Dear Big,

If someone had told me a year ago that I would join Greek Life this past January I would have probably laughed. I never hated the idea of being in a sorority, but it just never crossed my mind as a campus organization I would be a part of; I just didn’t feel like I was cut out to be a “sorority girl”.

You already know this, but before I met you I was in a tough place in my life. I was still struggling to get out of an abusive relationship, friendships had suffered, as did my own well-being. I constantly felt inadequate and unlovable and I felt as if I was trapped in this black hole.

I had some good days when things seemed to be heading in a positive direction (at least temporarily) when my friend suggested we register to go through recruitment together, in hopes it would be a good fit for us. I registered thinking there probably was going to be a good chance I would back out when it came time to actually go through recruitment because I was absolutely dreading talking to endless girls in a practically rehearsed manner, and smiling through the pain of the heels I had to wear all day long. My depression and anxiety at that point was still hitting me so hard, I didn’t even think I would have it in me to last all of recruitment, and I am beyond grateful that I was wrong about that.

Bid day was a blur, filled with a thousand emotions and all of my new sisters’ unfamiliar faces lit up with unbelievable excitement and joy. Looking back, it amazes me that it was mere chance that led me to join Greek Life, which brought me to Alpha Gamma Delta, and of course– you.

You were the first of many extraordinary friends I have made in Alpha Gamma Delta that have already been such a blessing to my life. Who would have thought that holding a sign with my name on it would lead to such an amazing friendship, sisterhood, and bond?

I realized you were the Big for me during one of the many times we spent together prior to Big/Little pairings. I honestly can’t even remember what you had said, but in that moment I immediately thought, “Wow, this girl just gets me.”

Since then, you and I have been inseparable and essentially a package deal. You have filled the past 6 months with endless laughs and smiles and have further made Alpha Gamma Delta home for me, so I just wanted to say thank you.

Thank you for all the good times, and the many more to come. Whether if it’s chill nights in, or obsessing over The Bachelor, or playing with puppies, or one of our crazy nights out, it’s always an adventure with you and there’s usually a good chance I find myself laughing so hard I’m in tears.

Thank you for supporting me and for pushing me closer towards my aspirations. Discussing the future never seems as daunting when it’s with you. The pieces seem to be falling into place and I’m now more easily able to see what the full puzzle will look like for me, and a part of that has to do with your constant love and support. When I was beginning to prepare for my summer abroad in Greece, I started to panic over being away from home and my friends for two months and I almost didn’t want to go, but you reassured me that everything was going to be amazing and you even came and visited the weekend before I left. Now here I am in Greece, writing this to you in a cute Greek café, having one of the most incredible summers of my life.

Lastly, thank you for always being there for me and being my friend. You never fail to be there for all the fun times, but more importantly, you stick around for the rougher times too. You are so much more than I could have ever asked for in a Big and for a friend and I couldn’t feel any more lucky.

Love,

Your Little