To My Younger Brother, Before Graduation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

To My Younger Brother, Before Graduation

Be thankful for what you have because what's "normal" to you is about to change.

381
To My Younger Brother, Before Graduation
Taylor Williams

It is absolutely crazy how time flies. Just yesterday you were shorter than me, and I was dressing you up in every princess outfit I could find. I miss the days where I could paint your nails and you wouldn’t think twice about it. But now, here we are. You are graduating in one semester and I’m freaked out by it. When I was in your shoes, I couldn’t wait to get out of the little town we grew up in and explore the world on my own. I know taking advice for your big sister isn’t “cool,” but here are some things I learned that you need to take advantage of before leaving the nest.

One simple word. Laundry. Do you know how to do it correctly? Light loads and dark loads? I know your wardrobe consist of mainly black shirts and shorts, but it’s a good life skill to learn. Also, when mom yells across the house, “I NEED WHITES,” or “I NEED DARKS,” take advantage of it. You’ll regret the day when there isn’t a soul around to clean and neatly fold your clothes. This brings up another point…FOLD YOUR LAUNDRY. What happens when you invite a girl over and all your clothes are littering the floor? NOT cute.

With a couple months left at home, take advantage of every family dinner opportunity you can. Ask the fam out to dinner…on them. Ask grandma to cook you a nice, home-made meal. When you get to college, breakfast, lunch and dinner consists of overcooked food straight out of a dining hall. Or, if you really want to treat yourself, a nice bowl of Ramen noodles. Home-cooked meals aren’t a thing when you leave the nest. Neither is going to nice restaurants to get a properly cooked meal paid sponsored by mom and dad. As mom sometimes says, you’ll have to, “Fend for yourself.”

Sleeping is one thing that I highly suggest taking advantage of, especially in that queen size bed of yours. Not only will lack of sleep be an everyday battle, but also, your feet might hang off the edge of that luxurious Twin XL mattress. Sprawl out, take naps, sleep in. Also, learn how to put sheets back on after I call you to make sure you wash them. You’re welcome.

Take chances. It’s as simple as that. Take pictures. They are memories you’ll wish you could look back on. Ask a girl on a date. Go to your last prom. Stay up with friends for an all-nighter. Go to the football field to lay and look at the stars. Go on the boat. Go to the beach. Drive around our beautiful town while you still have the chance. Visit old teachers. Tell new teachers how much you appreciate them. Do your homework. Take a “senior skip day”… or a couple.

The next time you walk across campus, I urge you to take a look around. Put your cell phone down for a minute and just absorb everything you can. In a few months, your normal will be changed. Sitting in the graduation ceremony will be the last time you’re surrounded by every single person in your class. It will also be the last time you will see most of these people in your lifetime. Of course, you’ll keep in contact with a couple of friends here and there, but moving on means losing something. Moving on means leaving everything you’ve ever known and loved for just a short while. Moving on means parting ways with somethings that you love dearly. When I say you’ll miss it when you’re gone, I truly mean it. In the moment, you can’t wait to get out, but when you look through old pictures, you’ll can’t wait to have a life that feels so comfortable and natural again.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190779
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15207
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458088
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26746
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments