To my baby sister on her first day at college,
This too shall pass. The new-ness of it all, the change in scenery, and adjusting to being on your own...it will all pass. Soon you'll forget that you miss us. You'll forget that we don't share a bathroom anymore or that you can't borrow out of my closet early in the morning. You'll forget that all of this is new and you'll be settled in this new routine and chapter of life that you're entering. & you're gonna be great at it. I hope you know we are always here for you back home & are only a call and a hop on the interstate away.
For years we listened to you tell people you wanted to be a Doctor, a Pediatrician. Sure people nodded and said that's great! Maybe no one believed you. But I did. I think from the second you were born you were destined to do great things, for if I was good enough then they would have stopped trying after me 😉 but no matter how far away you go, no matter how successful you become, you'll always be the baby & you'll always be our Beezy & I'll always be the big sister that only wants the very best for you.
I hope this school is everything you've dreamt it will be as you follow mom's steps on her old college campus. I hope you enjoy every second of it all. Although you are getting a very different experience than my own, I can say it goes so fast. You'll blink and suddenly you'll be getting ready to decorate your cap rather than your dorm room. I can't say I would do it over again, but lucky for you, you've got 8 years so it's sorta like you can.
A few pieces of advice from your big sister, because you know I won't be able to say it to your face without crying.
Never change who you are for anyone. You are the smartest, full of spunk (and often attitude), and goofiest girl. You have so much natural beauty and you can always be so genuinely caring (when you want to be). Don't change that. If you come home a month from now and that attitude doesn't come too, fine! But if you lose your roots, I won't let you go back.
Do what makes you happy & stay organized. You won't have time for everything. That's okay. They're gonna assign you mounds of reading....it won't get done. Or mine never has at least. Ha!! There will never be enough time in the day or enough days in the week. Sometimes you're gonna have to say no to doing something fun because of school, and that's also okay. There's always next time. But make time for fun too, you aren't going away for college for nothing!
Now while you're organizing your room, I'm reorganizing your closet with my things. Don't get me wrong, I miss you already and I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures! I'll miss you every day. You are gonna do great things and I am so proud to call you my baby sister.
Say your prayers. Lock your doors. Always watch out for bad guys.
Spread your wings little B(ee), it's your turn to fly!!! 🐝
With love always,
Shelby