So this week, there’s a date that is coming up that is a big day for someone important in my life- my baby sister isn’t so much of a baby anymore, she’ll be 16! 16 is the age of freedom, you’re an upperclassman, just learning how to drive (and maybe getting a car of your own), and you’re starting to look past high school and towards what’s happening after you graduate. It’s a time of high stress, but also can be some of the best times of your life if done right.

To all the soon-to-be-16-year-olds: I know you probably get told this more times than you can count, but time really does fly faster than you think. As my parents say: “The days are long, but the years are short”. Cherish the time you have to be a kid- adult life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Yes, you have more freedom, but there’s more responsibilities that comes with that freedom. Spend time learning about yourself, that knowledge will become invaluable in the years to come. If there’s something you like, don’t be afraid to put the time and hard work into becoming better at it- you may not always have the time or energy to do so later. Remember to spend time with your friends, community is one of the most important things a person can have and multiple heads are usually better than one. Don’t be afraid to befriend someone you wouldn’t normally hang out with- whether they’re in a different clique than you, a different age than you, or come from a different background than you, it’s never a bad thing to have a multitude of life experiences to draw from. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can learn from a person.

Don’t worry too much, what will happen is going to happen. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t do well on that one test that you studied all night for- there will be more tests & you can learn from your mistakes (so you can find the most efficient way that works for you). You are not defined by the grades you earn; you have so much more to you than could ever be measured by a test. Life will still go on if you lose your best friend or breakup with the love of your life. Yes, it will be difficult and life will look different, but I believe that you have the strength to carry on. Sometimes people are only in your life for a little while, I know it hurts now but just around the corner could be someone/something that is better than you could have ever dreamed. The pain may always be there, but it will slowly be replaced by joy if you let it.

Believe me when I say that while academics are important, they’re not all they’re cracked up to be- it’s okay if that’s not your strong suit, there are other things that you are good at. Some of the world’s greatest minds were not suited to the academic environment, but thrived in their own way. Take the lessons that school can teach you- you may not like having to take graduation required classes or ones that challenge you, but they can provide a wealth of knowledge past what’s taught in class. Who knows? Maybe that class you never thought you’d like ends up being something useful or that you do enjoy. Maybe taking a hard class gives you the mental strength to get through whatever life throws at you. Or maybe it’s to show you that even though there are things you don’t like/want to do, sometimes you just have to do them so you can move on to the things you’d rather do.

Life won’t just hand you everything in a nice, neat package and send you on your way- sometimes you have to work for what you want and learn best from the mistakes you made. Don’t be afraid to mess up or ask for help, it may seem like everyone else is always perfect, but everyone struggles with something. Above all else, please always be kind- whether to yourself or others.

To Jenna: Congratulations! You’ve made it to high school, and I couldn’t be prouder of you! You’ve blossomed into a lovely young lady that has a heart for others, is motivated to reach her goals, and can do anything she puts her mind to. I’ve watched you grow up from a tiny ball of chub to a lean, mean soccer machine. You have a heart the size of Panama and a sassy streak as long as its canal. Though we may fight, you will always have a special place in my heart (even when you think I hate you). Even if you grow so much that I look like a dwarf next to you, you’ll still be my little (baby) sis. I’m so grateful to be your big sister, you motivate me to be the best person I could possibly become. Even though you may drive me crazy, some days you’re the only one who keeps me sane. I look forward to making many more years of fond memories with you, and I wish you the best of luck in everything you do.