Jaelynn Romano, a senior at Hoover High School, got accepted into UC Santa Cruz.

She’s leaving in August, five and a half hours away from Glendale.

Five and a half hours away from home.

Five and a half hours away from me.

I’m her little sister, and this isn’t just about her going to college. It’s about who she is to me.

She is my best friend, even when we argue.

She is the person I go to when I need help or advice.

She is funny, loud, and always knows how to make me laugh.

She is someone I’ve looked up to my whole life.

And now she’s going to be five and a half hours away.

I don’t think it’s really hit me yet.

 Like, I know she’s leaving, but it doesn’t feel real.

 I keep thinking about all the normal things we do every day that are just going to stop.

I’m going to miss talking to her about random stuff.

I’m going to miss laughing with her over things that don’t even make sense.

I’m going to miss just having her there, even if we’re not doing anything.

It’s weird because I’m really proud of her, but also really sad at the same time.

I know she’s going to do amazing things at college, and she deserves this so much. 

But it’s still going to be hard not seeing her every day.

Five and a half hours feels really far when it’s someone you love this much.

Congrats, Jaelynn.

Love you.

—Your sister