Sibling Letters

Senior Gavin Collins and sister, freshman Mia Collins

Gavin,

It is time to take on the big, exciting, real world. I know that you’ll do great, don’t let anything stop you from what you want to accomplish. You have nothing to be afraid of.

You’re ready for this next step, and I am so excited to see where it takes you in life.

I’ll always be thinking of you. I love you more than anything! You’ve got this, always stay positive :)

Love, Mia

Senior Hannah Brown and older sister, Makalynn Brown

Hannah,

I know this senior year has been nothing of the ordinary and nobody would have been able to predict this. You should have been celebrating and making memories with your friends, but instead we are almost two month into being quarantined at home. Guess that means you will have to make up for the lost time and celebrate this summer! In the fall you will be starting a whole new journey in the college world. Some things I would advise you to would be as involved as possible. You will make some of the greatest friends and memories at college. It may be stressful at times, but the good will always outweigh the bad in the end. Just remember that God and your family will always be there for you.

Love, Makalynn

Senior Abby Colson and older sisters, Mara and Macy Colson

Abby,

I’m so proud of you and all your accomplishments through our high school. You’re the sweetest and kindest person I know. I know that your kind spirit will continue on to people you meet in college and eventually to your future students when you become a teacher. My greatest advice to you is to try new things in college; join new clubs, do new activities and make more friends. I know this won’t be hard for you and no matter what you’ll always have the support of your family. Go do great things!

– Mara

My advice would be to never try any dining hall pasta. When you first try it, you’ll be like, “This isn’t that bad. Maybe I’ll start eating this more often.” So then you will, but it will slowly start to be less and less appetizing. But then at that point, you’re too far in. No other foods sound good when it’s time to eat, and even though the pasta doesn’t either, you’ll still choose it anyways because the line is shortest. By the end of the first semester, you will be eating pasta for at least one meal each day, which will, in turn, make you begin questioning all of your life choices. So just don’t try the pasta to begin with.

— Macy

Senior Brianna Self and older sister, Destany Self

Brianna,

As your big sister, it has been so much fun to see you grow, learn, and become the person that you are firsthand. From playing with Barbies in your bedroom, getting our first pet, both of us getting our license, we really have been through everything together. There isn’t anyone else that I would rather have shared those memories with. You have big dreams, bigger than I could ever imagine, and I will continue to be there for you every step of the way.

Throughout your life, you’re going to have many ups and downs as you travel down your path, but there is no one more fit to handle those than you, and I know you will do so with much grace and poise, just as you have your whole life. Make goals. Create plans. Hold yourself accountable. And never ever ever give up on what you want to accomplish. You will go as far as you’re willing to work, so always push towards the bigger picture. I am incredibly proud of you, kiddo, and I know you will make it big one day and have everything you ever dreamed of.

Trust God’s guidance. Sometimes the plan you have for yourself isn’t the one that God has planned for you. Trust his path and follow it, even when it makes you uncomfortable. Take the leap of faith, and you will achieve everything.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV – Destany Self