As your less immediate, slightly older member of your soon-to-be lineage, I’d like to start with, I cannot wait to welcome you with open arms into one of the many things that has made joining a Greek organization so worthwhile for me. My social media stalking skills were really put to the test this week upon receiving a gushing, ALL CAPS text from my Little revealing your identity. Seriously, I had your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts pulled up on my computer in ten seconds flat. I know who all of your closest friends in your pledge class are, your class schedule, your home address, what you wore to prom, and just how awkward you looked in middle school (I dig the braces). I’ve been itching all week to just run up to you, tackle you in a hug, and yell “I’M YOUR GRANDBIG!” from the rooftops of the frats surrounding our beautiful castle (chapter house), but I’ve refrained for the sake of the element of surprise. But just know, I’m freaking pumped!
Now, about your Big -- you could not have gotten luckier because you are about to gain the truest, most loyal, caring, and funniest gal pal to call your own at the end of this week. That’s right, you and I got lucky with her. She’s not a regular mom; she’s a cool mom. And I cannot wait to watch your relationship with her flourish as ours did one year ago at this time, when she got stuck with me (JK I’m not that bad). Whenever you have questions about chapter, meals, and formal dates, she’s your girl. She was in your position last year and knows what it’s like to need someone to go to with questions and concerns that fall under the umbrella of #freshmanyearprobs.
As for our relationship, that’s going to look a bit different. I’m a bit more checked out but only because I’m focusing more heavily on school and work, not because I don’t care (I DO). If you EVER find yourself stuck at a frat in the morning, not prepared for your first walk of shame, CALL ME. I will come pick you up immediately to save you and our family that embarrassment. If you need me to kick a boy’s ass, I will, no questions asked, and chances are, I know his big and grand big and I’ll kick their asses too for good measure. You can expect me to send you screenshots of sassy tweets and Instagrams on the #reg because that’s just grand big duties 101 and you can also look forward to multiple coffee dates and wine nights together when your big lets me have you to myself (muahaha).
If you get into trouble, which will happen because you are in my lineage after all, take your punishment with a smile and a bottle of wine (on me) because standards ultimately just wants what’s best for you and your safety. Don’t be dumb. This is still college and the Greek community isn’t some Utopia where sketchy shit doesn’t go on, so protect yourself and your sisters. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave anyone behind EVER, and don’t go see that boys “fish tank.” TRUST ME, he doesn’t have any fish.
Remember our lineage is important to each member that has joined and molded it before you, as it should be to you too. We don’t take it lightly and we don’t take it for granted. Cherish this year as the baby of the family and next year, when it comes time for you to add onto it, take care and choose wisely just as we have in choosing you. We know you won’t let us down which is exactly why we picked you.
Live it up these next four years because they truly are the best four years of your life. You’ll learn, do, and experience things that will be seriously life altering and rewarding and the people surrounding you right now in this beautiful organization will be the ones you’ll do those things with. Don’t miss out on anything. Throw yourself at every opportunity that’s presented to you which forces you to go out of your comfort zone with your sisters beside you and I promise you you’ll never have a single regret when you look back on your time in college.
Finally, welcome to the fam you perfect little princess you!
