As a senior in college, I am scared to death of what my future holds. My own plans are up in the air, but I cannot help but make sure my younger sister makes the best decisions for her own future. She is a senior in high school and has just committed to Northern Arizona University (NAU) for college. As proud and happy as I am for her in making this decision, I am also having to accept the fact she is growing up just like me.

For those of you who may be dealing with sending a sibling off to college, here are some tips for them, and for you, in getting through this time together:

1. Let them make their own choices

As much as I wanted my sister to attend the University of Arizona (UA) with me, I had to let her make her own choice. I was able to make my own decision without the influence of an older sibling, and she deserved the same opportunity. She made the choice to knock out a year of college while still attending high school, so she is clearly smart enough to make her own decision on where she wants to go. Plus, when I start missing her, I can just visit her since it is so close to home.

2. Tell them all your secrets to success

Giving your siblings all the best advice is one way you can comfort yourself in sending them away from home. For example, no boy is worth losing yourself, your friends or your family for. Working while in college is so helpful to have your own income. The number of iced coffees and late-night burritos you’ll consume add up quickly. However, trying to put yourself on a budget from the start is what I would emphasize trying to do. Figure out your way around town and enjoy all of the local boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Don’t be afraid to have school spirit – in fact, embrace it. Regardless of how well your school’s teams does, you should always support them.

3. Warn them about who/what is out there

College is a time when you will meet a lot of new people and encounter a lot of new experiences. Don’t set your drink down at a party, don’t accept anything from someone you don’t trust, you know, the whole “mom talk.” Mom was right though, so if you don’t want to listen to her, at least listen to me. Now, this is not to say don’t be afraid to make new friends and try new things. If you don’t, you won’t learn and you won’t grow. Just be careful and trust your gut if anything.

4. Be open and be there for them

Above all else, this is most important. Preserving the bond you had growing up, and the bond we had while you went away to college is still just as important. In fact, you will probably grow closer now that your younger sibling is experiencing college just like you did. Make sure they feel comfortable talking to you about anything, going to you for advice and even inviting you to come visit for a weekend. Your siblings are God-given best friends, and you should always have each other’s backs.