A year has come and gone, and this time, I’m on the other side of Big/Little. As a new member of my sorority, I was aware of the hurried and secretive behavior characterizing the older active women that one February weekend. I think I might have even noticed the traces of glitter in their messy buns and smelled the lingering fumes of spray paint from the back room. But, though my eyes and ears wondered at the whispers from the room we were barred from entering, I had no idea what all was going on behind the scenes in the days and nights leading up to that first awe-inspiring Bin Day. Now, as a soon-to-be Big, I know the effort put into making those grand sorority shrines, glittering letters and overflowing gifts bins.

Crafting has quickly turned into an all-encompassing activity this past week, full of around-the-clock trips to Michael's and Joann Fabrics. The wooden floors of the backroom are covered in pink, gold and silver glitter. Paint splatters are scattered across almost everyone’s arms – and if you’re particularly enthusiastic about paint (like I am), your face becomes a palette, too. My dearest companion this week has been Pinterest. With hundreds of clever ideas for puns to write onto canvases and beautiful yet simple sorority craft ideas, there’s been a flurry of all of us trying to scout out and “pin” the best designs. Sneak peeks at our future Little’s wish lists are constantly sent around as we pass each other more paintbrushes and tips.

But what I’ve truly gained from this week is a renewed appreciation for the support my friends and sisters have always given me. Last night I was surprised by a knock on my door from friend Neha and my Big, Tiffany. An hour later our friend Lizzy showed up to my room after a long day of work at her accounting internship with her sleeves rolled up, ready to help. And just as I didn’t have to ask for help for my sisters to know where it was needed, many other women were there to help us Bigs-to-Be. As Lizzy sandpapered down a plastic tub expertly, Morgan churned out canvas after canvas of beautiful Gamma Phi themed décor. In another corner Sarah and Lauren brought down gunny bags worth of sorority shirts to pass onto our future Littles, and Emily explained how to effectively dunk wooden letters in gold glitter with Mod Podge (it is a very useful thing, fellow crafters). As the clock chimed 3AM our room was still wide-awake, elbows deep in glitter with "Clueless," "Bride Wars," "Legally Blonde" and "Cinderella" playing consecutively on the TV.

By the time you read this article my chapter's future Littles will have read their first clue as to whom their Big could possibly be. They will have unveiled their personal shrine of presents, amazed, and if they feel anything like the way I did, they will be overwhelmed in the most delightful way! We always say that Big Little Week is all about the Little Sister, but this past weekend has made me realize how much it is actually about remembering and appreciating “those crazy nights that turn into mornings with friends that turn into family.”