So if you know anything at all about sororities, you know how important big/little week is to the sisters. A big/little relationship differs from that of every other relationship within or outside of your sorority. A big is a mentor, best friend, partner in crime and babysitter when the situation calls for it. A little is basically a tiny version of the big, brimming with potential and excitement for their sorority years.
A pledge mom, membership chair, or new member educator is basically the sole link between new members and active sisters right up until big/little reveals. Here are some words of advice from our new member educator, Gabriela Gabbidon about what being a good big or a good little means.
1. What defines a "good big"?
GG: Bigs should always remember that they're mentors first before anything else. They're there for any questions a little has about a sorority, about Rutgers or about life in general. Friendship will come next; every big has a different relationship with their little but at the core she needs to be a mentor.
2. When is the right time to take a little?
GG: Once you feel that you can handle the responsibility it takes. Right after the new member educator, the big is pivotal in the new member experience so bigs need to know that they can handle it.
3. What is the best part about big/little week?
GG: The excitement and knowing what the new members are in store for. I had the best big/little week and I'm so enthusiastic about what I know all the new members have!
4. What makes a good little?
GG: Being a good little means putting in the effort that the relationship needs. The little can't solely rely on the big to start conversations. It's a two-way street. Littles should know that they're going to be "baby-ed" and accept that! For people that have independent personalities it might be hard to step back but do! You only get to be a little once.
5. What should a big/little relationship be after college?
GG: After college, lives change as well a big/little relationships. My older sister and her little have the kind of relationship where they still keep in touch and are there whenever they need each other; they're literally the same person. Versus other relationships only last during college but that's ok because it was exactly what people needed at the time.
Big/little relationships are different for everyone. The most important thing to remember is that this relationship is what you make of it, so make sure you put in all the effort you can and you're sure to have a great time!