To my dearest, darlingest, poop head,

The time has come for you to begin your very last year in the clutches of the public school system. You have survived thus far, now it's time to put on your big girl panties and finish strong.

As I was growing up and growing out, one of the things I neglected to notice was that, much to everyone's dismay, you were growing up, too. You aren't the little crazy-haired booger-picker you used to be...when did all of this happen? My baby sister is becoming a booger-picking young woman who knows how to style her hair perfectly.

Lucky for you, I have already gone through this whole process and made some mistakes that I hope both you and I can learn from. I know you're going to make your own mistakes, but now you have lessons you've learned through me as well. Looking back, here are a few things I wish I had done before I finished high school:

1. Attend Everything

Pep rallies, club meetings, football games, dances, and anything else you see on the announcements. There are so many things that are only fun to attend while you are still in school. Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and no matter what goes wrong, make the best of it anyway.

2. Work Hard

Even when the walls are crashing down and you are getting 3-5 hours of sleep a night, do not slack off. I hate to say it, but suck it up, buttercup. Life's hard and sometimes you get in over your head, but you need to power through and get it done.

3. Take Pictures

Take pictures everywhere of everything. Candids, posed, silly: TAKE THE PICTURES. Your future teenage children will thank you.

4. Avoid Drama

Everyone's stressed and everyone's tired, it is all just a part of the time you're at in your lives. If and when anyone gets annoying, don't snap, just walk away. You don't have time or energy to waste on anything negative.

I know that right now, graduation and college seem far away, but believe me when I say, it will go by faster than you could ever imagine. High school is what you make it to be, so you can wish it all away or you can try to make the best of all it. You don't get to go back and do-overs aren't a thing quite yet, so I'd go with the second option.

No matter what you choose to do in life or where you choose to go, just know I will always stand by you. I may question your choices, but that is only because I want to know that you are sure about the decisions you are making for yourself. Whether you are a nurse or a teacher or a farmer or a lunch lady, I will always be proud of your accomplishments and even prouder to call you my sister.

Love,

Your Big Sister