With Big-Little season hovering over my chapter, I found it more than relevant to write an open letter to the one person who has impacted my college career in one of the most prominent ways: my Big.

Dear Big,

I knew from the beginning that I wanted you to be my person. I always love meeting people and forming an instant connection, and that’s exactly what I found with you. You spoke to me on Pref Night, and I ended up feeling comfortable enough with you to tell you about people very close to me – like my brothers and the rest of my family. I knew at that instant that if I was comfortable sharing something with someone I had just met, it was necessary to have you as a key individual in my life.

I appreciate you in more ways than you could ever imagine. You tell me when I’m wrong, support me when I’m right, and guide me in the right direction when I have no idea what I’m doing.

I’ve never had an older sister, being the only girl and youngest of three children, so upon joining my organization, getting my Big was one of the many sorority traditions I was beyond excited for.

I’m thankful to have a person I can constantly lean on for all things, big or small. I also love being a rock for you as well. At times, I know you think you’re burdening me, because you are meant to play the Big role, but honestly, being able to provide my support, love, and unconditional friendship to you as well gives me a sense of purpose and personal meaning within our relationship.

You’ve also shown me how to be a mentor. I now feel confident enough to hopefully offer my role as a Big to a younger member of the chapter at some point in the future, and I can fully thank you for showing me how to be an attentive, caring, and stable figure for another sister.

You’ve taught me that it is possible to balance friendship and mentorship, as well. I’ve never felt inadequate or inferior to you, and you truly are one of my best friends. You’re just a best friend that I view as a role model as well, and someone I will continue to look up too for a very long time.

You constantly push me to succeed and always make sure I’m striving to be the best version of myself I can possibly be, and I’m eternally grateful for that.

So, all in all, thank you. Thank you for making my sorority experience more whole, and for impacting my overall college career as well. Thank you for showing me what sisterhood truly is, and the importance of having a strong older figure in your life to push you towards reaching your goals and picking you up when you fall down.

You’ll always be my person. And no, I’m not going to introduce you at my wedding when I’m almost thirty years old as my Big, but I think we’ll both know in the back of our heads, the very important role you played in my life.

You might be graduating this spring -- going off to graduate school and starting the rest of your life. But you'll always be there for me, and I for you. I'm excited to see you go off into this big world and pursue your dreams, and you'll definitely be the first person I call when I need to update you on any crazy senior-year shenanigans I get myself into. I love you.

Love,

Little