When I was six years old my parents told me I was going to be a big sister. My initial reaction was, "You mean I'm not going to be the only child anymore?" I was thrilled I was going to have a sister, but I wasn't ready to share my mom and dad with another person.

I regret ever having those thoughts now because the day my mom gave me my sister she also gave me my best friend. Being a lot older I've already gone through everything that's headed her way. She's about to start the seventh grade and I couldn't be more excited for her. Growing up, I wish I had someone who had already been through their teens to help make it a little easier on me. As the older sister I was assigned a job, and that was to make sure my little sister experiences the least amount of heartache and sadness as possible. I want nothing more than for her to live the utmost happiest of lives. I want her to wake up every day smiling because she knows her worth and that no one can ever take that away from her. So, to my beautiful little sister, here are twelve tips to making it through your teenage years.

1. Never settle for anything less than you deserve.

Whether it's what your having for lunch, the type of shoes you've got on, or the boy that sits across from you in math that makes your heart feel funny. Don't settle. When he asks you to the winter dance and kisses another girl outside do not pretend you didn't see it. Do not question your beauty, intelligence, or ability of being loved. Remember that you are special and if anyone ever tries to take that away from you, remove them from your life or yourself from the situation.

2. Be your own person.

Once you enter middle school it's easy to fall into line with what everyone else is doing. Whether it be what you're wearing or how fast you're growing up. Stay true to who you are, be your own person and watch yourself morph into an amazing human being.

3. They're not that cool.

I don't think I can fully express enough how accurate this one is. The girls that are considered popular but are mean to everyone aren't actually cool at all. You'll notice as you get older that the nicest people end up being the coolest. You may also notice that those are the people no one asks about after high school.

4. Mom is always right.

Whether she's telling you that she doesn't get good vibes from one of your friends or that the boy you think you may love isn't right for you. Trust me it's the most annoying thing ever but she's usually always right. Now this doesn't mean you're going to agree with her on everything, but you'll learn eventually that she's got the right idea. Respect her magic mom powers.

5. Be okay with saying "No".

Being so young and feeling like you need to grow up fast can sometimes make people agree to things they don't actually wanna do. If you're not comfortable with the situation please don't go along with it and feel like you need to say yes. Become comfortable with the word "no" and allow yourself to be in control.

6. If he hurts you once he will do it again.

This one is difficult to accept even at my age, but it's true. If you're in love with him and he's done something to hurt you emotionally or physically, walk away. He will promise he won't do anything ever again to hurt you, until he does. I know it might feel like he's your perfect person, but I guarantee you will fall in love again.

7. Befriend your teachers.

I get asked a lot if miss high school and honestly some of the people I miss most are teachers. I went out to lunch with my art teacher the other week and she has become one of my biggest role models. Remember that these people are giving up their time to be with you everyday. If you take some time to get to know them you'll realize how awesome some of them are. Now I'm not speaking for all of the teachers you'll have, but embrace the connections you make with the ones you like.

8. Your grades do not define your intelligence.

I wish someone told me this a little sooner through school because I can't tell you how many times I cried over a bad grade. Not being good at math or reading doesn't make you any less of a person. It just means you struggle with something and don't all human beings struggle with certain things? As long as you work hard and put effort into what your doing then your'e doing just fine.

9. Get off your phone.

For the love of God please put your cell phone down. Growing up is about the moments you share with the people most important in your life at that time. It's about going to the lake with your friends and jumping off into the water and the way your heart races when you finally splash. It's about late night drives with your best friend listening to the playlist you guys made together. So please don't allow your phone to take away from moments like that because I can promise you you'll never get the same moment twice.

10. Be nice to everyone you come across.

This one is so important. I know you already do a pretty good job at this but just remember that everyone you come across is dealing with something that they may not show. Even if they're awful kill them with kindness. I've found that usually works best anyway.

11. Find what you love.

High school is the perfect time to find out what you really enjoy doing. So take an art class or a writing class and start exploring. You never know what hidden talents and passions you might find you have. College is also a lot more fun when your doing what you love, but we'll get to that another day.

12. Love Yourself.

I saved this one for last because I think that it can be the most difficult. This is something that I think I'm just starting to accomplish at 19 years old. There is no one else in the world who is exactly the same as you and I think that's pretty amazing in itself. Everyday wake up and look for something no matter how small about yourself and let yourself fall in love with it. I promise you'll thank me for this one some day.

Remember these as you start your journey into young adulthood, my sweet little sister. It will fly by, so enjoy all of it.