I’ll admit it. The title of sister should be temporarily revoked from my lack of involvement in your life. The fact that our personalities differ and you don’t laugh at my prime jokes at times doesn’t validate our weak relationship.
For the times I never told you I’m proud of you enough, here they are. I am proud you got out of your comfort zone and joined the cheer team your freshman year. I am proud when you took on the responsibility of big sister when I left for college. I am proud that you are one of the most reliable, hard working employees at your job and made no excuses for working those long hours. I am extremely proud you got accepted into Western and will be a college student this upcoming fall. I know it’ll be tough adjusting to your new environment, but you’ll make our family proud.
Here’s the college advice coming to you. It’s an adjustment. It’s a life with more independence that can easily lead to big mistakes or huge life accomplishments. There’s no Link Crew leader there to hold your hand, or Mom; even though I know she’ll call you every five to ten minutes blasting you with questions. Your shyness will be challenged in a college environment. Conquer it and have fun. Freshman year GPA is as important as Jerry Springer was to Dad back in the early 2000s. Don’t slack, woman!
Now things I should have told you… Leave your room more often, share your Portillo’s french fries, don’t steal my Instagram pictures (those are copyrighted), show Moré who’s boss, don’t swear (you’re not old enough for that…ever!), and don’t be afraid to talk to me. I know I may seem a bit tough at times but just know you and Moré will always be my little sisters that I always want to protect 24/7. I don’t want you to make some of the mistakes that I’ve made. So ask questions. If you ever get into trouble and need me, call me for any situation. If you’re in jail, pray that I have bail money.
I still recall the middle school comments from your friends saying we looked like twins. They would call me Diana and you had the luxury of being named Irais. You definitely got the post Irais expectations from our teachers back in the day. Ms. Leiras’s Spanish class must have been tons of fun after me.
I promise I’ll work harder to ask you how you’re doing, I’ll invite you to more Bulls games, I’ll randomly walk into your room more often to bug you, and I’ll exemplify more love towards you.
Love, Irais