Dear cousin,
You're graduating from high school at the end of this school year. That's crazy. I would like to give you a bunch of great advice for this last year of high school and college, but I have a feeling you wouldn't listen to it for the first year or two anyway. It usually takes you a little while for you to listen to my advice. But that's okay. That happens when you grew up basically as sisters, right? You never listen to each other's advice, even if you know it's right.
Like the time I said: "It's probably not a good idea to bring hot chocolate in bed." But you said "Sure, it is. We'll just be careful." And I agreed, and I ended up spilling pretty much my whole cup all over the bed and one of the pillows. I don't regret not listening to myself, though.
I don't remember a time during our childhood when we weren't together, making messes and getting into trouble. We were only cousins by title, but we were actually sisters by heart. We knew each other better than anyone else. And we learned what everything was together. Sex? Periods? Shaving legs/armpits? You didn't know what any of that was until I knew what it was. It was mostly because I told you as soon as I found out, even though you're more than three years younger than me.
So now you're finishing your last year of high school. You'll be going to a crazy amount of senior parties and cramming for tests like you wouldn't believe. I can't give you much advice because you already know how parties go. And you will have one of your best friends with you to help you study. Everything that I have learned the past couple of years, I have already told you.
Like, be sure to apply for multiple colleges, and be open to more than that one you've "just had your heart set on" for years. Try to relax a little bit. This is the last year that you will be able to accomplish "relaxation." Just take time for yourself. Don't even worry about dating anyone this last year. You're not in a relationship going in, don't be in one coming out. There are guys outside of that town that will love you so much better. ...And the list goes on.
Just remember, even though we have grown apart in distance over the past few years, you are still very much like a sister to me. And if you need anything during this last year of high school, I will be there. If I can't be there right away, just think about those times when we did all of those embarrassing things that I will not put in this very public letter.
Love,
Your sister-cousin
