As I have talked about a lot through my writing, being in a sorority and having a huge new family is basically the best feeling in the world. I have not, however, touched on how incredible it is to be in an official family within your sorority.
In Phi Mu, it is approximately one month between bid day and big sis/little sis reveal. It sounds crazy that within that short amount of time you are able to bond with a new member so much that you would want to adopt them, but it really does happen that quickly! Between rushing the girls their senior year, spending a grueling week pouring our hearts out to them about how much we love our affiliation and then sharing the joys of our sorority with them as they immerse themselves in their new homes, it is surprisingly easy to feel deeply and quickly connected with the new girls.
When I was in the new member position last year, I was so nervous and anxious about whom my big sis would be because I was not particularly close with any of the girls in the class above me when I joined. Come time to list my options for my new family, I knew that I would fit in and be thrilled to join a number of different Phi Mu families. I hope that the new member class that will soon find their family with my friends and I’s families feel the same connection and excitement as I did.
Reasons to love having a big sis:
1. Presents — Honestly, this one is obvious. I remember being humiliated at the beginning of college because the only t-shirts I had said things like “Madison Central Jaguars” or “Student Section.” When I got my big sis, I had more Phi Mu t-shirts than I knew what to do with, and I am forever thankful for that saving grace; I then blended in with the rest of the sorority girls on campus and felt less like a sore thumb!
2. Guidance — Even after being at school for a month (even after being at school for a semester), there were a lot of things that I did not know or understand about how things worked on campus. Having a big sis to turn to and know that she would help me with whatever questions I had was such a relief, and it still is today as I am now a sophomore. (Let’s be honest...I’m always gonna be confused about something!)
3. Grand-Bigs (and in my case a twin) — Having an extended family is equally as comforting as having a big. I love having a twin to share things with and my grand big has been especially catering to us as we navigated through freshman year.
Ultimately, having a sorority family provides you with even more love and support than you already get from generally being in a sorority. I absolutely cannot wait to welcome my beautiful new little sis into my fabulous family this Thursday!
