Your big in Greek life is kind of like your favorite school teacher growing up. They do so much more than what's expected in their job description, they don't get paid enough for all of the work they do, and they impact your life in a way you might not have noticed at first. My big went alum in our chapter yesterday, will graduate college in two weeks, and I have no idea what I'm going to do next semester without her. What I do know, however, is how thankful I am for having my big in my life this past year. Here are 9 things all of us should thank our bigs for.

1. For Convincing You To Give Your Chapter A Chance.

My big was the first girl in our chapter that I met and she was the one who talked to me on preference day. Whether or not that's what happened with your big, they obviously played a huge part in convincing you that this was your home. And they were right, per usual.

2. For Helping You Come Out Of Your Shell.

Whether it was going to philanthropies, events, and parties with you so you weren't alone, introducing you to all of their friends, or just generally helping you out of your comfort zone, your big was there supporting you the whole way as you figured out who you wanted to be. In Omnia Paratus.

3. For Giving You Advice.

Chances are they had already dealt with what you were going through, so they were there to help you pick up the pieces even when everything felt like it was falling apart.

4. For Calming You Down When You Freaked Out.

Maybe you're not as anxious or stressed out of a person as I am, but your big probably had to ( or will) coax you out of a few meltdowns during their time in your chapter. You're not quite sure how they did it, but they always seemed to make you feel better.

5. For The Nights You'll Never Forget.

No explanation needed.

6. For Loving You And Your Awkwardness.

Everyone is awkward and weird in their own way, and your big accepted your weirdness, and you accepted theirs.

7. For Being Lost With You.

Navigating through your early 20's is complicated, and it almost never makes sense. Your big is not exempt from that. But it was a relief to know that you are not the only one who has no idea what they're doing.

8. For Helping You Understand What It Really Means To Be A Part Of Your Organization.

During recruitment you see the pretty dresses, the loud chanting, the happy smiles, and the excited girls who want to welcome you to their chapter, but once you're in, you get to see more than just the surface. Your big was there to guide you as you came to learn what it really means to be a member of your organization.

9. For Everything To Come.

Because this is not the end. It's the beginning.

Congratulations to my compassionate, brave, and beautiful big. Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am that you came into my life when you did. I love you.