First off, I just want to say that I cannot believe you are a freshman in high school. Time has flown by and it seems like just yesterday we were playing together and I would get mad at you for knocking over my barbie set up with your toy trucks. I have to admit my life would be missing a little bit of fun since you keep my smiling and laughing. There are, of course, times when I want to give you a few "love punches" as you like to say, but I wouldn't want to live my life without your energetic and fun self. I know for a fact that family vacations and quarantine would have been super boring if you weren't there, so thanks for always keeping me entertained.

Listen, I know you're entering high school at such a weird time. It truly does suck that Covid is not letting you have the high school experience you so badly wanted. I remember when I was in high school and involved in so many things and had a great time, and you expressed to me that you were so excited to do the same thing. But since your high school is doing hybrid learning with only going to school two days of the week, you won't be able to enjoy high school like I did and I'm sorry about that. Schools are just trying to keep you all safe, even though I know you're going to miss out on wrestling and track.

But I wanted to say that you should start looking on the bright side of things so that you don't entirely hate your first year of high school. For example, you don't have to take the bus as often! And since our school requires uniforms, you don't have to wear them when you're in your online classes. This hybrid learning may not be ideal, but making the most of it is all you can do. You have to understand that everyone is going through the same things as you and you're not alone. Even though we constantly bicker and fight, I'm always just a call or text away.

This year is not going to be easy. But it will get better.

So, keep your head up, keep your grades up, and make the most of your freshman year.