To my not-so-little brother,

How is it that you're a senior already? It seems like yesterday I was a senior walking the halls and seeing you as a freshman. I was excited to be on top of it all and to get going on my journey, and I hear you are eager, too. The difference between you and me, though, is that I didn't want to leave, and you do.

High school may seem dumb and closeminded. You see the same people, you take the same classes, and you run through the same old routine. But as you grow up, you will tend to look back on it and how easy it really was. You didn't really have much to worry about, even if you did.

To your surprise, college will be different in good and bad ways. You may say now that college will be easier. Trust me, it really isn't. I was so eager to get out of our small town and live my life independently. Now, I always want to come home. These responsibilities can be a lot for me, especially since I'm busy with classes and work. It can be stressful, hectic, and brutal.

Of course, we are two different people so you may feel the opposite. I'm just warning you now that it's not going to be what you expect. On the other hand, you're going for your dream job and I know you'll succeed in it.

I guess the transition you're currently in is a little awkward. You're applying to colleges soon, writing essays and wishing for the best. I was there before. It's the "Now what?" stage; you don't know where to go from here. But I do.

You need to enjoy your last year of high school, no matter how many times you deny it. That's what you need to do.

Ever since we were kids, you've been so involved in sports. Soccer, basketball, hockey, and baseball were your favorites, and they still are. You were always so smart as well, acing every single class you were a part of. You must use those things as best as you can.

You have the ability to make a change and make people listen. You have that much potential. I need you to follow your dreams and think about your future. But right now, have fun during your last days of regular school.

Your friends will be going elsewhere; you must spend as much time with them as possible. I wish I knew that when I was your age. Now, I never see anyone from high school; I'm lucky to visit at least one of my old friends. Friends also come and go, so you should try not to take them for granted.

From experience, friends split off when they grow up. You always hear that you'll never make better friends because your high school buds are the best.

Just be careful and cherish the time you may have left with them before they go down their own paths.

Prom is very cliche for some to think, but it's a great place to be when you know you don't have much time left in school. There's dancing, food, and photos... and more food. You can't go wrong with food; you will find that out soon enough. The after-prom is pretty cool too! But I'm serious when I say that you should go to your senior prom. It's a big deal. You'll thank me later, or maybe you won't. But you will not regret it.

All I'm saying is that you should enjoy yourself this year. Be involved while staying close with your homework and classes. Hang out with your friends as much as you can. I wish I could go back to my senior year and redo a lot of things that went wrong. Don't get hurt like I did.

Stay smart, make good choices, and have a blast! Congratulations for making it this far; it only gets better from here. I'm so proud of you!

Love,

Your big sister