My little sister is going to be graduating high school this week and I will probably cry. I will be watching my baby sister (who is at least two inches taller than me) walk across the same stage I did three years ago. There are probably countless other older siblings who will be doing the same thing pretty soon.

While I worry about her going to college in another state, I also don't want her to miss out on anything. This goes for pretty much all high school graduates or soon-to-be graduates. College has so much potential to be the best experience of your life if you remember some things.

I've been working on a list of things I want her to know before she graduates for a while, and the time is finally here to impart my hard-won knowledge.

1. Parties are OK. Sometimes. Don't be afraid to go and don't be afraid to know when to say no.
2. Ramen can be used as a pasta substitution if you're tired. It tastes just as good and is faster to cook.
3. Try something new. Don't just stick with what you know because you never learn anything that way. Push yourself.
4. Not everything is black and white. Nothing is ever as simple as it should be, but don't unnecessarily complicate it. Over time, you'll learn to see the difference.
5. Try contacts. Sometimes it's just easier than glasses.
6. Force nothing. Your hair, relationships, a major. If it's not what you want and is painful to deal with more often than not, it's probably better off just not being in your life.
7. “God works in mysterious ways” is not a joke nor should it be taken lightly. This is something you probably won't notice until you look back later.
8. Sometimes get their Snapchat (or other) and you can get their phone number from there if you're too shy to ask straight off.
9. Talk to people. All of them. You'll find friends in one of them.
10. You can't make anyone do anything. Don't stress it unless it directly affects you. ("Not my monkeys, not my circus." -- Mom)
11. It's OK to talk to people about God. Don't feel like you'll offend someone or that they won't want to hear it. They might and just won't say it.
12. It's also OK to not have all the answers.
13. Know when to walk away from a conversation if it feels like all they want is to prove you wrong. In anything, not just God. You'll only end up frustrating yourself because it'll be like talking to a brick wall.
14. Sometimes you don't have to pray. You can just sit there and feel His presence. That works too.
15. Never stop reading. Sometimes it's a conversation starter; you just have to be willing to talk.
16. If you're not sure, look it up. It's always better to be informed -- especially with the news -- even when it's bad.
17. (Girls) Take your makeup off and wash your face before you go to sleep, no matter what. Your skin will thank you.
18. Stay organized in whatever way works for you.
19. There is nothing wrong with nothing to do over the weekend. Netflix and whatever food you can find in the pantry is just as good as discovering nightlife or going out with friends. You make that call.
20. Find a campus ministry and other organizations to find people like you.
21. If people are trying to make plans, suggest Cards Against Humanity if you or someone has a deck. You get to know people, and it's a game you can play anywhere without getting into trouble but still have fun.
22. There is no shame in using Pinterest for stuff. This applies to guys too. It has decoration ideas, food recipes, games, workout suggestions. And resume and cover letter tips. I used it to help me find sites for APA style when writing a paper. It is an invaluable resource. Use it!
23. Question everything. Don't take it all at face value.
24. I don't care what your major is, there's probably a Quizlet page with every question for your test.
25. Find a gym or pool and work it regularly into your schedule. Trust me, it's better for both mental and physical health.
26. Wear sweatpants to a morning class at least once. Your college experience isn't complete until you do. Finals week is always a good time to do this if you don't do it at the beginning of the semester.
27. Dress up as often as you dress down. You'll feel good about yourself even when it's a bad or stressful day. (If I'm going to be a mess, may as well be a hot mess.)
28. Call home. I've been bad about it, but you miss family and it's nice to hear a familiar voice.
29. Talk to people in your classes. Whether they're in your major or not, they could be someone to say hi to on campus and you'll feel connected.
30. Coconut oil is your best friend. Control frizz, healthy to cook with, moisturizer and shaving cream substitute. Just be careful if you go outside after using it on your skin. **Speaking from experience.
31. Consider online/summer classes. They can help put you ahead in your course load, as well as keep you busy and your mind ready for the next semester.
32. Anything can be used to pack your stuff, you just have to be creative. Shoe boxes, book bags, cleaned out Tostitos salsa dip jars. Be creative.
33. Cliches exist for a reason: they're classic. So don't stop being you. If you change for people, they appreciate the changed you, not the real you. This goes in romantic relationships and friendships. If they really care, they'll like you as you.