Okay, confession time. I don’t actually have a little sister. But I do have a girl who has been in my life like a little sister. Only one year younger than me, and the daughter of my mom’s college roommate and my dad’s fraternity brother, she is basically my family. When we were little, we told people we were “fraternity sisters” because we didn’t know what they meant, but our dads called each other fraternity brothers, so we just went with it.

I’ve called her my little sister for my entire life, helping her grow up to be an amazing woman and in turn, she’s helped me grow into the person I am today. She has an undying love for Taylor Swift, and a passion for being the best she can be. There is nothing I would change about her, because she is perfect just the way she is.

When I went to college and joined a sorority, she was so excited for me, being there and supportive during my entire recruitment period. Now it’s her turn to go through recruitment and find her home. We go to different schools, so of course I don’t expect her to join the same sorority as me (I would absolutely love for her to, but I would never, ever push her somewhere she doesn’t feel comfortable). I want her to find her home, a place where she fits in and can find the same lifelong friends that we’ve been for almost 19 years.

So here it goes…

Dear Ansley,

Today is your bid day. It really is like "sorority Christmas." You’re going to meet some of your absolute best friends in the girls you’re surrounded by right now, and I could not be happier for you. I can’t wait to hear about all your amazing adventures that you’re going to have, and all the fun stuff you’ll do with your new sisters.

I’m amazed at your elegance throughout recruitment and how patient you have been throughout this whole experience. You have completely trusted the system and have made new friends along the way. I admire how calm you have been during this week, even with all the difficulties thrown your way. Especially the weather. I can’t imagine how insane it must have been going through recruitment in 100 degree heat and hurricane-like rain. You’ve gone with the flow better than I ever could have, and I am so incredibly proud of you.

Even if you didn’t get a bid from my sorority, I want you to know that I’m so happy for you. You’re about to make your own memories and experiences with your sorority. It is going to open doors for you that you never even imagined possible. You’re going to make connections and meet people that are doing exactly what they want to do with their lives. You’re going to follow in their footsteps and make a name for yourself in the world.

Lastly, I just want you to know how proud I am of you. You’re my little sister, and you’re about to become someone else’s “little.” I have a little trouble sharing you, but hey, you know I’m always here for you. And your new big will be there for you too. She’s going to become a role model and a guiding light for you in the way you were one for me. She is going to show you how amazing Greek life is and everything that your sorority can do for you; as well as how you can make an impact on your world through your sorority.

Ansley, I truly know that Going Greek is going to change your life for the better, and I am so excited for and proud of you. I love you, little one.

Your “big sis”,

Lydia