Dear Ally,

It’s hard to believe I am graduating today. It’s even harder to imagine living without you in just a few short months.

While I won’t miss the fighting, or you stealing my clothes, there is a lot I will miss.

I’ll miss waking up and knowing you’re in the room right next to mine. I’ll miss our shared bathroom, and the messy, makeupy chaos of it. I’ll miss doing our homework on couches across from each other. I’ll miss performing in shows with you. I’ll miss sharing popcorn during family movie nights. I’ll miss giving you a hug good night. I’ll miss driving to Starbucks with you in the morning. I’ll miss seeing your smiling face in the hallways.

I feel so lucky to have gotten to spend this year with you. I can’t believe you’re going to be a sophomore. I know you’ve already made it through one year at Staples, and I’m so proud of you. I’ve only got a few pieces of advice.

Make the most of it. I know it isn’t always easy.

Take classes you’re excited to go to. Don’t worry about following the beaten path. Staples has a lot of incredible opportunities– try to take advantage of them. If you are interested in the material, the homework will be that much less torturous.

Find at least one activity you love. It doesn’t have to be an organized or school-related one. Just find something that you can do that gives you pure joy. Happiness should never be undervalued.

Find a few people who make you feel really good about yourself, because you are amazing and kind and good-hearted and inspiring, and no one should ever make you feel less than you are. Don’t be afraid to cut toxic people out of your life. Starting over can be hard, but sometimes it’s necessary.

Keep moving forward. I know in a place like Staples, where competition is ridiculously high and can get cutthroat, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Try not to let fear, panic, or despair bog you down. Rise above the challenges. Embrace failure, and then move on from it. Learn from your mistakes. Never stop trying, never stop working to be better. You won’t always be the best. That’s okay. Try your best, do your best, don’t worry about being the best. It’s overrated.

Finally, stay true to yourself. Do what makes you happy, and don’t worry about what anyone else says. My biggest wish for you is that you always have something positive in your life.

Above all, remember that I love you. I’m only a few hours away, and you know I’ll always be happy to see you. You make me proud babe.

And if I’m being truly honest, I probably will miss even the fighting.