If anyone has had a Greek experience like mine, you would understand what large roles your big and little play in your life. Starting from freshman year, you enter the next chapter in your life scared of the future, not knowing what is in store for you. It isn’t until you meet your big that you realize there is no reason to be scared at all.

From the very beginning, my big has been by my side. She has always been the one to be like a big sister and a friend. Because I did not grow up with siblings, I had no idea of what being a true sister was like. She was patient with me when I did not understand sorority life norms, and even more understanding when I was struggling in school. We have been through a lot together, from supporting each other on executive council to watching her get engaged, I know that she and I are truly friends for a lifetime. My big is the reason that I continue to be such a dedicated member of my chapter, and I don’t know how I would have made it through my college years without her.

Even though my big has endlessly supported me, it hasn’t always been just us two.

My sophomore year of college is when “being a sister” became a lot more significant. I was finally a big. I remember the days leading up to our big/little reveal, the long nights of staying up late perfecting her crafts, making them perfect and still being terrified all at the same time that she wouldn’t like them. Although my little and I didn’t know each other very well, we would soon become best friends; just like my big and I. I finally understood what it meant to have someone need me, and understand why my big was so protective. Just like a good big should, I was there when she needed help, needed a friend, and needed a shoulder to cry on.

Having a little means more than the crafting, t-shirts, or events. Whether you realize it or not, being a big means so much. Littles look up to their bigs, and as a big, it is your responsibility to be setting a great example of what is like to be a dedicated chapter member, sister, and friend. Having a little means picking them up when they are down, helping them with their studies, and showing them why Greek Life is so breathtaking. Just like my big and I, my little and I have been through it all. We have laughed together, cried together, and have experienced much of what college life has to offer. I am so lucky to be a part of such a great chapter who understands the importance of big/little relationships, and even luckier to have the big and little that I do. So whether you are graduated, about to graduate, or are unsure of your next step in life, know that no matter how old you get, your big and little are always there for you. It truly isn’t for four years, these friendships last a lifetime.