To my little sister,

Before I begin, I want to let you know how much I miss seeing your face every day. We only were in high school together for one year before I packed up my things and moved hours away, but know how desperately I wish I could see you in school every day. Rather than meeting your eyes in the hallways, I only find those of strangers. Your gaze gave me comfort during the most stressful year of my life, and I desperately miss it.

Trust me, I know that we don't always get along. You're the most stubborn person I know. You steal my clothes and somehow turn it around to blame it on me. You always have to have the last word. You would be a fantastic debator because you would frustrate your opponent so much that they would quit — no offense.

Yet, you have such a big heart and you are probably the funniest person I know. So as much as you frustrate me, you can always make me laugh until I cry.

Overall, you're a great person that I love so, so much, which is why I want to offer you some thoughtful sisterly advice as you make your way into the second semester of your sophomore year.

Last year when we were together in high school, to me you were still so young. Looking at how much you've grown and matured over the past twelve months stuns me. I barely even remember sophomore year because I was still as immature as I was in middle school. Of course, if I asked you, you would say you are more mature than I was at the time. Actually, you probably would say you are more mature than I am today. But trust me, I'm your older sister. I'm much wiser than I may appear.

Personally, the end of sophomore year was when I truly became a teenager. I (slowly) started becoming more independent and more self-confident. But I still struggled in so many ways, and I still do. We've faced many similar obstacles. It's crazy how I see so much of myself in you. However, although we are alike, in no way are we the same. You are so much more self-assured than I was; but as much as you think you know, I want you to understand that there is so much more for you to learn, and so much of that I can teach you.

First, realize that high school goes fast. Trust me, I know better than anybody that it feels like it takes a thousand years; but even though the days go by so slowly, the years go by in an instant.

Since it will be over before you know it, try to make as many memories as possible. Looking back on high school I can remember a handful of moments that made all of the bad times worth it, but I wish I went on more adventures. Life is too short to focus on stupid high school drama, so just don't. I was so wrapped up in such nonsense that I missed out on so many memories I could have made. Try to make every day worth talking about. Actually, try to do something every day that is worth calling me and telling me about — even if it's something small.

Next, know that I absolutely love it when you call me. I adore giving you advice because pretty much everything you go through, I've gone through. When I give you advice, I feel like I'm talking to my younger self. I want you to be as happy as possible, so any way I can help, please just pick up the phone. I wish I had a cool older sister I could talk to when times got tough...

As much as I want you to call me, all of my advice will basically boil down to: Don't sweat the little things. I know that the smallest inconveniences feel like the biggest issues in the whole world at the time. That's what our small town and small school do; it inflates the nonsense until it feels like everything. But the B.S. is just that— B.S. Most of the things you complain to me on the phone about, you will forget in only a few weeks. I wish that someone told me that when I was fifteen.

I also encourage you to be kind to everybody. When looking back at high school, I wish that I was nicer to everyone in my grade and was not so quick to judge. Everyone has their own sh*t, remember that.

Further, know that it's okay to feel a little lost at times, especially regarding your future. I'm not going to lie, I have always known what I've wanted to do. I've always had a goal, but so many people don't. You are talented and smart and will be successful in whatever path you go down. You will figure out what you want to do someday, but it doesn't have to be now. Just participate in things you genuinely enjoy doing and don't panic too much about college or your future. Everything will fall into place naturally.

Lastly, love yourself as much as I love you. You're such an amazing person and I am so lucky to call you my little sister. You have two and a half years of high school left, which feels ridiculously long but pretty soon you're going to be driving, going to prom, and graduating (which is insane to think about). You have so many more amazing experiences ahead of you, so don't try to grow up so fast. Take things one day at a time, and know that I will be with you through every growing pain.

I miss you every day. Facetime me after you read this.

Forever,

Your older sister