Dear my not so little "Little" Sister,

Two years ago today, I walked across our high school's football field, diploma in hand, ready to embark on the next chapter of my life. As I reminisce on my own high school career, graduation, and first two years of college, I cannot help but wish for time to slow down. You may not feel that way now, but trust me, if you feel like high school flew by, college will be over in the blink of an eye. Live in the moment and appreciate each minute of it because there's no going back.

Watching you graduate the other day was such a proud big sister moment! As they called your name, surprisingly pronouncing it correctly, I had to prepare myself. By preparing myself I mean I had to open Snap Chat and take a deep breathe in order to be the loudest cheerer in the crowd. I'd say that feat was accomplished as you shot me the dirtiest of looks for my banshee call before continuing to walk across the field. At that moment, I realized my job was accomplished. I had successfully annoyed you for 18 years. I picked on you, stole your clothes, ate your leftovers, made you cry...and hopefully made you smile. Most importantly, I watched you grow into the beautiful and strong young woman you've become.

Carry that strength with you for the rest of your life and you will accomplish great things. I'm not guna lie, college can be tough. For the first time, you will get a taste of the real world. A world where, unfortunately, most people are just in it for themselves and the money. This includes your "friends" and professors. You will learn that the only person you can really depend on is yourself (and me of course). While you are there to learn, it is important to enjoy yourself. It really is true that you meet your best friends in college. Even though you always prided yourself in being "the good one," you will inevitably go to your fair share of parties. Always remember to keep your head on straight and held high, study hard and have fun. It's not as easy as it sounds, but if you can manage all that, I guarantee college will be the best four years of your life.

You are lucky to be entering college already knowing what you want to do the rest of your life, it's actually a huge advantage you'll have over most of your classmates. I am even luckier to have gotten to watch you find that passion. Hearing your stories and seeing your face light up as you tell them is just as rewarding for me as the experience of working in the classroom is for you. Your happiness brings me happiness, so not matter how hard or stressful college may get, don't ever let that little sarcastic light of yours fade. Consider all the lives you will be impacting as it truly takes a special kind of person to do what you do. Who would have thought that such a feisty little child would grow to have the patience of a saint and work as a Special Education Teacher. I am so unbelievably proud of you for all that you have and will continue to accomplish!

Go on out there and be amazing. I love you,

- Your Big Sister