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An Open Letter To My Brother As He Graduates

Watching you walk across that stage gave me perspective.

Jennifer Sroka
May 15, 2017
Oakland University
33
An Open Letter To My Brother As He Graduates
Personal Photo

Dear Brother,

Thank you for making me tough. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for questioning me. Thank you for putting up with Mom and Dad before me. Thank you for all the wedgies.

You are exiting a chapter of your life, while I’m currently navigating that chapter of my own life. Seeing you physically complete the commencement ceremony for your degree, made me realize and think about how lucky I am to have a brother.

I now know, throughout the college chapter of your life you had many struggles. Now having my own college experiences shows me the challenges you might have went through but never publicize. You never gave up. Never questioned your choices (at least on the outside), never lost faith, never stood still. When an obstacle came your way, it didn’t stop you, it only made you work harder. When your living situation wasn’t ideal you understood and learned how to handle it.

This chapter you are entering is super intimating, but I know you will do the best you can. For myself, watching one of my role models take on new challenges gives me confidence in my own abilities for the future.

Navigation of college and direction for myself is all I can think about and I get overwhelmed and analyze every possibility. However having you be the complete opposite and appear so confident in your direction gives me perspective. Perspective on a thought process, that I just simply do not understand. I believe this is because from the very start you identified who and how you wish to serve the world and your community. I never thought about your direction deeply until I had to experience it on my own. I truly admire that you could identify your direction and follow through with it.

You are the reason I played Division 2 Soccer. You are the reason I understand and enjoy football. You are a reason that I do not give up. You are a reason that I do not and will not stand still. You are my big brother and I love it.

I’m excited to see what you can teach me in your next chapter of your life.

Love,

Your Littler Sister

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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