Sororities are notorious for many things. One of these is the complete obsession we have for our Bigs and our Littles. On the outside, I’m sure this relationship looks like an absolute facade, but it really isn’t. How the duo is picked keeps each person’s wants as a priority, especially the Little’s since they’re the new member and will be most affected by the relationship.

So what exactly is this relationship and why do sororities carry on this tradition? College, especially with the addition of Greek Life and the Greek community, can often be confusing and stressful. Since most new members are in their first year when they join a sorority, this is might be a big adjustment for them. A Big for them is a mentor that is meant to help them go through the various changes that Greek Life and college may bring. I really like the idea of this, because this can mean a lot of changes, a lot of emotions, and a lot of new experiences, and it is really nice to have someone who has gone through all those same things recently and is close to your age and willing to help you find your way.

The way you learn who your Big is, is one of the most fun and exciting processes. Throughout the period of one week, your Big gives you gifts associated with your organization which also give clues about who they are. In my sorority, the Bigs also create an Instagram for the week to talk to their little and let them know when to expect their gifts. However, they keep who they are a secret all week by having other sisters in the chapter give their Little their gifts. Sometimes the Little’s are really proactive about finding out who their Big is. Our Spring class actually had a whole chart written up with clues each Big had already given.

Just for some examples, I’m going to share the gifts I gave my little each day.

Day 1: Our first day we were told to give our little some sort of mug or tumbler. My little’s name is Brianne so I got her a cute little mug with a “B” on it. I also filled it with chocolate kisses and put it inside a gift bag with a note explaining to her that each day would have a theme, and that the first day was cozy, and represented the warmth her new sisterhood would bring to her life.

Day 2: The second day we made a picture frame to give our little meant for a picture of the two of us. Since my little loves the TV show friends, I decided to make this day a friends theme. For this day I actually remembered to take pictures and had everything done ahead of time for it. Of course I added more into this gift than just a little bit of candy. I’m big on snacks when watching TV, so I figured it’d be smart to provide her with some. As a bonus I threw in a face mask for some relaxing downtime. 

  Day 3: Okay “bear” – (; – with me now, we’re halfway through the week, which is when we were told to give our little some type of candy, most likely their favorite. Of course I had to organize them by color and include a pun by making the third day’s them sweet just like my little lol. 

  Day 3: The last day before reveal we gave our littles a canvas painting. Unfortunately, on this day I did not include a cute note or any kind of theme and my little didn’t receive this gift until the day of reveal (which I also was not able to attend – I know I suck). But I did give her an Alpha Xi Delta shirt and hat and sent her a message apologizing profusely. For reveal, we made the Xi as a gift for our little (I chose to make them my little’s favorite color with a good dose of glitter). 

P.S. I actually have two little’s I love in completely different ways.This is all about my second time picking up. However, both of my little’s have added to my life and impacted me in such different ways. Itzel was older than me, so I was able to be more of a friend towards her beings she had her life more together than I did. She is one the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. Brianne is my more little, little and while being her big I’ve grown to enjoy and share her zest for life and can’t wait to see her grow our fam.

My 1st little Itzel

Constellation Line Family Letters

My 2nd little Brianne