Recruitment season is upon us, ladies. A new incoming pledge class means new "best Bigs ever" and new "perfect Littles." All rising sophomores are dreaming of their ideal Little, concocting reveal plans and avidly crafting. Some Bigs-to-be are even putting in overtime with the hot glue gun in hopes that they may receive TWO Littles. Don't get me wrong, crafts, t-shirts and the first "family bar crawl" are all fine and dandy, but when the glitter clears, the paint fades and the semesters pass on, many Littles (or Bigs) go forgotten.
And for some soon-to-be-Bigs, having a Little is almost as stressful as being a first-time mother. The "expectant Bigs" nervously wait to be paired with a random new member, embark on an incredibly awkward night, and hope, that by chance, their poorly-done crafts will persuade each other to be some sort of odd, distant family. Some new Bigs just do not know what to do with their new Littles due to never having a Big, being paired with a not-so-compatible Little or just being a naturally shy person. Generating ideas on "family building" can be difficult for one of the aforementioned scenarios.
But never fear! In hopes that you may never lose the sparkle of the first night or to relieve you from the awkwardness of not knowing what to do, this article will help you become literally the BEST Big everrrr.
1. Support your little.
Help her become the best person that she can be. It will humble you and provide for a great family enrichment. You are the rock your Little needs to survive three years of college. You are the cheerleader, the mom, etc. Be someone to listen, give her gold star stickers for a job well done, be a friend when no one is there, maybe even be a bail bondsman.
2. Invite her to your apartment for sleepovers.
There's nothing better than getting out of the freshman dorms and hanging out with upperclassmen. It's the little things that make a Little feel special.
3. Introduce her to all family members.
This includes your Grandbig, any Twins, Aunts, Greatgrandbigs, etc. Some families can get enormous, but that's just more love to spread.
4. Act as her mentor.
New Members are like fish. They're completely clueless about almost everything, and that's okay. We've all been there. A Big is not just there to provide gifts. A Big is to serve as a mentor and teach the young one the ways of your sorority. From ritual to date party advice, from car rides to dance practice, you are the one who teaches her what your sorority is all about!
5. Give her rides.
It's a hassle for freshmen to bring a car to campus. Help your Little out when she needs a trip to Walmart.
6. Go to fraternity parties with her.
Introduce her to the fraternity brothers you know. Drink mystery juice with her and dance all night long. Have fun and experience typical college life with her but also serve as a protective eye.
7. Like all of her Instagram pictures.
Look, people actually care how many likes they get on each photo. Your Little is fire anyway, SO let her know how hot she is.
8. Pay attention to her.
It's scary to be a freshman, surrounded by so many upperclassmen. It feels, to Littles, as if they are all alone on your enormous campus. Remembering little details like class schedules, birthdays or what she did in high school will make your Little feel important enough to be on your mind. It really is a confidence booster.
9. Help her find a formal date.
Chances are, as a freshman, your Little probably does not know too many guys on campus (minus the ones who intentionally creep outside the female residence halls). Forget the Google Drive pages and personally set up your perfect Little with the perfect date.
10. Can't find a date for her? Go stag with her.
Ninety percent of the time, this is way more fun anyway.
11. Matching Big/Little gear is a must.
This will make you and your Little 1,000 time more likely to be BFFs together. Flasks, t-shirts, bows, Alex and Ani bracelets, and so on are must-buys for Reveal Day.
12. Always have Little's back.
No matter if it is an issue in the house, on sorority row, at a fraternity party or back in her hometown, ALWAYS side with your Little. Regardless if she is in the right or wrong, ALWAYS show your loyalty to your Little. If she was wrong in the situation, tell her, but don't humiliate her.
13. Pass down your t-shirts
I'm actually not sure what started this trend or what made it seem appealing, but I do know that it is one of the best traditions that comes with Big/Little reveal. Something about getting worn out, XXL t-shirts worn by years and years upon sisters is just wonderful.
14. Show her just how much she means to the sorority.
Your Little is now a part of your sorority's legacy, and that's HUGE. Not only does she mean the world to you, but also to your chapter. Little is about to embark on the greatest journey of her life, and you get to experience it with her, side by side. Shower her with gifts, love, anything and everything to show her just how excited you are that she is now your perfect Little.
