To My Little Brother,

I should say "baby brother" because that is what I have always referred to you both as. (I say "both" because I have twin brothers.) I remember the very day that you were born and brought into this world. I'll never forget the doctor letting me see you both for the first time. Since I was 8, you've both been such a huge part of my life. So please forgive me if I become a little emotional while I write this.

I've watched you both grow from fascinated babies into devious toddlers. I helped feed you on several occasions and was always up for watching cartoons all day long. I was there when you first began school and I was there to watch you walk across that high school graduation stage. I've watched you both grow into the handsome, young men that you are now. I just can't believe it has gone by so quickly.

You're beginning college now. A whole new adventure, just for you! It's an exciting time, but it's also an emotional time. Especially for Mom and Dad, so please remember them when you begin this venture. You are the last baby birds in the nest, and it is finally your time to fly away and shine. Just please don't forget to let them know where you are and how you are doing. I know you will soon be so caught up in the hustle and bustle that comes with the crazy college life. Don't forget that Mom and Dad will worry about you, a lot, so always let them know what is going on. Tell them about your day, your classes, and about those zany professors, you'll have a few! Just let Mom and Dad know what's going on in your life now that you're officially "college kids." You'll be glad you did.

To continue the above thought, don't forget about your big sister either. Just know that I am always here for you whenever you need me. I've been in your shoes before, so I can help you out when you need it. I can tell you where to find the best deal on college textbooks or how to find out what professors to avoid, you'll need that a lot! Don't hesitate to call me or message me. I continue to be amazed by just how intelligent and amazing you both are, so I'm sure you'll be able to figure everything out on your own! But could you let your ole big sis feel useful from time to time, and act like you need help? This is an emotional time for me too because sometimes it's really hard for me to grasp the concept that those two little babies are grown and going off to college. I love you both more than you'll ever be able to know. I can't wait to see what kind of incredible things you accomplish, just don't forget about me when you go.

You're going to experience things unlike anything you've ever experienced before. You've lived in a small town for your entire life, but now you're going to be open to a brand new world. College is the place where you will form new opinions, thoughts, and ideas. You will be surrounded by other college kids who are doing the same. You will all come together and form new friendships. You will try new things, see new places, and hear of new things. Just please don't forget where you come from. This new world you're about to enter is incredible. You're going to learn so many things, but never forget who you are and where you come from. Keeping your identity is important. Yes, you will try new things, and you'll go through some pretty intense phases, but always remember the small town you are leaving behind and how it helped you become the person that you are today. Never forget that it will always be there for you when the hectic college life becomes too much, and you just need a safe haven to crawl into.

Last but not least, enjoy the ride. College is something that only happens once in your life, so live it up! Enjoy having classes where you get to express your opinions openly, because there aren't too many opportunities like that in the real world. Take the time to enjoy being a "carefree college student." You're about to enter a world where the sky is the limit. This is when you get to decide what you want to be and where you want to go in life. I know you may not know what you want to do yet, and that is perfectly okay. Enjoy the journey to figuring that out, because this is one of the greatest journeys you will ever embark on!

Know that your sister is already so proud of you. I can't wait to see what incredible things you accomplish on this new journey. Anything is possible for you, if only you believe that you can achieve it all

I'll end this by quoting the late, great Dr. Seuss, "You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so... get on your way!"

With Love,

Your Big Sister