I remember the first time I ever saw you like it happened yesterday, now you are a teenager. I was four and a half when you were born, and I had no idea the amount of memories we were going to make together. Mom walked me down the hallway and I looked through the nursery window as the nurse held you up. Then you smiled (this is true I have witnesses) a newborn baby not even a day old smiling at her new big sister. This is when I knew that you were my person to teach to love and dream with. We grew up running around outside holding buttercup flowers under each others chins, playing dolls, playing school, and giggling until we fell asleep at night. We fought, cried, laughed and danced together; you’ve always been my best friend.

You were growing up right before my eyes. Soon your build a bear turned into an iPod and your blue eyes dreamed more. Soon you were doing my hair and helping me put makeup on.

Since I am your big sister there are things that I have learned and can share with you:

1. Your heart may seem broken, but it's not

Stay strong throughout every obstacle you face. You are a smart, beautiful, and caring person and no one can take those qualities away from you. In the grand scheme of things, no heart break will ever measure up to the goals you will conquer in the future. Keep moving onwards and upwards.

2. Stay motivated

Life can seem so hard at the impressionable teenage years of life. Remain determined to reach your goals and complete tasks. Little moments like this help you prepare for bigger, tougher situations that await.

3. Love yourself

Yes, love yourself. Who you are, what you are, embrace it. There is no other person in this world that is you. Be who ever you chose to be, and rock it. Hold your head high and carry yourself with confidence.

4. Be humble

Imagine the little girl you used to be looking up at you today. Make that little girl proud.

5. Sleep

Yeah staying up late is cool, but there will become a time when you crave sleep and would do anything to sleep for 10 minutes instead of cramming for a cumulative the night before. (Like I said, stay motivated.)

6. Accept failure

When something does not go as planned, learn from it. Take this lesson and use it to make you brighter and better for the next time.

7. Be the bigger person

There will be petty fights, gossip, and friendships lost. Always BE the bigger person, no matter what. By doing so it shows that you are more mature.

8. Find a good group of friends, and be a friend back

Not only is it important to surround yourself with good friends, it is also important to be a friend back.

9. Be happy

Do things you love, do what makes you smile. Just be happy.

10. Family is the most important thing

We will always be here for you, we love you.

Having a sister is a permanent best friend, I am so lucky to have you as mine!