Dear Little Sister,
As I write this, we are both preparing to head off to college. Me, a third year veteran of move in day; you, a freshman newcomer to the day that starts the next chapter of your life. Freshman move in day can be filled with many emotions, some of which include stress, excitement, nervousness, sadness, and everything in between. I remember my freshman move in day like it was yesterday. You, mom and dad all helped me set up my room, make my bed, hang up my posters and lights and make my dorm room feel more like home. After all the festivities and hugs and tears, I said goodbye and headed off to orientation. It was a scary feeling knowing I wouldn't be living at home and I would be all on my own from that point, but as you can see, I survived and made it through, and I know you will too.
As we all get ready to move you in to your dorm at the end of the week, I want you to keep some things in mind. First, try your best to have a peace of mind when thinking about moving into your dorm. I know, all the packing and buying supplies and organizing can be stressful and not exactly what you want to be doing your last week at home, but it is important to make sure you have everything. Start thinking about how you will set up your room and how you will make it your own. Get excited about getting to know your roommate. I have a good feeling about this one :).
As you begin to say goodbye to friends, know that you will see them again and you can always stay in contact during the school year. Skype will become your best friend. I love nights when I can Skype my friends from home and catch up on what's been going on in their lives at school. It makes the distance seem less. Goodbyes are hard, I will be the first to admit that. But I promise you it will be ok. You're gonna make some new great friends at school. Not to say you shouldn't replace your old ones, but having new friends at school is a big blessing. You have made great friends over the years and I know you will continue to connect with them even though you will all be at different schools.
Don't get discouraged if you don't meet your college friends on the first day of orientation. The friends I have now are people I met a month into school. You will find the right friends at the right time. No need to try and fit in with people you meet right away just because you think you have to be friends with those people. Feel them out and then decide if you would like to build a friendship with them.
Move in day is the beginning of a great adventure. College is filled with so many great opportunities for growth and it is a place where you can discover who God meant for you to be. Always know that when times get tough, He will be there to lift you up. That being said, it is perfectly OK if you don't know what you are doing with the rest of your life your first day of school. I am going into my third year and I still don't know what I want to do. You're only 18, you don't need to have your whole life figured out right now. God has a great plan in store for you and He will guide you on the right path.
I am so proud of the young woman you have become. Your humor and your personality are so great and there will be people who will love you and accept you for who you are. Do your best to stay on top of schoolwork, to be healthy, and to take care of yourself and your needs. Never hesitate to call me if you need me; I'm only 54 minutes away (but who's counting?). I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. I love you so much and can't wait for you to experience all that college has to offer.
Love,
Your Big Sister
