It is approaching the one year mark since I joined a sorority. At this time last year, I was debating whether or not Greek life was for me. I had no clue what to expect. Would I be thrilled to be involved in it or would it become a burden I regretted? I can say now that it has been almost 365 days since I joined and I don’t regret it a bit. Let's just say things would be very different if it weren’t for my big sister, my twin, and both of my amazing little sisters.

I don’t believe in extremes, such as the words best, worst, or hate for instance. However, I do feel though that my big sister is the best for me. We met and instantly connected over ironic similarities. I knew that even if she weren’t my big, I would look up to her no matter what. In either case, I knew that she would also become someone I could call a close friend. I have to give her props for not only having one little sister to be a mentor for but two.

My twin, or to explain to those that are not in greek life, is my big’s other little. One may think “wouldn’t that be difficult to share a big or what if you guys did not get along?”

These thoughts crossed my mind, as they usually do to anyone that's big has another little already. My twin couldn’t have been a better match and companion by my side throughout the second half of last year into sophomore year too. Alongside my big sister, she has also always been there for me, through the ups and downs no matter what.

This past semester it became my turn to switch roles and not only be a little, but now a big sister too. I told my friends that I wouldn’t want to be a big unless I found a little that I really connected with well.

With my luck, I did not only find one but two. I couldn’t be happier, more proud, or honored to have them as littles. Not only have I taught them and guided them throughout college thus far, but they also have taught me so much within this past semester.

I look back and now have such an appreciation for my big sister for all the work it takes to be a good mentor. The truth is we all have a winding path, especially in college. Nobody is perfect and the moments in which we may not do our best show our realness. It is within those times that I grow to love not only myself but those around me even more.

So, thank you to my big for being there for me and the older sisterly figure I always wanted. Thank you to my twin for always having my back, a shoulder to cry on, and one to tell awful jokes to. Last but not least, thank you to my two littles who are beautiful inside and out for not only being my littles, but also some of my best friends.

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life that want you in theirs; the ones that accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who love you no matter what.”