I remember how excited I was for rush week at my college. At Belmont we don't rush until October, so it seemed like forever to wait. I had heard from all of my friends all about how fun big/ little week is in sororities, so obviously I was counting down the days after Bid Day until big/little week began. For some people this process is actually pretty stressful to be honest. You go on dates with girls from your sorority and then after maybe 2 weeks you have to decide who you would like to be your big. Luckily for me I loved my big from the beginning so the decision was not a difficult one.

1)She can introduce you to new people.

When you join a sorority you gain, in my case, 200 new friends, but you don't even know most of these people so your big will probably be the person you follow around at events (at least for your freshman year). By following her around you're bound to meet some of your sisters she is friends with!

2)She will love you unconditionally.

I love my big! We had an immediate connection! This being said your big will be one of the people in your sorority who will love you unconditionally. If you don't see someone being able to do that, you probably should pick a different big.

3) You gain a smaller family in your sorority.

Your whole sorority should be a family, but with so many girls it can be hard for it to feel that way. The cool thing about getting a big is you also get a grand big, great grand big, ect... This little family inside your larger one can make a great group to go on dinner dates with.

4)She will give you advice on everything.

The first person I text with questions about almost anything is my big. Whether it's petty drama or what the where to the next chapter she is my go to. Having someone who has been through everything your going through is so nice! In my case, my big and I are both in long distance relationships, and I know if I ever need advice or a hug she is there for me.

5) She will be your biggest supporter.

Whether it's an Instagram like or sharing your newest article your big will have your back. She will always be the one clapping the loudest after you accomplish something. This doesn't seem like much, but in the grand scheme of things we all need someone to cheer us on.

6) She will inspire you to be better.

When you go through the big/little process they tell you to really look for girls who inspire you or seem like someone that could. I could write a book about the ways my big had inspired me in the short time I have known her. Find a big who inspires you to be more confident, involved, and an all around better person. This will mean the most in the relationship, and it will also cause you to have a deeper appreciation for your big.

A big can be the most important and influential part of your greek like experience. She is someone you can depend on to call you on your crap but also defend you. Big/little week is so fun, but don't let the baskets and t-shirts over shadow the person behind them! Your big will honestly be your favorite person (at least in my case she is).