With today’s media equating sorority life to lots of blonde hair and the color pink, it is easy for stereotypes to be unconsciously adopted, and for Greek tradition to be trivialized altogether. While, OK fine, the countless themed Bid Day posts overflowing all of your Instagram feeds these past few weeks may have gotten a bit frustrating, we’ve finally moved on to something much more important. As I’ve now come to fully recognize, Big/Little week is truly an amazing event packed with a ton of deeper meaning. What may seem like just an overly expensive excuse to cheer and spend more time doing anything besides studying has actually turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far within the Greek community. And after just having wrapped up the much anticipated “reveal” this past week, I’m here to share the inside scoop on all the step by step Big/Little details…

Meeting the freshmen.

In order to choose exactly who'd be the most compatible addition to your family, you're going to have to get to know the new pledge class. To do this, most sororities will hold some kind of "speed dating" session. If you're anything like me, sitting in a circle continuously naming which person, dead or alive, you'd like to have dinner with definitely sounds like more of a chore than a fun activity. Though overwhelming, I enjoyed myself way more than I thought I would! Chatting with each freshman allowed me to catch a glimpse of the future leaders of my sorority. These are the girls that will eventually be taking over the chapter and assuming responsibility for our legacy here on campus, and that's something really special. Talking to each of the new members allowed me to really adopt the position of a role model. A year ago, I sat right where they're sitting now-- both excited and nervous to start the first Greek chapter in my life.

Shopping and preparing.

Shopping itself is fun, but shopping for your little is even better! After discreetly messaging all of my little's friends, I had a pretty extensive list of all of her favorite snacks and funniest stories. Aside from the hilarity of it all, this also helped me to get to know my little and the types of things she low-key likes, dislikes, and is passionate about. So, my grand-big and I set out to Walmart and the dollar store, buying treats from A-Z, along with anything else that looked even remotely fitting (see our cart above). This step of the process made me recognize the importance of the traditional aspect of Big/Little Week. As I walked through the crowded aisles, I pictured my own big excitedly doing the same for me just last year. It felt great to know I was officially part of something bigger than just shopping; I was really continuing the ritual and learning to appreciate my own big on a larger level than ever before, too.

Decorating.

Arguably the most widely known part of Big/Little is the decorating! At Wisconsin, for three days I snuck into my little's room while she was at class and decorated her bed according to theme, filling it with all of the snacks and treats I had bought/baked. As I'm sure you might've guessed, lugging a suitcase full of food across campus is definitely strenuous and time-consuming, and yet I loved it! Though stressful, I took pride in my artistic abilities, sending pictures to all of my friends. This step of the process allows you to really selflessly think about someone else-making their room the best possible and excitedly anticipating their amazing reactions.

Reveal.

And just like that, it's reveal and all your hard work is about to pay off! Like everyone else, I was practically shaking with excitement at the thought of officially welcoming my little into the family. Seeing the look on my little's face when she realized for the first time that I was her big was so rewarding. Finally, having a little allowed me to feel like a part of something bigger, like I was really bonding with my sorority sisters on a brand new level. Together, we had formed our own family that would support and be there for each other always, no matter what.

When home is really where the heart is, Big/Little leaves you feeling like you have a place to call your own, no matter how far away from it you may actually be. While it's definitely fun and exciting, the process is truly meaningful as well. It allows each sorority member to find exactly where, and with whom, she feels she belongs most. Within each family are the shared memories, passions, and values which transform Big/Little Week into something much more important than just another glittery, Greek life tradition. Though it's definitely hard work, Big/Little has rewarded me with a second family I know I can always count on for anything and everything, and for that I am forever grateful!