Hi, there, little sis. I bet you didn't see this one coming, did you?
Soon, you're going to be a senior in high school. It's a title I had, seemingly just the other day. Because it's important to me that you get the most out of the year, I've created a "to do" list for you to accomplish before it ends. We both know that we're pretty different people, you and me, but I hope that you'll follow most of my advice. I do know what I'm talking about, you know.
1. Quit your job.
There's no reason to be putting so much pressure on yourself to make money when you don't really need it. In college, you're going to work, work, work, work, work. Even harder than Rihanna! And at times, it's going to feel seriously miserable. We're blessed enough to have parents that are more than happy to pay for a new dress or a movie ticket now and then, so ditch that part-time job. The opportunity to do nothing after school and practice is a rare thing while you're pursuing a degree.
2. Create a memory box.
There's a show box in mom and dad's attic that holds my entire high school career. Pictures, movie tickets, notes from friends and my corsage from prom are just a few of its contents. Although I've only looked through it a handful of times since I was given my diploma, I appreciate my younger self for keeping it. If you don't already have one, find an old box now.
3. Schedule a sleepover.
In college, you'll have some really fun roommates that will help you create nights that remind you of slumber parties. The thing is, those roommates are probably not going to be the girls you grew up with. I understand that, through the years, high school girlfriends change and those changes keep them apart, but your last year together, it's so important to play and talk like the little girls you once were, without the pressures of status and becoming an adult sitting on your shoulders.
4. Thank Mom and Dad.
I get it; they're insane. But good lord, if you'd like to feel like the guiltiest person in the world, think of every tiny thing they've done for us, without help from anyone else! They've struggled like we have, but they've still managed to be some of the best parents around.
5. Keep your options open.
Take the ACT as much as you can before December, apply to all the schools that interest you during Christmas Break, sit back and wait for the acceptance letters to start rolling in, but do not pick a school until like, May. I'm not kidding. Everyone is going to be bragging about their future school and major, but I'm telling you right now that half of those kids' plans are going to change. And that's okay; once you make plans, they'll change at some point too. Nobody has it figured out. I don't even have it figured out. Please don't feel pressured to make a decision quickly, especially because it feels like everyone else has. In fact, just stop listening to them altogether. Nod your head, smile, and tell them how happy you are for them, but don't let anyone else's choices influence your own.
6. Come to me for any questions or concerns.
I love you long time.
7. Pass this advice down to Sister #3.
That girl is going to need it too.
