Dear Ricky,
In just a short time, you will be embarking on one of the greatest chapters of your life: study abroad. While your mind is currently filled to the brim with a never-ending list of what to pack, what your host family and fellow students will be like, how hard your classes will be, etc. etc., I encourage you to take a moment to instead think about just how mother-freaking life-changing these next few months are about to be for you. I'm talking living-on-your-own-in-a-foreign-country-coming-back-and-being-transformed-into-the-absolute-best-version-of-yourself kind of life-changing.
Have you put down the packing list yet?
Good.
Now, as you know, it's pretty much part of the big sister job description to offer my unsolicited advice from lessons learned, mistakes made (probably more than once), tears shed, good times had, and moments I'll never forget. But one of the best parts about study abroad is that there's no one-size-fits-all handbook for the journey to come. You'll learn your own lessons, make your own mistakes, maybe even shed your own tears, but above all, you'll make your own unforgettable memories from all the amazing times that lay ahead.
So, sure, I can give you the step-by-step map of what the next four months might have in store for you, but where's the fun in that?
Instead, allow me to share my hopes for you as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime...
1. I hope you go in with an open mind -- and an even wider open heart. Don't be afraid to explore unbeaten paths and unchartered waters, and delve into cultures you've only heard about. Know that every place, face, high and low are there to teach you something.
2. I hope you say yes -- to adventure, to friendship, to excitement, maybe even to love. Yes for your taste buds (however questionable), for your memories, for your curiosity, yes for your soul.
3. I hope you grow -- as a person, of course -- but also physically. Coming back a few pounds heavier than you left is the number one sign of a successful study abroad trip. Ask pretty much anyone. It means you didn't hold anything back and you dove in head first. Seconds of the best, most authentic pasta or Weinerschnitzel you've ever had? Please and thank you!
4. I hope you carve out days to venture on your own. Forget the map and get beautifully lost. Stumble upon quaint cafés and amazing, hole-in-the-wall restaurants just 'cause you feel like it. Strike up a conversation with a kind stranger and swap stories -- in whatever broken language you both can. And, when in doubt, always remember a smile (or totally ridiculous, but surprisingly effective, hand signals) will take you further than you think.
5. I hope you experience mishaps. And you will experience some mishaps... Impossible language barriers, missed flights, pickpocketers, food poisoning, getting lost (really lost...). Whether it's one of these or all of these, there will be times when things don't go your way. Lucky for you, these are all chances to grow, to learn... Patience. Trust. Acceptance. Finding your way... And whatever other epic lessons the Universe has in store for you.
6. I hope you cherish the unforgettable moments. Taking your first sip of Paulaner beer out of a stein at Oktoberfest. Noticing how little you feel gazing up at the Eiffel Tower. Exploring an entire city in one day soley by your senses. And when you do... write about it, photograph it, film it. But do these things for you. Not because it'll make an epic Instagram or Facebook post, or a hilarious 140-character Tweet, but because in that moment, however wonderful, lonely, beautiful, embarrassing, sad or breathtaking, it was something you'll never forget. Record every smell, every sight, every feeling; so that one day you can relive it as if you were there.
All in all, I hope you lose yourself so you can truly find yourself.
I hope you venture to the furthest edge of your comfort zone and take a leap into the unknown.
I hope you have the time of your life.
Oh yeah, and don't forget about us little ones at home living vicariously through you...
With Love,
Your Big Sis
Also on HuffPost: