I have now been a Big sister to three wonderful Little sisters in my time in Sigma Alpha Iota. They have all been quick learners, wonderful Littles, great friends and just all-around excellent people. I could go on and on about what they mean to me and how much they mean to me (which they mean the world to me), but I want to talk about what I think it means to be a Big, no matter what fraternity or sorority you may be in.
1. Setting an Example
When you become someone’s Big, you are now what they see as a model of what your fraternity/sorority represents. It is your job to be your best self, to represent your organization positively at all times and to show your Little what it means to be a member of your organization.
2. Being a Mentor
In Sigma Alpha Iota, we also call Big sisters “mentors,” and we do it for a reason. Our Littles (also called Members-in-Training) have to learn a lot of information to get through our national exam. And I mean a lot. This means that as a Big, we are also a mentor. We have to help them get through and learn all of this information to the best of our ability. If it’s rhyming, basically playing charades or just doing flashcards, you need to help as much as you can. I know it's not the same in every organization, but guiding them along the way is so important.
3. Helping them as Sisters/Brothers
After your Little is initiated, you are still their Big and it’s your job to help them within your organization. Whether it means explaining what happens in meetings, how to get into the meetings, what to wear to the meetings, reminding them about events or just continuing to set an example, you are still continuing to help them in every way you can. Sometimes becoming part of such an amazing organization can be a little overwhelming. Helping your Little become accustomed to the ways things work will help them in the long run.
4. Being a Friend
As well as being their Big, you are their friend. I know that in some cases, this doesn’t work out, but being friends with your Little provides such a wonderful and special bond that really can’t be found anywhere or replaced by anything. Being a Big and being able to share this experience with someone who’s willing to become a brother/sister is honestly one of the most wonderful feelings. Along with being their friend, you can be someone that they can always turn to, whether it’s for fraternity/sorority business or not.
5. Being their Family
I find that in my Big, her Littles, one of their Littles, mine and my Little's Little, we have a huge family. We are all connected by this wonderful bond, and though we may not get along at times, we all share this same love for each other and our organization. In some organizations, there are family trees and family names, and in some there aren’t, but you are still a family. I know that in the end, these are the people who will be here for me, and I will cherish that forever.
I find that being a Big is a huge responsibility, but it’s still one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences. I love my Littles with everything I have, and I can’t wait to see where this family goes.
