As a sophomore and still in denial that we are old enough to be sophomores in college, Big/Little season is here. Time for scrolling through Instagram and seeing the typical laying on the ground or the little on the big's back pictures.... or the "She's not a regular mom, she's a cool mom" captions. Time for creating the best Big/Little Reveal shirts: trying to be cute, but still wanting to be creative enough that there aren't any shirt-repeats. Most importantly, time for sophomores to be on the hunt for their perfect little. And when you know you've found her, you know.
Although the whole idea of "bigs" and "littles" seem like they're just labels, they are ones that can potentially mean so much more. It's the chance to become close with a girl that can become your best friend. Someone that you can everything from going to the movies to going to the frats with. It's a friendship that is comfortable from the very beginning, as if you've been best friends for as long as you can remember.
Having to be a "mom" is a weird thought. It's almost similar to actual parenthood. You want to be their best friend, but your role is you are also there to protect them. Freshman are new and confused and need help, so that's what we're here for. Being a role model to the new members is critical to help ease the transition from high school to college. To have someone to rely on, despite the time of day or any circumstance, is so important when you come to college... whether you're a mile down the road or a plane ride away. To be someone that the new members can always look up to brings comfort and ease at the beginning of the school year, a time when they need it most, is almost a given when you're a sophomore. Whichever experience you had as a freshman, good or bad, feeling welcomed is an emotion that anyone craves when they start college. Being optimistic and uplifting can make anyone's day that you come across.
Your little is someone that you are consistently there for and love on. Someone that holds a special place in your heart. Someone that is your best friend... whether it's a bond that you talk 24/7 or you check in every now and then curious about what's new in their lives, being a big means being their go-to no matter what. It's important to always remember the role that you play in their lives, because it is a influential one.