Dear little one,

You have no idea how thrilled I was when our parents told me I was going to be an older sister. I remember the moment so vividly; I was flushed with excitement, images of a cute little baby that I could adore and dote on running through my mind. I had always wanted a little sibling — someone to play with, someone to fight with my parents with, someone who would follow me around.

From the moment you were born, I was utterly fascinated by you. And as you have grown, my fascination has just grown as well. Our six-year age gap is no threat to the closeness of our relationship. You have blossomed from that wide-eyed, lovable little infant to a good-natured, intelligent, and talented young boy.

I have loved you unconditionally, and here at college, I miss you so badly. We are at distinctly different stages in our lives, but spending months away from you has made me realize that although you are the young middle-schooler who is supposed to be looking up to me, I have learned so much from you in the last 12 years.

You have taught me to always be enthusiastic and in love with life. I have always been in awe of your excitement at the smallest things — the things we often take for granted. I hope you never change, and I hope you never let anyone (even me when I joke) discount your animation because that's what makes you, you. Life will bring you greater and greater hurdles, but I know you have the strength of mind to make the best of every situation. And even if you do sometimes feel extremely stressed or sad, I hope you know you have a big sister who thinks the world of you and would do anything to make sure you are always happy and supported.

You have taught me to be kindhearted and compassionate. I admire the way you care for others and the way you open your heart to family and friends. When someone is upset, you go out of your way to show that you care and cheer them up. When someone is happy, you are genuinely happy for them. By watching this rare, beautiful quality blossom in you, I have become a much more consciously mindful and considerate person.

You have taught me to be fully invested in the things I love, without ever feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Your passion for your hobbies, your lack of inhibition and your self-assurance are all incredibly inspiring. You skip around the house singing at the top of your lungs, and you dance wherever you can. You don't hold back on how you express yourself, and you are rarely shaken by judgement. You are more ready to share your talents with the world than I ever have been.

I honestly hope that my bad habits don't rub off on you, but that you instead learn all the right things from me (whatever they are), and realize how special and loved you are. I hope that the stresses you will face as you grow up don't ever let you down. Please don't give up on your dreams or on the things you love. Please don't let other people's views and opinions affect the way you live your life, or the way you feel about yourself. And PLEASE don't let numbers or rankings define you or your potential. You have so much potential, and you definitely have the capacity to reach it. I've always seen it, and I always will!

Thank you, little one, for teaching me life lessons without even meaning to. Thank you for being a constant source of happiness and comfort. You never fail to make me laugh or put a smile on my face. I am 100 percent myself when I am with you, and I hope you can always be that way with me.

You may never have realized, but despite me calling you annoying, saying you're too young and immature to understand things, or not letting you hangout with my me and my friends, I have to admit that you are the reason I've gotten through so much. I have no idea what I would have done without you as my little shadow and ray of sunshine at home, amidst the angst of teenage life. I miss begging you for hugs, taking study breaks to cuddle next to you while you are peacefully asleep, listening to your nonsensical and cheerful chatter, having dance parties with you, and so much more. My only regret is that we didn't get to spend more time together.

Since I can't pack you in my suitcase and have you here with me, please understand why I FaceTime you, message you, and bother you so often to ask about your life. I feel as though it is my duty to protect you from the trials and tribulations of adolescence, because I don't want you to go through any of the difficult situations and insecurities that I experienced. But I guess that's how life works; it's inevitable — and even necessary. The most I can do is to be the best sister and mentor that I can be, wherever we are. There is nothing more that I want than to see you succeed, to see you smiling, to see you loving life as you always have. It saddens me that I am away as you are growing up, but this distance doesn't mean that I think of you any less. I am always here for you, always here to guide you, always here to listen to you, and always, ALWAYS interested in everything about you.

No matter how old we both grow, you will forever be my crazy, sweet, unique, and awesome little brother who will surely touch the hearts of everyone you meet and do extraordinary things. And I promise, I will be your biggest cheerleader, supporting you every step of the way.

With LOTS of love,

Your big sister