Dear little brother,
You're in college now, so here's some big sister advice. First, go to class. You're there for your education, and you're paying a ton of money for that education so don't waste this opportunity. I know how appealing it can be to stay in bed all day, because I've done it, but do as I say not as I do... and make sure you actually read your syllabus too. Second, make friends, a lot of them. Don't be afraid to be a little outgoing or to talk to someone in your bio class. Some of the best friends, and study buddies, I've made came from going out on a limb and putting myself out there. People their freshman year want to make friends as much as you do because everyone is in a new place and they want to find connections, make connections. Just remember, these people may be your family away from home for the next four years, and they will be amazing. Don't forget, you need to call mom and dad... Grandma too; they know we're in college and they want us to be independent, but they also miss us and want to make sure we're doing well. Going off that, if you ever feel to overwhelmed we're always a phone call away, call someone. Another thing, I want you to try to keep in touch with some of your best friends from high school, even if it's only once a month or every so often to check in, it's nice to have people to come home to. And... for the love of all things, please go out and maybe even get involved. I don't mean you have to party or be the SGA president or anything, but go out bowling with your friends or have a movie night, join a club that does stuff you enjoy, come back home with funny stories and accomplishments you're proud of. So, step out of your comfort zone and try new things, be independent, go out late that one Sunday night, learn how to budget, join that club, build a résumé, do all the things you think you have time for because you have less time than you think. In my head, just yesterday I was you. I was excited for everything, to be on my own, to make decisions for myself, to try new things, but now I'm a senior with graduation and grad school applications looming over my head. When I was you it felt like yesterday, and it felt like I had all the time in the world in front of me, but I didn't and neither do you. So enjoy every second you can and make the most out of every moment while you have time left.
Love,
Your senior big sister
