Time has slipped by and suddenly you're so grown. I can’t hand you the right answers to life, because there aren’t any. You will make mistakes and you will learn from them. I don’t say that harshly, I say that honestly. What I can do is give you my words from experience to try and guide you. These are words that maybe I’ve said or haven’t found the moment to. For any time that I cannot be physically by your side, remember that I am always available to you.

I’ll start with the amazing woman who not only brought us into this world but who raised us to be the people that we are. We’ve all had our moments when mom’s decisions didn’t seem fair. I’ve stomped away upset more than once, but I can tell you now that one day you will understand her reasoning. Sounds crazy, right? She always has and always will want the best for us, it just might take time for you to see past the temporary frustration. Just a heads up, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree either. I used to feel foolishly embarrassed when she took her time counting out exact change at the grocery store and guess what? Now I use the personal checkout and empty my change purse with absolutely no shame. She didn’t care what anyone thought and she was smart not to. You'll catch yourself in the moment doing something she would do, and you will smile. As independent as you become, there will always be times when you still just need mom. I still need her to remind my 22 year old self not to let anyone push me around. A mother’s words to her daughter are always wise and never cliche, listen closely.

Of all things high school, please do me a favor and do not stress over a boy. Let it happen and if it doesn’t, don’t lose precious sleep. It’s better to be single than in an unfair relationship. You are not any less valuable because of one individual’s choice. Wait for someone who wants to take you on a date and treat you like the beautiful being you are. I’ve been through the heartbreak of someone who was never even mine, let alone worth the tears. He didn’t want to hear my thoughts anymore than he wanted to hear the next girl’s, but I wasted a lot of time thinking I could change that. Then one day I asked myself why I would even want to change someone low enough to treat me like an option. An occasional text is the crumb of the dinner date you should be taken on. And if you don’t date in high school, that's okay too! Focus on your work and your happiness. My friends used to tell me that one day I would find someone who would treat me the way I deserved. I didn't believe them but they were right, and I've never been happier. Do me a favor and hold onto your true friends. I don’t mean suffocate them from a life of their own, I mean never stop caring about them because they will be your support through life as long as you’re theirs. Always remember, quality over quantity.

You can never be told enough not to fall into peer pressure. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you are not a “snitch” for telling someone, no matter how old you are. No one deserves to be pushed around. Never do something you are not comfortable with because you’ll regret doing it more than you’ll regret saying no, I promise you that. You can’t control other’s actions but you can always control your own. So in a world that can be cruel, always be kind. You never know who is walking down the hallway or the street with a mind full of negative thoughts. Give them a smile. Your smile brightens my day and I know it can brighten another. We all know how other’s harsh words can hurt. If those words are ever directed toward you, take it lightly. Anyone who is trying to bring you down is most likely just trying to build themselves up on unsteady ground. Don’t let anyone steal your confidence and never hold back in fear of judgment, because anyone who doesn’t accept you is not someone you need in your life. If it’s what you want, go for it, and those who matter will cheer you on. I’m not telling you all of this because I don’t think you already know, I’m telling you this because I’ve been there.

Most importantly, I want you to know that it’s going to be okay. Life likes to throw curveballs, but you will make it through. There will be tests, heartbreaks and losses, but I can tell you now that you will come out stronger. I walked down those hallways at one point too. Let yourself live, learn, make mistakes and grow. And remember I am so incredibly proud of you. Don’t ever change for anyone but yourself if you feel its beneficial. Do not compare yourself to anyone except the person you were yesterday and every day will be a good one. My not so little sister, you have my word.