For my two brothers;

I know that I have missed a lot of your growing up and that I will miss more in the next few years, but you both need to remember that I am so proud of all of your accomplishments. I will always want the best for you, whatever will make you happy. Please just take this advice into account- I am only trying to help.

1. Listen To Mom And Dad

They do know best, even if you don’t think that at the time when they say you can’t do something or when they make you save your money. They love you and only want the best for you- remember that.

2. Find a Good Friend Group

You may think that the friendships you have now will last forever, but I can assure that is not always the case. Find your people- the ones you can trust with any secret, the ones who are always there for you. And make sure to always give 110% with these friendships

3. Treat your girlfriend (or boyfriend or future partner) right!

Whether your partner is your first or thirty-first, you give that person all of your love and all of the respect you can muster. Never get too comfortable in the relationship and never make them feel second-best. Surprise them as often as you can, but it doesn't have to be with expensive gifts. The surprise can be as a simple as a love letter or a flower you picked on a walk; it can be taking your person out to eat during their break at work or planning an entire dinner. Treat them how you want to be treated and I can assure you that your relationship will last.

4. Be Open-Minded And Humble

It is nice to have an opinion on everything from ice cream flavors to politics, but there is a lot in the world that you do not know and you might never find out if you become close minded to other people's opinions. You have a lot to learn, in school and out of. Don't think for a second that you know everything. I have 5-11 years on you both, and I still learn something new every day even if it is just a trivial factoid.

5. Learn to Manage Your Money

Life is expensive. Sure it is nice to have all the designer clothes and go out with all your friends but start saving for the future. College will eat through your savings, leaving you with a mountain of debt. Save at least half of each paycheck. You may think it's stupid at the time, but it is extremely beneficial in the end.

6. Don't take anything for granted and live life to the fullest.

Try not to regret anything you do in life; it mattered to you when you did so why feel the need to regret it?Life doesn't give out handouts but life does provide plenty of opportunities so I suggest you try to them all. Life is short and the time will fly by. Each day is a new day so make the most of it. Don't let people hold you down and don't hold yourself down; it is your life.

7. Remember me.

Please know that I am always here for you, I always have been and I always will be. You don't get to decide that I am unneeded in your life- we are family. You can talk to me about anything and call me whenever you need. Call me when you're drunk at a party and need a ride. Call me when you break up with your partner and don't know what to do. Call me when you get that role in a play you wanted or when you score all the points for your sports team. I will always be there for you because I love you.

8. You deserve the best in life.

Go and get what you want. You deserve the everything in life that will it the best life and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. This does not go for mom and dad though, so don't even try it.

Love,

Your big sister