"Here's to you, here's to me. Big and Little, we'll always be."
Yea, that's cute sh*t and all, but nobody ever tells you what happens when you're no longer just Big and Little. I always thought it would be just my Little or Dottie, as my chapter calls them, and me. Then, one day junior year rolled around and I realized that was about to change.
Believe me, I had no idea that when you arrive at college, you climax as an underclassman and only become more irrelevant as you near graduation. It's all fun and games until one day, you wake up and realize, you're not a freshman anymore. Heck, you weren't a freshman last year either. Reality slaps you in the face and you're faced with the harsh truth: You're an upperclassman. Your Little isn't so little anymore. In fact, she has a Little of her own. You're a g-ma now. As scary as this may be, there are some benefits to becoming older and well. . . wiser. Don't lose heart; I've got you covered on the best and worst parts about becoming the almost-matriarch of your family tree.
1. Pro: You get to watch your Little grow into the nurturing big sister you knew (or at least hoped) she was always capable of being.
Let's be honest, no matter what she does, in your eyes your Little can do no wrong. However, that doesn't mean that she's actually the most responsible human being on Greek row. From holding her hair back during her first syllabus week, to consoling her after some fratty douche breaks her heart, she's come a long way. Now comes the fun of watching her guide another little angel through the complicated world that is, Greek life. Plus, it's funny watching your Little attempt to take care of her new little one. It felt like just yesterday you were helping her scrub wine out of her white crop top (rookie mistake), and scolding her for her for shacking at the same frat three weekends in a row. But even though it's her turn to play mom, deep down you know she would still be a sh*t show without you.
2. Con: You feel like you've been replaced.
After all the secrets, the funny Snapchats, the inside jokes you shared, now she has her new "person" to get ready with before a night out. You've slowly become the over-worn outfit that gets tossed in the back of her mental dresser. Sure, she loves you, but she's so excited about becoming a Big that she probably doesn't get as excited to see you anymore. It's not her fault, so don't take it personally.
3. Pro: Your family tree is expanding, and damn, it's only getting better.
Family nights are more fun and you can't wait to show this newbie the ropes. You thought your Little was the perfect mini-me? Look at your G-babe! This sweet little freshman is everything and more. Not only is she like you in some ways, but she's the perfect extension of your own Little, and how could you not love that? It's almost like having a second Little. The more the merrier, I say.
4. Con: You're getting old.
Hate to break it to you, angel, but you are no longer the talk of the town. The freshmen have rolled in, and it never gets less weird watching the younger girls take your place in the social kingdom. In addition, becoming a junior could be a brutal wake-up call that party time is over and it's time to start figuring out your career path. I know it sure felt that way for me. But don't worry, we're in this together.
5. Pro: When mom says no, call G-ma.
Being a member of the Diva Fam, I consider myself a very involved Big. I believe in family over everything, which includes spoiling your Little as well as your G-babe. Consider it a blessing that you get to mentor yet another little diva and shape the mind of another fabulous. Don't forget that this is another opportunity to be there for someone who's navigating through the rough waters of freshman year. Be an involved G-Big. As irrelevant as I feel sometimes, I'm in love with my family and couldn't imagine my life without my G-babe. Don't take that opportunity for granted.
