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Open Letter to my Younger Cousin

Clare Cahill

May 01, 2017

Changemakers of East Coast

2155

"A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."

Dear Cousin,

Ever since I was four years old and I held you as a baby, you and I have been inseparable. I can remember playing dolls with you in your room, dancing to songs from Camp Rock, and trying to teach you how to play piano. We've been on vacations to Disney and Hilton Head together, and we've made memories that I will never forget. Over the years, we both have become so close. We grew up together and watched each other change. As your older cousin, I've had the opportunity to see you grow into the person you are today.

I want to thank you for always being there for me. Having a cousin like you is truly a gift because you're not only my cousin, but one of my best friends. You're one of the nicest people that I know and I am so happy that we are so close. I want nothing but the best for you, because you deserve it. I want you to know how loved you are and how much you matter to me.

I know that high school isn't easy. I know that you are probably overwhelmed with assignments, social events, and thinking about the future. I know that some days you're up all night doing homework and I know that sometimes it seems like it will never get easier. You probably wonder if everything is worth it. I want to let you know that it will be worth it. Your hard work will pay off and you will go far.

I also want to let you know that you are worthy of a good life. Be prepared for hard days and remember that life isn't easy. Some days you might feel like the world is falling apart, and that it will never get better. But I want you to remember that you are going to be okay. No matter what happens in life, remember that everything happens for a reason and you should never give up hope. As someone who has made it through hard times, I want to let you know now that if you ever experience something difficult (which nearly everyone does), you will make it through. Our struggles in life are what ultimately make us stronger. As your older cousin who cares about you and loves you, I want you to know that life isn't easy, but it really is good. As long as you love life, life will love you back.

I love you so much and I will always be here for you.

Your cousin,

Clare <3

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Advice for Young Cousins: 25 Things You Need to Know | The Odyssey Online ›

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Open Letter to my Younger Cousin

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!