Some people go all out for this. Be one of those people. Do not be afraid to look crazy because that is the fun of it. Participate in anything and everything you can.

Get involved.

Definitely get involved in as much as you can. Play a sport, join a club or multiple clubs, or join the dance team. You will not regret trying something new and meeting new people along the way. You may be nervous but just go for it.

Boys.

You will meet guys who say they'll give you the world when in reality they will give you nothing but heartache. Always follow your heart but listen to your head when it comes to this. If you have any premonition that he's no good (or mom says he's not good) than he most likely isn't.

Making friends.

Please make as many friends as possible. Do not be afraid to be the first to talk to someone new. Go out of your comfort zone and talk to someone you didn't go to middle school with. You will make some friendships that last a lifetime. Be friends with everyone. Go to homecoming and games and school events with them. Lean on them for support. Confide in them.

Be yourself.

Please, above all else, be yourself. You are so beautiful the way you are. You have such a kind heart and are full of love and joy. No one can ever take this from you. No petty girl, no worthless boy, and no meaningless drama will ever put that fire out in you. Shine bright, pretty girl. Have the time of your life.

Love,
Your big sister.