An Open Letter To My Graduating Sibling | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

An Open Letter To My Graduating Sibling

I hope the class of 2016 always has your back, but remember who had it first.

21
An Open Letter To My Graduating Sibling
Sarah Olivieri

I watch you smile as someone hands you a copy of “Oh the Places you’ll Go.” And today that’s what every one is looking at and thinking of -- the places you will go, but I can’t help but think of all the places you’ve been.

Long before you put on your gown and were handed your diploma, we put on our tennis shoes and I handed you your helmet before mounting our bikes and playing under the warm June sun that begged us to do everything but think about the upcoming school years. Despite all our best efforts they still came anyway.

We packed in the back of Dad’s car and drove to Staples. I’m not sure who copied who, but somehow how we ended up with the same book covers, and almost identical backpacks. Sure, I couldn’t be there in class when you learned long division or about mitosis, but when we both came home, we’d pull out our books with matching book covers and instead of beginning the work we set out to do, we’d talk all about our days so much so it was like the other was sitting in class with the latter. We didn’t know it, but all that time we were making days like today harder and me so much prouder.

Long before you passed that one extremely hard final exam, you passed your drivers test. No one but yourself expected you to fail and no one less so than me. This is an example I hope you remember in your next stage of life. You will always be your hardest critic and I will always be your biggest fan.

We don’t sit at the table anymore, procrastinating work with jokes and anecdotes and yet we still know we have the security of the other person when in need. So though the friends you’ve made through the class of 2016 are strong and I hope will always have your back, remember I’ve had yours since birth.

Long before you were about to take on the world in a whole new way we took on disgusting looking spiders, mountain high roller coasters, terrifying thunderstorms that shook the house in the middle of the night and slimy green monsters we swore were hidden in the closet. At the time we were sure those were the scariest things we could encounter, just like I know you secretly think this is. I held your hand on the roller coasters, I shared my bed when the thunder rumbled and I kept the closet light on so monsters couldn’t escape. As for the spiders, well some things take a little more time than others to conquer. Never the less you are never alone because you will always have me. I can’t promise to make this or anything less scary but I will promise to be the Wade to your Kim Possible. So call me, beep me whenever you need to reach me.

Long before there were places you’d go, there were places you’d been. Your teachers and friends just saw the A’s you earned; I saw every tear and late night that made it possible. I love you more than this letter can express and I hope some day I make you as proud as you make me to call you my sibling.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24191
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10115
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7377
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments