Recently, I found an 9-year-old me's journal entry that began with "my sister is getting more annoying by the minute." And obviously, as a 6-year-old, you were annoying. But as minutes turned to days turned to years, those 9- and 6-year-olds gave way to sisters who now double as best friends, confidants and fellow fangirls, buddies and lifelong gal pals attached at the hip. You are so not the pesky little girl you once were: you are, as you are so often described, a ray of sunshine who confidently warms the path ahead of her.
I know I've said it one million times, but I'll say it once more (maybe twice, thrice... it'll never end, OK?)... I am the proudest sister there ever was. Four years of high school have left you walking out on the other side with wisdom to lead you in the direction of your dreams, eyes the size of saucers and with the light of stars to do anything you conceive of and a full heart that continues to remind you of who you are, where you come from and how you're getting there. There is an air of maturity to you that leaves me sometimes wondering who the older sister is — I definitely wasn't a you when I graduated high school. I had my dreams, of course, and the unflinching passion to wander that way; but you, you ooze with readiness. I've seen the obstacles you've overcome, and hurdled over with a smile. Some grunts and scrapes, but you've come out alive. You have accomplished greatness.
Now, to celebrate the start of a new chapter: a whirlwind four years of dorm room life, library study parties, crappy and happy meals at the dining hall, new and long-term friendships, the oyster that is your world — college. I'm equal parts confused as to how you're old enough to be at this stage of life, excited at the prospect of the adventures we will have and proud of the goals you are ready to achieve.
There is no doubt in my mind that you will be successful, but you have to remember to hold tight to your dreams. They are what will keep you going when everything feels like it is falling apart. College is scary at first, and you might not think you belong. Classes may drown you with work. You'll probably miss home, your friends, life the way it was before you were suddenly thrown into this thing we call independence. Real-ish life. Adulthood. Remember how fortunate you are to be here and how much you are going to flourish in the coming years. Remember that these are truly the best four years of your life. Remember that everything during this time can't be taken for granted — you can't wait until you "have to be serious." You always have to be serious. With love comes hard work, but I know you will see that. Nothing can stop you that way.
The crazy thing is that there is a whole side of yourself that you won't uncover until you have to find it. Manage your time well, sleep at normal times, drink lots of water. Find your routines, the passions you may have never realized you had. Put yourself out there. Open your dorm door and host "Candy Land" parties. Learn a new skill, check out every organization, find the places you feel most yourself and the people who will hold you close unconditionally. Let the world see the superstar human being that you are, because she deserves to be recognized and loved as deeply as she is now.
As always, I love you and couldn't be luckier to call you my sister. High school graduate?! What?! College is ready for you, as you are for it. The ingredients are there, and now all that's left is to soar. You may fall, but you'll undoubtedly jump back up and leap away again. I can't wait to see the seriously amazing things that you do in this new phase of life. Congratulations!
