Dear Baby Bro,
I don't like to make pointless guarantees and empty promises, but mark my words: today is a Very. Big. Day. First and foremost, congratulations on making it 18 years without choking or being choked by our darling parents. No one else on the planet understands this feat quite like I do.
Ten years ago, we parked cargo van in our front yard, and loaded it with suitcases and yaffa blocks, coordinating sheets and throw rugs, communal bathroom supplies, an 8 year old you and an 18 year old me. I can't believe it's your turn, though something tells me your move to college will be much simpler and less dramatic. (But that's pretty much par for the course, and a key difference between you and me.) Speaking as the elder sibling, I'd now like to load you up with some advice that will help you navigate through the next four years (and probably beyond) successfully.
1) Parties are great. DDs are better.
2) Speaking of drinking, the myths are true. Tequila is always bad, but especially if the night began with Natty Light.
3) Speaking of Natty Light, always spend the extra money for better beer.
4) Enough about drinking. Go to class. Seriously. Go to class.
5) No one works best under pressure. It's just a lie we all tell ourselves so we don't feel quite so pathetic for procrastinating.
6) Make new friends. Don't forget about the ones you already have, but make new ones, too.
(Sidebar: Mom just called as they drove home. They're child-free for the first time in 28 years. Let the celebrating AND the empty nest syndrome set in.)
7) Speaking of Mom calling, call her. She won't hover, but she will be curious what you're up to and it would be nice if you'd update her.
8) I am deeply jealous of you for going to a big university. Make the most of it. Promise me you'll go to as many football games as possible, when you're not busy running circles around the other track kids.
9) Please don't let your room, or especially your bathroom, smell like dude. Trust me, it's not manly. It's just gross. And for the love, change your sheets regularly - has Dad ever told you about his first college roommate?
10) Find the perfect greasy spoon, open 24 hours a day diner/coffee shop/whatever. Visit at least once a month, preferably between 11 PM and 3 AM. Some of your loudest laughs and happiest moments will take place inside.
11) Roadtrip. Best idea ever.
12) Remember your roots, but don't be afraid to grow new branches.
13) Take at least one class a year that has nothing to do with your major. And audit something that does but you don't necessarily need - you'll enjoy it more and apply it better.
14) Keep playing bass. Chicks will dig that.
15) Go to concerts but never, EVER wear a tshirt for the band playing, or a band you saw playing with the band playing.
16) Take complete and total advantage of being a student. Things are cheaper and easier because the world feels bad that you have to spend hours a day studying instead of working. Truth is, most of us no longer in school wish we still were so no pity should be involved. That being said - go on the trips offered, and take the discounts available.
17) Don't fall in love in the first 2 years.
18) Don't be afraid to ask for help. In life, in class, in any challenge you encounter. No one expects you to go at this world alone and people are generally willing to help if they know you need it.
19) Life never ever ever works out like you planned. Stop putting energy into planning it and start being ready to just live whatever is thrown your way.
20) You are loved.
And above all else, study hard and have fun. Blink and it will all be over. These will be some of the best years of your life, but only if you never take yourself all that seriously.
Of course, to me, you will always be my little Evie-Boo-Boo, lover of M&Ms, fly-feet, Trains Planes and Automobiles, and Buzz Lightyear.
Roll Tide Roll,
Your Big Sis
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