My little brother is applying for undergrad and I’ve been helping him as much as possible.

We are extremely close.  I attribute all of my success and sanity to his presence.  

Watching him undertake something that I’ve done, I’m so tempted to lecture him for hours about things he should or should not do.

I told him this… 

I know that you are intelligent.  I know that you can do anything.  The world is yours.  Up until now, you have been putting forth enough effort to survive, enough to maintain.  Remember that feeling.  Keep it with you everyday and understand why you cannot do that anymore.  

You have to try now.  You have to demonstrate your abilities everyday.  You have to separate yourself from the people who don’t take advantage of opportunity. 

This might seem like a lot of work and I know that you’re like me, it’s much easier to be lazy.  That’s wasteful.   College isn’t paramount, it’s preparation.  

He is gonna be fine.  I know it.