Curtis,

You're heading to college and while I've been aware that this day has been fast approaching, it still doesn't feel like you're actually going any time soon. As your prepare to move in next week, I want to offer you some advice that I hope you take to heart as you begin this new adventure:

You're pretty much an adult now, but remember that you will always be mom and dad's baby boy and their only son. So when it comes time to move in next week, let them be there as long as you can. Don't rush them out. Let mom help you make your bed and hang your things and let them both socialize with your roommate and his parents. Let them be excited to set up your dorm. Don't be embarrassed that your parents are there-everyone's parents are! Enjoy move in day and the time you spend with them because I promise you that you'll miss them more than you think.

You'll come to miss seeing them after a night out or making fun of them when they ask you too many questions. And make sure you call home. I know you joke with mom that you won't call, but please do. You don't have to call as often as I did, but call at least twice a week and text often. I don't care if it's to tell them what you had for lunch but even that will make them incredibly happy. I'd like a phone call or FaceTime now and then too by the way...But anyways, just remember how much they love you.

College takes a lot of effort. It takes effort to build new relationships from scratch and effort to hold on to old friendships too. There are so many wonderful people out there who you haven't met yet and who will become your "forever friends" so make sure you put yourself out there- get a group together for lunch, ask a kid from your class to join you at the library, ask someone to attend the football game with you. I mean it when I say that everyone you ask will probably say yes. There is a comfort in facing all this newness with others and they all feel the same.

The friend group you have developed at home is one you should be proud of too. They're all goofballs with hearts of gold who I know have your best interest at heart. You lucked out with them and I'm sure you know that. So make sure that you are always keeping contact with them, whether its inviting them up for the weekend or texting them to see how their classes have been-do it. You also have to put in a lot of effort academically. There is a lot more free time in college but don't let it get the best of you either. You're the only thing that is going to make you focus now. Mom and dad won't be there to ask if you completed an assignment already and your professor may only mention it once, if that. You will live by your syllabus so always look at it.

College is a time of change but my biggest piece of advice to you is to never change the type of person you are. You should be so proud of yourself and the way you carry yourself. It is important to be balanced- both confident and humble, both driven and laid back. Never sacrifice yourself, your morals or your values for anything- ever. You have such good integrity and that will attract the right people and opportunities in your life. That being said, this is also a time for you to grow. This is the time where you leave behind the parts of yourself you're not fond of and work on improving the areas you wish to better yourself. It's not so much changing as it is embracing who you are.

As far as I'm concerned, you just got your permit. I still find it bizarre watching you drive so I think it will be quite awhile before I grasp the fact that you're in college (it'll probably occur when you graduate college...or maybe five years after). You may be taller than me but you will always be my little brother and I will always be your big sister. I am always here for advice, wanted or not, for support, for love and for friendship.

And that brings me to this, my thank you to you. Thank you for being one of my best friends. You will never know how much I appreciate the relationship we have. You have given me more adventures, laughs and memories than I could ever hope for. I have loved coming home from college and having you wander into my room to chat with me for hours during one of your school nights. A few weeks ago at 11 p.m. I was ready for bed and you wandered into my dark room and laid on my floor for a half hour as you preceded to tell me everything right and wrong with every television series you ever watched. I could've killed you but I loved it at the same time. Know that my door is always open (even when it's not).

Mom, Dad, Faith and I are so proud of you and so excited for you. Never forget that this will always be your home and that we will always be your biggest supporters. No one will ever love you as much as we do.

You are forever my little brother, Seabiscuit, my best friend. And you are going to do amazing in college.

Love always,

Erin