Dear Future Big,

Words cannot express how excited I am to meet you. Whether we have spoken already or not, I look forward to jumping into your arms and proudly call you my Big! While we will still be anonymous for quite some time, I don’t want to leave you out of the loop.

These past few weeks have been challenging at best. I always try to do my best to develop as a student, and this term took me completely by surprise. In fact, I felt a lot of my developing qualities shrink back in. If I ever look worried on campus, please know that I am stressed, but not sulky. If I don’t answer a conversation with the fullest responses, please know that it’s because work lingers in my mind. I will admit that I can get quite wrapped up in academics; however, I do my best to pull through and make the most of our higher education.

If you’re still with me here, you may notice that I am thankful to be in college. My background is an interesting one that you may have heard of lately. Both of my parents immigrated into the United States in search of opportunities for a “better future.” This American Dream became instilled within me at a young age. Through my humble upbringing, I witnessed a life of hard work that paved the way for my education. As a young adult teaching at my church and working in an immigration law office, I realized the value that my education can have within a community. To echo an anonymous poem on the topic of finals week, my education is not for me. All my achievements will one day serve a greater purpose in a home, school, or hospital. This type of thinking, at least, keeps me motivated to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

The opportunities at WPI excite me for personal development that can be used for the betterment of society. One reason I am overjoyed to join Alpha Xi Delta is the inclusive bond I noticed between Xisters. While we care for each other very much, we also extend that love to others around us. We celebrate each other in every way, and we can also empathize with each other when life gets tougher. This past week in particular has been a rough one for me. But I took notice of how supportive our sisters have been. Every day, a sister inspires me to keep going. One day, I’d like to be in that same position—someone to provide comfort in another sister’s moments of discouragement. Someone with the ability to make a positive change for another.

Future Big, I hope you know that while I carry a serious tone, the sisterhood of AXiD has proven that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It has shown me that there is more than one way to care for a friend and that I am still as limitless as I thought I was when I was younger. Always know that you are a positive addition to my life and I hope to be half the sister you are to me. I am excited to spend time with you, even if just to check-in on your day. Even though I am older and busy, I now know how to find my way around a schedule for a person. I know that with your guidance and my drive, will grow together if only for a few months.

I want to thank you for the chance to be a part of your family. I know it’s not always easy to take in an upperclassman, but I am so glad that you will be in just a few short weeks! I am hoping to FaceTime into Big/Little Reveal in order to meet you. Even if I am physically in the Andes mountains, my heart is with Alpha Xi and with you during Reveal! Until then, I hope you have a well-deserved winter break and a happy holiday with family at home.

I’m so glad to finally get my Big sister.

Much love,

Kathy