We always had this running joke, my brother and me. I would always introduce him as “my little brother.” But at the ripe age of about 11, he outgrew me. Like, really outgrew me. From that point on, he insisted on being referred to as my “younger brother” because he was not, in actuality, littler than me anymore.

My brother and I haven’t always been close. Quite the contrary, really. When we were younger, we straight up hated each other. I was blamed for everything, I thought he was a nuisance and annoying and all the other adjectives that go with “little brothers.” We pushed each other, beat up on each other, bit, scratched, slapped, pulled each others hair. We loved to fight. (Sorry mom and dad!)

As we grew up, we tolerated each other a little more. It wasn’t until I went away to college that we really got close. We were just far enough away to really start to lean on each other. To bitch about our parents. To learn from each other. To actually have fun together. He came up to visit me at school a couple times, and we clung to each other at family events, always texting beforehand “you’re gonna be there, right? I’m not going if you’re not.”

Then I moved to San Francisco and he started his freshman year at my alma mater. Over the last four years, we’ve only gotten closer. Texting all the time. Asking each other for advice about everything. And of course, I may have helped him with a paper or six.

Every year, my brother and I ask for the same thing for Hanukkah: a plane ticket for him to come out and visit me in San Francisco. Every year has been different — we quickly got all of the touristy attractions out of the way and moved on to the local finds. This past trip was his first as a 21-year-old. Needless to say, he gave my liver a run for its money. I love these trips and the quality time we’ve been able to spend together.

Today, my younger brother is graduating from the Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am overwhelmed with pride (and feeling old). And I have just a few things to say to him…

Bubba,

I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t a little worried about you going into college. You were quiet and kind of nerdy in high school. You didn’t have a lot of friends — especially the friends you should have. You pretty much kept to yourself and girls were…not your top priority. When you found out you were placed in the Kitt West dorms at CU, I got excited. That’s where I lived my freshman year! I remember telling you all I could about life in Boulder. Where to eat, hang out, study. You quickly made a good group of friends and started settling into the college lifestyle (and maybe had a little too much fun!). I think I only helped with about three or four papers that year. Before I knew it, you’d finished your first year, spent a couple months at home (begrudgingly) and were moving into your first apartment.

I couldn’t believe it — getting a Skype tour of your very first apartment blew me away. The in-person tour was even better. I still can’t believe how clean you are! You even had dishes!

You started your sophomore year, and I think that’s when we even got closer. You started talking to me even more about everything — girls, parties, friends, trips, school, work — everything. Watching you grow and open up to new experiences has been incredible. I hope you always and forever come to me for advice about anything. Sophomore year I think you tried to tackle most of your papers on your own, but I do remember reviewing a couple very late the night before they were due.

Junior and senior year went by so fast. You went on trips with your friends (and didn’t even ask for the parentals’ permission). You drank too much, made some mistakes, but you always bounced right back, never letting any setback get you down. There were a definitely a couple of girls that I wanted to slap for hurting you, but you made me promise I wouldn’t. You became a good student, got good grades, focused on school for a while. You landed an awesome job and your work ethic has kept you there for a long time! I couldn’t be more proud.

I’ve loved the time we’ve spent together as “adults.” The trip through China Town in SF when you thought you were going to get abducted. Watching you eat your first oyster (and then promptly having to go buy you some pizza to wash it down). Taking a boat tour under the Golden Gate Bridge. Eating loads of good food. Watching the sea lions at Pier 39. Renting a ZipCar to drive across the GG Bridge and watch the sunset with some beers. Having you as my date for New Years Eve. Trying to tie that stupid bow tie. Drinking whiskey gingers on a water bed in Kozy Kar Bar. Those flaming Volcano drinks at Smuggler’s Cove? Crazy.

We had a few family trips in there, too — Jamaica, Mexico, San Diego. I always look forward to family trips now that we’re older and can really have some fun together.

I know making these kinds of memories won’t stop just because you’re graduating. But I do have some advice for you as you begin this next stage of your life to help you hang on to these good times.

Remember, you’re still young.

Sometimes I get caught up in the day-to-day routine and rush that is being a professional, having a career, having bills to pay and responsibilities. But don’t forget to still have fun. To still drink too much and make some mistakes and go out on a work night

Keep making friends.

I know, I know. Dad always says “you can never have too many friends in life.” And as much as it pains me to say it, he’s absolutely right. You never know when someone is going to end up working for you or end up being your boss. Don’t burn bridges. Make friends.

Put yourself out there.

You’ll be surprised at how you and your current friends will drift apart. It will make you sad, but there are new friends to be made! Making friends is harder now that you’re out of college. You have to put yourself out there in ways you may not be totally comfortable with just yet.

Keep in touch with the people who mean the most to you.

This may be one of the more important pieces of advice I’ll give you. There are some people that come into your life for reasons, seasons or a lifetime. You’ve probably met some of the people who are meant to be in your life for life. But it takes work. Keep in touch with them, text, email, Facebook, do whatever you can to keep in touch with these people. They’ll mean more to you than ever.

Embrace the Internet.

The Internet is a magical thing. You want to meet people with similar interests? Go to the Internet. You want to find a job? Go to the Internet. You want to meet a girl? Try the Internet! You are feeling lost and need some guidance? There are people on the Internet who feel or have felt the same! (Or just call your sister). The Internet makes keeping in touch with people much easier. It’s an incredible resource for whatever you want to do next.

Stay true to yourself.

Now that you’re (almost) out of college, you’re going to be overwhelmed with opportunity. I know this because I know how successful you can be. Make decisions about what you do wisely. Make decisions about who you spend your time with and who you date wisely. Stay true to your values — a job is not just about the money. You should feel fulfilled each and every day, in every aspect of your life, and not just in your pocket!

Set goals.

It’s very easy to graduate and step into the “free world” without a plan. And that’s okay for a little while, but now, no one is pushing you to get your assignments in on time, or to be in class. It’s harder to stay focused and feeling “free” can be overwhelming when you no longer have the direction of education. Set goals for yourself. If you want to buy a car, make a plan for how much money you want to save. You’ll crush every goal you set.

And finally, be happy.

You have accomplished something great. Graduating college is no easy feat and it’s going to bring so many opportunities your way. Choose the ones that make you happy. You’re going to spend the majority of your life working, so make sure what you do makes you happy. Don’t let yourself get over-stressed. Have hobbies — things you still like to do outside of work. Play sports. Go to the gym. Spend time at the pool or the park. Meet girls that make you happy and don’t stress you out. Keep your priorities right, but HAVE FUN and BE HAPPY.

B, I am so proud of you and I am so excited to see you begin this chapter of your life. I can’t wait for our conversations and relationship to evolve as we grow up. You are the absolute best brother a girl could ask for.

I love you!

– Your Sister

P.S. Dad wrote a letter too 🙂