To my brother,

First of all, congratulations. You knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but that you were going to complete your high school career today. I, like you, walked those same halls and crossed that same stage to get my high school diploma, and I understand everything that is going through your head today.

The first feeling you’re experiencing is excitement. All of the hard work you’ve put into these past four years is finally paying off, and I’m sure you couldn’t wait for today to come. The relief you’re feeling right now is awesome, but I hate to remind you that it is only temporary. You’re also feeling nervous, as you’re not entirely sure where you’re going from here. Sure, you know what university you’ll be attending in the fall, but you’re not sure of much more than that. And you know what? That’s totally okay. No one expects you to know what you’re doing yet, and that’s one of the best things about graduating right now; there are no expectations of you. You can go out and discover what exactly it is you want, and you have all of the time in the world. After all, you are an adult now.

I think that’s the weirdest part about this whole thing: you’re no longer the little brother I remember. You now tower over me, and almost everyone thinks you’re older than me, and the funny thing is, I don’t really mind it anymore. I’m more proud of you than anything else, and the fact that I got to grow up with you while watching you mature at the same time is one of the greatest experiences I’ve had.

I just want to take this time to thank you for everything. You’ve been my best friend since the very beginning (even though I really wanted a sister at first) and some of my best memories are shared with you. Although I’m also still in school and haven’t been living at home for a few years, I’m going to be extremely sad to see you go. There are a lot of times when I’m at school that I wish you could be there to laugh with me or even just to throw the ball around on the quad, but soon you’ll be doing that with your own friends on campus. I really can’t wait for that to happen for you.

There are so many things that you’ve done so far that have amazed me, and you’ve surpassed me in more ways than one. I’m so proud of you and absolutely everything you do, and your drive and determination has inspired me more than once. In some ways, you are my role model. You may be younger than me, but you are an incredible person with so many positive traits that I wish I could possess. I wish I could be just like you, and one day I hope to be. Until then, I’ll continue to look up to you and support you in absolutely everything you do. Congratulations on graduating, and never stop chasing your dreams, because if anyone can accomplish the impossible, it’s you. I don’t tell you enough, but I love you so much and I am so happy for you.

Love always,

Your very proud sister