Joining a sorority will enrich your college experience in many ways, but one of the best aspects is definitely the special bond between a “little” and her “big.” And I’m not just talking about all of the gifts you get…although those are nice, too!

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Day 5
Reveal!

It’s difficult to describe this bond because it differs for every big/little, and words can’t describe the unique relationship we have with our “bigs.” But I will try to explain it through my own experience with my amazing big:

1. We’ve been creating memories from the beginning. It all began during big/little week. We did not have the most traditional experience, given that I knew she was my big. Friends staked the halls, and her disguises weren’t enough. When I found it was her, we celebrated with sparkling cider she gave us the next night, which almost got us a noise violation. It was all confirmed when I caught her leaving my dorm after dropping my gifts off the next night. Even though she lied, saying she was going to visit someone else (who I know doesn’t even live in my dorm!), I knew it was her all along! That didn’t make Reveal any less exciting, though. On my first night in the family, we already got inspiration for a new family heirloom when I needed to stop at the CVS drive-thru and forgot to return the clipboard. This clipboard is now a reminder of the first day I became the “little” of the Ad Astra fam. Since then, we’ve continued to make memories together by going on adventures. We drove through torrential downpours, went to the Barn (only bar close to Furman) in our PJs, and danced in the car on the way to a party. We like to have a good time! My side of the Ad Astra familyAt the Barn in our PJsBell Tower Dance Party!
2. We push each other to excel and grow as people. College is primarily about education, and we make sure school comes first. Whether we are swapping books to read, locking ourselves in a study room for 10 hours during finals week, or sitting together during required student recitals and choir rehearsal for music majors (more like sitting in the back and making faces to help each other get through rehearsal), we try to get the most of out of the incredible, but rigorous, academics at Furman. We were both super excited to make Dean’s List! However, education isn’t everything, and my big and I both value living a life based on strong morals and values. One place we have both found inspiration and support in doing so is through our faith. I had no idea when volunteering to sing at church that my accompanist would become my future big. Sharing our faith has been a blessing because we enjoy having deep talks about our faith and even praying the rosary together in order to learn more and grow spiritually. I think the most fun thing we have done is attend a “Catholic” talk on how to brew beer…very interesting! It may not be faith that other sisters share, but sharing something close to both of your hearts is truly a gift.After our chorus concert!My great grand big and I went to go see my big's piano recital!
3. We always try to understand each other. Despite our similarities, we have many differences in personality. But thanks to analyzing my ESFJ Myers-Briggs personality and her INFJ personality, we have come to the realization that her more reserved side balances out my crazy one.
4. We can always count on each other. We celebrate the things that make us happy in life, are always there to console each other, and even take care of each other when we are sick. It made me so happy that she was there to make my birthday special. She decorated my door and gave me anchor earrings, of course! (See picture of door below!) The door made my day 10,000 times better, and thanks to my chill roommate, it stayed up for the rest of the year. Also, she agreed to go to a party with me and all of my other crazy friends that night. My day wouldn’t have been the same without her, and I can’t wait to celebrate her 21st in September! We also always support each other when it comes to guys. Countless hours have been spent ranting about guys, being a shoulder to lean on, or being the best wing woman on campus. My favorite study break is walking around campus and talking about all of our guy problems. On Monday nights, we get together to watch The Bachelorette (mostly making fun of the drama), and then she makes fun of me for saying if I don’t find someone by age 30, I will go on the show! (Maybe that is pathetic…I don’t know!) Despite our jokes, consistently having someone by your side through all the fun and sometimes emotional relationships is priceless, and I’m happy to have found a bridesmaid before I've found my groom. We always take care of each other when we are sick….because being sick in college without Mom is never a fun time! When she was sick, I got her a card, flowers, and chocolates just to make her day. And I appreciate that she is always there for me when I feel nauseated due to crazy drivers!Birthday door!My birthday night!
5. We take pride in being part of DG by taking way too many srat Instagram pictures and even teaching guys to salute at formal. Plus, all those hours of singing together in the car will finally pay off when we get to sing those DG songs together at the top of our lungs at recruitment! We also love taking PNMs on “dates” together because we are always looking around for more girls to continue this amazing sisterhood.
6. We are family. Our parents will never come up to Furman and not bring the other one to dinner. Annie’s mom also is sweet enough to drive me back to Furman after holiday breaks! My sister, Morgan, now considers my big to be her sister because of all the time we spend together. Morgan went to the Barn with us in her PJs and swing danced with a random old man thanks to my big volunteering her. After the Barn, we all had a spontaneous dance party at the Furman bell tower! There’s nothing like some good family fun…

My big, my sister, me, and my grandbig at DG Founder's Day!

Stay tuned for our brewery, coming in Fall 2015!

P.S. Looking for a new sister to join this awesome fam!