I am the oldest of three girls. Therefore, I feel like I’m the one who needs to always be watching their backs, waiting for the late night calls when they had a bad day, and supporting them with every decision they make–good or bad. My middle sister, Brittany, went to college for a while, but decided it wasn’t for her. That was really hard for me to deal with because having a college education is so important to me. I knew I needed to let her do what she wanted to do with her life. My youngest sister, Chelsea, just graduated from high school in 2011 and knew that she wanted to go to college. All throughout her college search, my mom would always have her call me and ask questions before she was going on a campus visit and update me afterwards.
I always tried my hardest to let her know that whatever college choice she made I would support her. As long as the school was perfect for her she would be happy. For me, it is so weird to think that the little girl I used to use as my baby when playing house was about to graduate high school and head off to college.
When it came to separating myself and letting her make her own decisions, I found it difficult to accept that she was soon going to be an adult. Eventually she chose to stay home, attend a community college, and save money to transfer in a couple of years. As her first semester has progressed, I call her to ask how her schoolwork is going and if she has made the decision to come to Miami. I want her to come here so I can make sure she succeeds, but at the same time am well aware that she needs to go wherever she wants to. For those of you who have younger siblings and are watching them grow up, graduate high school, and choose a college, don’t be afraid to let go.
Maybe some of you were the middle child and had an older sibling there when you were choosing a school. If so, it’s your time to set the example while your younger siblings are making a decision for the next four years of their life. Even though you want to be protective, realize you were once at that age and although you didn’t know the key to life, you wanted control of your destiny. If your younger sibling decides to come to Miami, enjoy it. I miss my sisters every single day and wish so much that we could spend time together. If a younger sibling wants you to be a part of their journey as she starts college, take advantage of it! Remember to let her go and let her grow. Let her make friends and see what it’s like to be on her own, experiencing the college life for herself.