Big Little Tradition

By Brooklynn Toney | Kappa Kappa Gamma | Arizona State University

The big/little sorority tradition is hard to understand from the outside but means the world when you are getting your big or little for the first time. When I went through recruitment as a sophomore, I was looking for a mentor who could be my “big sister” in the way a real big sister would be there for you. She would be comforting, kind, push me out of my comfort zone, and be my biggest cheerleader. I first met my “big” on what we call a Key Sister Date, and we grabbed coffee at a coffee shop near campus. We talked for over an hour about life, Kappa, college, mutual friends, and our stories. For the first time, it felt like I was seen and heard for who I truly am in this giant chapter.

When we had our big/little reveal, I found out my big took three of us, which made me a triplet. Right away, I adored my two twins. We were all in different grades, but it really felt like a family—someone to always coach you before the next big step. One of my twins, Brooke, felt like the other part of me. For the first time since joining a large sorority, I found a best friend who not only shared the same name as me and had the same hair color but who accepted me and could make me laugh and love me for myself.

Brooke and I grew even closer throughout the year as our big and other twin graduated. We found it was time for us to take littles together. Taking my little was so exciting and one of my favorite college memories. It was so special to be able to give that big sister mentorship to a younger girl, covering everything from school and social life to sorority life and little things in between. I could be there for her. Now, my little and I get coffee at least once a week to catch up on everything going on, and I love seeing her at all of our sorority events. Having a sorority family made Arizona State feel even more like home, and having that support system is something I would not trade for the world.

By Kasey Mccluskey  | Delta Gamma Alumna | Indiana State University

Big/little has always been one of my favorite parts of being in a sorority. I loved getting to have a “mini family” within a sisterhood. I also enjoy being a mentor for my littles. I think the best qualities a big should have would include being supportive, honest, helpful and accountable. My Greek family has helped me grow so much as a person and a leader. I am so thankful to have been able to grow my Greek family and be a mentor for new members as they become an active member. I continue to hold strong connections with my littles even as an alumna of my chapter. Big/little is one of my favorite traditions and I have always loved seeing everyone’s reactions during the reveal. Big/Little is by far one of my favorite parts of being in a sorority!!

By Abbey Rudisaile | Gamma Phi Beta | SEMO

From running home on bid day to running to my big was a full circle moment as a new member that nothing else compares to! Thinking back to Spring 2023, I was a new member eagerly awaiting to find out who my big was. It is tradition for my chapter to create funny Instagram accounts for littles so that bigs can give them hints about who they are and I remember checking to see what my big posted each day leading up to the reveal. Once reveal day was finally there, I was so excited to know who my big was and the excitement grew as soon as I saw her! Little did I know my big, Anna, would be one of my strongest support systems and best role models. To me, getting my big was one of the highlights of my new member period. I came into my chapter as a shy transfer student who had no clue what being in a sorority would be like. But once I had Anna in my life, I was able to find my place in the chapter. Having Anna as my guide, sister, and friend made my experience in Gamma Phi Beta what it is today and one of the most special things I get to share with her is the opportunity to serve on the Panhellenic Executive Board together for the 2024 term.

Fast forward one year to big little season in Spring 2024 and I found myself becoming a big to one of my closest friends and new sisters. This time I was the big making the funny Instagram posts and trying to trick my little into thinking I was someone else. I strongly remember being so nervous hiding in my reveal box ready to jump out and surprise my little, Emily. As soon as I jumped out the look of surprise and excitement filled Emily’s face as she ran to hug me. Just like getting my big was a highlight of my new member period, getting my little has been a highlight of being an active member. Although I may only be with my big and little for a small period of my college experience, I know that they will both be lifelong friends that continue to guide me, support me, and make me laugh when I need it most. Big little is more than a tradition, it’s an open door to friendships and sisters that become like family and last a lifetime.

By Clara Graham | Sigma Kappa | Washington State University

Coming into Greek life, I was feeling every emotion possible. I was so excited, nervous, and couldn’t wait to meet my new best friends and family. I had heard about getting a big, and simply could not wait to meet mine. The second Grace and I met I felt more at home than ever in my new house. Since that first night we met, I knew I had found support, a friend, and an amazing mentor. She has shared some of my best and worst times, and held my hand through it all with no questions asked. I was so nervous to get my own little, not knowing if I would be able to be as amazing of a big that Grace was to me. But, on my first preference day as a recruiter, I met my sweet little, Abby. We talked about silly things like our favorite snacks and what piercings we wanted to get, but it was some of the most meaningful conversation to me, because it brought me her. I hoped throughout the entire process that I would see Abby on the other side of those doors when big/little came along. And luckily for me, she wanted me as a big just as much. Since that preference, then seeing her run home to me, and getting her as my own, our bond has grown stronger and stronger through it all. I now get to live just down the hall in Sigma Kappa with her, where our friendship has been thriving and I have felt luckier and luckier each day to call her my little. I cannot wait for this year when she gets her own little, and I get to see how the sweet girl who was sitting next to me on preference day grow and create her very own experience!