One of the most important relationships in the sorority world is the big/little relationship. Being a big sis is all about being a mentor to your little, but it is also a lot of fun! You get to teach this new girl what it means to be your sorority sister and really get to know her along the way.
Take the time to get to know her // Ask her about her high school life (which may be all she knows), what she was involved in, why she is looking into her current major, what inspires her, what her family is like, what her favorite food/candy/drink is, etc.
Introduce her to your family // Yes, your real family. One of the best things my big ever did was introduce me to her parents. It made me feel connected to her on a deeper level than just having her as my big sis. I got to see where she was from and her mom is now like my second mom.
Plan family activities // Yes, with your sorority family. Your new little may not know her grand big very well, but obviously you do. Plan to go to dinner together or go to putt-putt. Whatever that will get everyone talking.
Introduce her to other members in the house // Get her out of her comfort zone a little by asking her to hangout with you and other chapter members that are your good friends. She will get a better view of what it means to be in the chapter rather that just sticking with her new member friends.
Go shopping for stitched tees together // Plan a day for you to go shopping for your big/little t-shirts. It is so much fun and a really great bonding experience. My big and I had totally different styles and she eventually settled for the pink t-shirt, but it was fun getting to know that about her.
Surprise her with little gifts // One of the closest big/little pairs I know could honestly be real life sisters. The big is constantly inspiring her little with words of encouragement, dropping off little study packs in the library, or bringing her surprise cupcakes to chapter.
Support her // It is inevitable that your little will struggle with college or sorority life. Be there for her. She will need an ear to listen to her vent and a shoulder to cry on.
Get her a memorable initiation gift // My big got me the best quilt ever embroidered with our sorority crest and my initiation date. It is still one of my most cherished possessions. Pay attention to little things she mentions that she would like to have as gifts.
Pass along your knowledge // One day your little will become a big. Give her all of the ways you helped and loved her along the way. Help her out with picking the right little for her and be supportive as you welcome a new member into your family!
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