Hey sister,

You will never realize how blessed you are until you’re given younger siblings. And when you’re the oldest of the family, you face many challenges being the first-born. I write you this so that you understand how significant you are to me. You’re my motivation, my first love, my miniature soldier- you’re my strength when I am weak.

There’s a lot that I never said to you growing up and I feel there are important things you should know-

First, I’m sorry if I didn’t give you enough attention. I know that you’re young, so you can never seek enough of it. I never meant to make it seem like I didn’t care. But understand that if I could be with you every second of the day, I would. Since I’m older, I’ll transition into adulthood before you. I have so many responsibilities that you are still unaware of. So, know that it isn’t easy for me to grow up first and I’m still your big brother regardless of how much you see me.

Next, I’m sorry if I 'stole' a lot of attention. As the oldest, I do get a lot of recognition and it sometimes gets on your nerves. You’re the baby of the family and you still have growing to do before you embark on the real world. I’m the first to flock the nest which means mom and dad stay on my case, making sure I have my life in order. But, pretty soon it’ll be your turn. Please don’t rush time, because you will value it as you grow older.

Forgive me if I set too high of expectations for you. As your elder brother, I’m the one setting the bar for you as you become of age. You look up to me and will always picture me as your role model. For this, I have a lot of pressure to be the best and succeed at life so you know that it’s the same thing you should do. Don’t ever feel like you have to accomplish more than me, win more games, make more friends, or even make a better living. I want you to be the best you can be and I promise to follow suit.

As your elder brother, it’s my job to be humble and to show you the ways of the world before you begin transitioning as well. It isn’t easy being the older sibling, but I know it isn’t easy being the younger sibling, too. You may not understand everything in life yet.

In one more year, you’ll be finishing school but don’t be scared my little one, you don’t need to have it figured out. I hope you follow your dreams and I hope you have the courage to listen to your heart.

Stop looking for things and people to complete you, because you were born complete; look for things that make you happy. Guard your heart but don’t be afraid to fall in love. Boys will hurt you, friends will leave, promises will be broken; don’t let pain make you bitter. Trust the Universe and always do your best.

Always follow your intuition and take care of your body. I hope you read many books, travel to many places, watch thousands of sunsets and dance to many songs. I hope you encounter interesting people through your journey and share with them your passions. Don’t forget to talk about your culture and our country, help people look through your eyes so that you can look through theirs. Open your mind and most importantly, open your heart.

Remember that family is the most important thing in the entire world. Be brave, embrace creativity and if you ever feel weak and that your world is falling apart, don’t ever forget you always have family. It is okay to make mistakes. Be kind. Be caring. You are so smart and so funny, you are everything I wished to have in a little sister-I’m so proud of you! And I hope you are proud of me.

It's okay to not be perfect. Learn how to forgive. Chose happiness everyday. Know that you deserve the world. Believe in love. Allow yourself to be too sensitive. Keep your innocence for as long as you can. Be your own best friend. Last but not the least, be you!

I loved you, I love you and I will always love you,

Yours forever.