To my brother as he begins his tedious college application process,

First: good luck. I know how stressful this is, and I know that you might not want to really take it seriously at first. But, trust me. You should. Remember on the first day of your freshman year of high school when they told you every test, every project, every grade mattered from there on out? Now's the time where you're going to see that that's all true, and maybe you'll wish you'd put a little more effort in (I certainly wish I had, too).

But.

I want you to know that everything always works out in the end. I know how difficult it can be to decide what school is the best fit for you, and then figuring out what you need to do to get there. I want you to know that missing one quiz isn't going to make or break your GPA -- three letters no hard-working high school student ever likes to hear. Of course, grades are a major factor, but they aren't everything. What's important is that you stay true to yourself and you find a school that will help you grow into a better version of who you already are. So, my advice is this:

Find a place that will nurture your passions.

Find a place that will make you excited to wake up each morning and walk across campus to a class you love.

Find a place where the friends you make redefine the meaning of home.

A year ago, my decision was made. But, if you can think back to the buildup to the reception of my Red Envelope, you'll remember the intense frustration we all felt about meeting deadlines and filing FAFSAs and writing letters of recommendation. I was the first sibling to take the plunge. Luckily for you, our parents already have the process under their belts and they're well-versed in the application process, so your experience will be much less - let's be honest - hair-pulling than mine.

As your sister I can only offer you as much advice as you'll let me, and I hope you know that I'm always here to help even when I'm not at home. I'm writing this to you because I hope your college decision will make you as happy as mine does. What they all say really is true - it's going to be the best four years of your life, and I want you to make the best choice you can.

Wherever you end up, I'll always be one of your biggest supporters. And maybe I'm a little biased, but who knows -- I can only hope we'll have two SJU grads in the family within the next few years.