To my little sister,

It is April, and that means your birthday is just around the corner. While I am away at college, I think of you quite often, which I know probably surprises you. I think of how old you are getting, and how much you have been experiencing without me around. On the twenty-sixth of April, you will be sixteen. Thinking back on my sixteenth birthday, I feel like it was just yesterday. Once I turned sixteen, everything exciting that occurred in the coming months and years happened so fast. I know you hear it all of the time, probably from adults, but this time in your life truly is the best and goes by way too quickly. There are a few things that I want you to remember this month.

Cherish every moment.

When you are sixteen, so much is happening. All of your friends will be having their sweet sixteen parties along with you, you will be preparing for your driver's permit and your junior year of high school. Take pictures, videos, anything that will help you remember these fun times in your life. These are the times that really matter and the ones you will always remember. Don't forget to live in the moment, though - your Snapchat story updates and Instagram posts aren't the things you will remember, it's the moments you shared with the ones you love.

Don't worry.

It can be so scary turning sixteen. Learning to drive and getting ready for your first year as an upperclassmen can be stressful. However, this is not the time to worry about your future. Don't stress over what is going to happen in the coming years, because it is all going to work out. I wish I knew that when I was sixteen, I spent way too much time not driving on highways and stressing about college when I didn't need to. However, if you ever do begin to worry, I am always here to help you out.

Stay true to yourself.

You are one of the most unique people I know. While things will constantly be changing around you, don't let that change who you are. You are strong, beautiful inside and out, funny, loud, an incredible dancer, an extremely hard worker, and passionate about things that not all of us are. Don't let anyone change these wonderful parts of you that make you who you are because those who try to change who you are aren't the ones who will be your friends in the future. Most importantly, do not let anyone make you feel anything less than the awesome girl you are because you have so many people that love you for you. It may be hard to realize that at times, but it is so true and something you will learn in the next few years.

Little sister, you are so important and deserve only the best on your sixteenth birthday and beyond. I am always here for you to support you and watch you grow in this moment and the future.

(My favorite picture of you.)