To My Brother On His High School Graduation

Dear Little Brother,

Today is one of the biggest days of your life. Today is the day that you leave this place behind, and you embark on what people will tell you are going to be “the best days of your life.”

I know that high school wasn’t easy, and that you had your challenges, but you sure made it seem like a walk in the park. Although I wasn’t here for most, or really any, of your high school years, I’ve been incredibly proud to watch you turn into the man you are today. Not only did you grow seven inches while I was away, but you also matured, and grew as an individual. I know that you’re nervous, and I know that you want to cling on to your high school friends and stay in this little bubble, but I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to let go, because even if you don’t feel it, I know that you’re ready. Don’t get me wrong, I still can’t believe that my little brother is graduating and is about to leave home for college, and make a life for himself, and although to me you’ll always be the six-year-old who was running around telling me “interesting” facts about dinosaurs, I know that you’re ready.

Going to college can be scary, and at times it may seem like the most stressful thing you have ever done (be ready to say goodbye to sleep), but you are about to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

As cheesy as it sounds, always believe in yourself. You may be extremely stubborn, and sometimes you don’t see how truly spectacular you are, but I know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

As you walk across that stage, enjoy the moment, be proud of everything that you have accomplished, the goals you have reached, and the friends that you have made, and get ready for what are about to be the craziest and most unknown years of your life.

So, congratulations! You’ve done it! You’ve conquered your way through the maze that we call high school. I love you and I’m so proud of you, and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future.

All my love,

Your big sis.