Talia,

I can't believe it's already time for you to pack up and leave for college. It seems like just yesterday you were a brown mop-headed little girl running around naked and playing strange yet fascinating (at least in your eyes) games at family gatherings. It truly is amazing how quickly time goes by.

In lieu of our recent escapades through Europe, and you being the oldest child in your family, I felt the responsibility to write this letter to you as my older siblings did for me.

College is going to be the best four years of your life; don't take it for granted. There are so many new areas to explore, people to meet and adventures to be had. Enjoy every moment. Remember to have fun, but also know that it's more fun to have nights you won't forget with people you'll remember and cherish forever. Be rowdy, but be responsible; don't lose your focus on academics, as they are your main reason for being there.

Create your own experiences. Sure it's nice to have a helping hand guide you a bit along the way, but don't forget that college is the time to let go and to learn who you really are and what you want from life. Stay in touch with your friends from home, but detach yourself from your phone. Those are relationships you've made over the last 18 years; if they're strong, they will survive.

Make sure you keep your parents updated. Annoying as they can be (love you both), they're worried because you're their first child who's flying all the way across the country and going on this life-changing journey without their guidance. Let them know you're alive and well and having the time of your life.

Lastly, be as open, lively and as inviting as you are with me to every new face you meet. Some may blossom into friendships, while others may turn into uncomfortable "hellos" around campus, but all the same, that's part of the experience. Make friends for a lifetime, and if you're up for it, maybe even sisters.

Love you to the moon and back, little cousin. I can't wait to see what you're going to do.

Infinite Xs and Os,

Syd