Staying Close With Your Big After Graduation

Going through recruitment as a potential new member, you meet a lot of girls. In my case, there was one girl who I effortlessly clicked with. She was the very first girl I met going through recruitment and is one of the biggest reasons that I accepted my bid. Being that I am a legacy, for as long as I can remember I had wanted to go Greek and get a Big. I spent a lot of time my freshman year of college going back and forth between wanting to transfer to a university with more Greek options and wanting to bite the bullet to go Greek. I went to a few recruitment events for my legacy sorority, but never seriously committed to anything. During the second semester of my sophomore year, I made the choice to go Greek and thus began my journey of a lifetime. 

As I mentioned, my Big, was the first girl I met at Kappa Tau Epsilon’s recruitment event. I was low-key obsessed with this girl and, to this day, I could not explain it to you. During the course of the week I met a ton of girls, but my mind always drifted back to Kappa Tau Epsilon and the women I met at their events. After being extended a bid from KTE I immediately accepted it. On the day of our Big/Little reveal, my Big knew I was her Little but I had absolutely no idea yet and I remember her asking me, “So, who do you think your big is? I wish I could have taken a little this semester it would have been so much fun!” I had a hard time telling if she was kidding or if she was being serious. During our reveal, my heart was racing in anticipation because we clicked so well that I just could not fathom having another person as my Big. When I opened my eyes to see who my Big was, I was overwhelmed with joy and it was honestly one of the happiest moments of my life. My Big and I were inseparable from the beginning. 

My first semester as a sister and the start of my junior year was the start of her senior year. Lucky for me, it took her an extra semester to graduate. We did everything together. We even won “best big/little” duo! Life was a field of sunshine and daisies until the day came when I got a phone call from Rebecca telling me she was on track for graduation and would be graduating the following semester. Summer came and went faster than a tornado in the mid-west and the fall semester did the same. My big is a huge part of my life and it was extremely difficult for me to cope with her graduating. A lot happened to me emotionally during her last semester making it even harder to deal with her leaving me. 

I was dealing with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from proud to sad to excited for her future and it was hard to find a common ground to stand on. Our relationship evolved from being together all the time no questions asked to having to make time to see each other. It was a change that neither of us prepared for. To say that our relationship is not different now would be a lie but the key is finding ways to make sure the relationship never fades away. I can’t tell you we haven’t hit a rough patch or two and I can’t say it was easy, but nothing that’s worth it is ever easy. It’s especially difficult because we both lead very busy lives, but I’m lucky enough that my Big relocated about an hour away from where I live and not half way across the country. 

The most important thing to remember is that life will go on and your relationship with your Big will change, but change isn't always a bad thing. Instead of being down the hall, in the same house, or in the same city you'll be a phone call, a car ride, or a flight away. She will always be your number one fan and your biggest supporter and you'll always be her Little. You'll probably even end up color coordinating on accident, just like old times. 

Here are my tips for staying connected with your big after graduation.

1. Make date plans:  Go out just you and your Big - have a drink, grab lunch, go shopping; things all girls love to do. Yes, this is a lot different than just barging into her room and eating macaroni and cheese in bed with her while watching Netflix, but so is the dynamic of your relationship.

2. Plan a vacation together: Go see your Grandbig, go to a lake house, or get a hotel in a hot spot city and just explore some place new together.

3. FaceTime or Skype: Take 20 minutes out of your day once or twice a week to catch up, sometimes it really helps just seeing the other person.

4. Invite her to sorority events: As an alumni of your organization she still cares about what’s going on and would love to be invited to events that alumni are able to go to.

5. Send her small gifts: Little things make a big difference – sometimes you both just    need a reminder that you’re inseparable even though there’s distance between you.

“Together forever never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.”  

Book Review: Maybe Someday

I have always been an avid reader. I've read every book series you can imagine, every teenage fiction book, everything...or so I thought. A friend who is just as avid a reader recommended Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover. I never thought I would read a book that would touch me in so many ways. This book made me laugh and cry and about a 100 other emotions all at the same time. The characters, the plot, everything about this book is so perfect. The next few paragraphs contain information that may ruin the book for you depending on what you may get from it, so be warned.

“Words can sometimes have a far greater effect on a heart than a kiss."

The main characters, Ridge and Sydney, share the main point of view throughout the book. Their stories alternate between chapters, which helped to show how different, and sometimes alike, their thoughts were. The characters have secrets just like any other, but Ridge's is definitely a game changer, and not in a bad way. The connection between Ridge and Sydney is unsurpassed by any other novel relationship I've ever read. There is a a very unique love triangle. I usually don't really care for love triangles, but this one really is an important factor within the plot and how it affects the characters.

"Having her so close feels as though we’ve created our own personal space and nothing from outside our world can make its way in, and nothing from inside our world can make its way out."

Unlike other books I have read, the relationship between Ridge and Sydney built day by day. It all didn't just happen at once; they didn't just kiss and fall in love. I'm not going to reveal the true ending because I would hate to spoil it for anyone that hasn't read it yet, but just know you will be blown away by this novel! It's not just an everyday teenage novel filled with sexual frustration or teen angst, it is so much more than that. These words I've written about this book truly don't do it any justice.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

You can immediately sense the connection between both Ridge and Sydney, but nothing is taken seriously because Ridge has a long-term girlfriend. Hence the love triangle. Like I said, I normally don't like love triangles, but this one was really important to the novel. I typically don't side with the "other woman" when it comes to characters cheating, but Ridge and Sydney's connection is undeniable. It broke my heart because I didn't want Ridge to leave Maggie, his long-term girlfriend, since they were perfect for each other (or so I thought), but Ridge and Sydney just made more sense. It wasn't necessarily sexual either, you could practically feel the tension between them as the reader. It was crazy and I've never experienced any feeling such as that while reading a book.

"Our souls aren't just compatible–they’re perfectly attuned. I feel everything she feels. I understand everything she never even has to say. I know that what she needs is exactly what I could give her, and what she’s wishing she could give me is something I never even knew I needed."

My heart was torn between both Maggie and Sydney at first because it seemed like no one would win no matter the decision. From the outside looking in on Ridge and Maggie's relationship, Sydney was obviously a threat since she seemed to be sticking a wedge in between the two. But Ridge and Sydney's friendship and working relationship was just as beautiful. As much as you may go back and forth, you can't hate Sydney. You can't hate Ridge. You can't hate Maggie. You can only respect the decision that each one chooses. A decision that may or may not knock you off your feet.

"Nothing in my life has ever felt so good, yet hurt so achingly bad."

I learned from this book that you can't help who you fall in love with. Everything happens for a reason and though you may not put together the pieces quite yet, they will eventually fall in line. This book had some more truth behind it- like it could maybe even happen. It's not a typical chick-lit book that you see on the shelves and I will most likely compare this book to every other book I will read again. That's how life-changing it is. Don't just take my word for it, rent it, buy it, get it on your Nook TODAY!

P.S: Along with the book, the novel even has an interactive soundtrack. You can listen to the songs here: http://www.maybesomedaysoundtrack.com/listen.php

XOXi & LILP,

Kelsey <3

Fostering Animals

One of my mom's fosters; Atticus

Animals are one of the world's greatest treasures. They're cuddly, fun, loving and have a way of brightening your day in an instant. Most of us college students have a dog, cat, or other pet we left at home when we moved and we miss them dearly. If you're anything like me, you frequent stores like PetSmart on adoption weekends, stop on the sidewalk to pet every dog you pass, or feed the stray cats in your neighborhood all while wishing you could adopt each of them. Despite the best intentions, as a college student, owning a pet can be difficult. Many of us don't have the money, a living arrangement that allows animals, or the funds to take care of pet.

Fostering an animal can be a great alternative to ownership and summer is the perfect time to test it out! Most people have extra time during the summer months so they can be more committed. Fostering works differently for different shelters or cities, but the bottom line is usually the same: you sign up with the organization (which usually includes paper work and/or a background check) and when an animal comes available for foster that meets your criteria, you'll be contacted and asked if you're up for it. Length of time varies based on each animal, but you can take them back anytime if something comes up, it's too much work, or things just don't work out. Even one day helps because each day an animal is with you is a day they're not in a cage without companionship. Most shelters give you everything you need to care for the animal and you don't have to pay for anything.

My foster kittens; Beyonce and Jay-Z

My mom's foster fail; Gus

This summer, my mother and I coincidentally fostered for the first time and both became hooked. We have always been animal lovers and had some extra time. I realized that fostering involves a lot more than just playing with and cuddling kittens. I had to share my bathroom, clean up after them daily and get up at 7 a.m. when they decided to meow for attention at the top of their lungs. Every minute of sleep lost was worth it! It was fun and rewarding for me and it made a great difference in the lives of the cats. Even the best shelters only have so much room and they can save many more lives with the help of those who foster. It also helps the animals to be better socialized so their chances of finding a forever home are better. You may even end up like my mother and have what they call a 'foster fail' where you end up falling in love with your foster pet and adopting them yourself.  If you're looking for some company or a new adventure this summer, give fostering a try! If you have any experience fostering or adopting, leave a comment and tell me about it! If you have any questions please email me at melissa.litprobs@gmail.com.

xoxo Melissa

My Big Little Story - KateLynn

I went into my freshman year of college absolutely dying to join a sorority. I didn't know which one, but I was going to get in one way or another. I go to a small school with less than 8,000 people that has a small greek community. I already knew one of the Greeks, Sammie Jo, and she was an Omega Chi (greek counselor). I loved her to death and felt a special connection to her that I didn't with the others. Prior to our freshman orientation, Sammie Jo talked to one of her sorority sisters (my Big, Lauren) about me a lot. I met my Big to-be at an orientation function, and as it turns out, she was one of the leaders in my group!

First pic as temp Big/Temp Little

When we met we hit it off immediately. We both loved music and band, the color purple, and just talking in general. On the last day of orientation I found out that she was a founding member of the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter on campus. I didn't let that sway me on choosing the sorority I wanted, but it made me all the more excited to go though recruitment!

Snow-pacalypse 2013 

On bid day, I found out that Sammie Jo was an AOΠ and that I had gotten a Bid from them! I was so excited I cried my eyes out. Then, something even more exciting happened: Lauren became my Rose Bud! Rose Bud is a term we use for a temporary Big or special sister. She had me convinced that she didn't get me as a Little and made me cry for an hour previous to the reveal. Of course she was tricking me and we became Big and Little! I can't explain all the emotions I was going through that night. The rest, as they say, is history.

First post-initiation picture

When we won best Big/Little pair at formal

All in all, my Big is my best friend. We've been attached at the hip since we met. She's been with me through my extreme downs and my extreme ups, boy troubles, school trouble and just plain trouble. I wouldn't trade her for the world. I love you Biggie, with all my panda heart. 

Stay Beautiful, xoxo 

-KateLynn 

Sorority Spotlight: Alpha Xi Delta

                 Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Florida Atlantic University joined together and hosted their very first annual "Buffalo Bash" on April 13th, 2014. "Buffalo Bash" is a wing festival where local restaurants came and showcased their best version of the chicken wing for the public to try and vote on their favorite.  The money was made in two ways: through sponsorships and ticket sales. In October, they sent out a sponsorship packet with 4 levels that included different benefits with each to local businesses. The levels ranged from mild ($100) to premier ($1,000). They had so much interest from companies that they were able to raise a little over $10,000 by February! The event itself was general admission, however, if you wanted to eat the wings from the 8 restaurants that were there, it was $10 for a water and 15 wings. There was also T-shirts, water/soda, raffles, and other items being sold. There was also a kid zone, and live music, and various vendors for the crowd to enjoy.

                
The whole philanthropy event was to raise money for Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. It also increases awareness of  autism spectrum disorders as well as advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Their mission statement is as follows: "at Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders." They have a firm belief that, by working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.
              On the day of the philanthropy event they had rainy weather, but that did not keep the friends, family, and community members away. The event ended up being a huge success. $12,000 was raised for Autism speaks that day, but it was not the only thing these chapters earned. They gained the support of  a local community of Boca Raton's support and the Florida governor's, as well. The Boca Raton's mayor, Susan Haynie, gave a proclamation at the event, emphasizing how excited she was for the upcoming years and how she couldn't wait for the event to grow. Florida's govenor, Rick Scott, wrote the chapters a personalized letter expressing his gratitude for the huge donation they made to Autism Speaks.

The following is an interview with Allie Wessel who was initiated into her chapter of Fall 2010: 

What was your favorite part of Buffalo Bash?

"My favorite part of Buffalo Bash would be when the Mayor made the proclamation. It’s an amazing feeling to raise money for a great cause, but it is also incredible knowing that your organization made a difference in your community that will live long after graduation. Before this, no one from FAU’s Greek Life has reached out to the community, and we assumed that they didn’t respect or appreciate Greek Life. Through this event, we found out just the opposite. The mayor was so impressed with our efforts she nearly had tears in her eyes. She even gave us suggestions on how to make next year an even bigger success and how to get even more distinct Boca Raton community members on board. Other council members were also in attendance and expressed the same gratitude. It was great to see Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Tau Omega make an impact not only for Autism Speaks, but also for the Boca Raton community."

How did you come up with the idea for a Buffalo Bash?

 "My boyfriend and I were in Tijuana Flats one day discussing our concerns about our Greek community constantly just shifting money between one another and always raising roughly around the same amount each year. We are all poor college students, there is no way we are going to raise a large amount of money without the community's help. We thought that there had to be another way... a better way. We knew that our chapters were smaller than other schools', so our budget was not as big to do a large scale event. Which is why we decided that if we were going to do something, we needed to do it big, and we needed to do it together. So, we brainstormed, and brainstormed until my boyfriend remembered a philanthropy event done by Alpha Tau Omega at Alabama Huntsville called Battle of Buffalo. Each year they raise more and more money, and last year they rose over $30,000! It was the perfect idea. We contacted the chapter in Alabama Huntsville and got as much information about the event as we could. Once we got the basics of the event, we catered it to fit Boca Raton."

Favorite part about being a sister if Alpha Xi Delta?

"My favorite part of being a sister of Alpha Xi Delta (besides the amazing lifelong friends I have gained) is that I have a group of women and a ritual that is constantly challenging, inspiring and supporting me to be the women I always dreamed of being. If it weren’t for this organization I wouldn’t have found my love for giving back, challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone to be the leader I always wished I could be, or make lifelong friends that will be with me until we grow old."

What is one word to describe your chapter?

 "One word to describe the Theta Iota of Alpha Xi Delta would be Potential. Alpha Xi Deltas vision is “inspiring women to realize their potential”, which our chapter strives to do for each member as well as any other women that comes into each of our lives.  We also are constantly challenging each other to be creative and come up with new ideas to make the chapter even better than it was the day before." 

               This is definitely not the end for the "Buffalo Bash" and hopefully in the years to come it will continue to grow and grow. Both Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Tau Omega are extremely excited to team up again next year and have already begun to think of ways to improve by making it bigger and better. I think I speak for many chapters when I say, we wish you luck on your drive to make this event as big as it could be and I hope we can see the growth of your event in the future!

What's Hot in TV

               Summer is known for reruns, but these TV shows are my top 10 of the summer! There is a bit of mystery, some reality TV, comedy, and throwback 90's...kind of. Let us know what you think! These are in no order:

1. The Bachelorette               

  ABC

 Mondays 8-10 pm

 2. Mistresses                   

 ABC

Mondays 10-11 pm

3. Pretty Little Liars

 ABC Family 

Tuesdays 8-9 pm

 4. Chasing Life

ABC Family

 Tuesdays 9-10 pm

5. Catfish

 MTV

Wednesdays 10-11 pm

6. Impractical Jokers 

truTV

Thursdays 9:30-10 pm

7. Carbonaro Effect

truTV

Thursdays 10-10:30 pm

8. Girl Meets World

 Disney Channel

 Fridays 8-8:30 pm

9. Orange is the New Black

Netflix: HBO 

Anytime you want to watch

 10. Game of Thrones      

HBO

Season finished; HBO GO

These shows should leave you with plenty of episodes to fill in those lazy summer days! Be sure to comment and tell us what your favorite shows are!

- Brooke

Crafty Corner

What do sorority girls love more than just about anything else? That's right...crafting! As an art minor, I spend countless hours finding new things to craft and I've compiled a few projects I have been working on lately.

Gripper Socks:

            What you'll need:

                     -Socks (whatever kind your precious heart desires)

                     -Puffy Paint

Step 1:

Lay out the sock bottom up. Think about the designs you want to do. I was thinking school and sorority spirit!



Step 2:

Get creative! The main thing to remember is just to have fun; that's what crafting is all about.

Step 3: 

Let them dry and then put them through a wash and dry, then they are ready to wear!



 Make-Up Brush Holder:

                 What You'll Need:

                          - Aquarium rocks/beads/sand

                                   - Spray Paint (I used gold and gold glitter)

                                   - Glass bowl or container 

       

Step 1:

 Empty the aquarium rocks into a box. I slipped a shopping bag over my box so that when I spray painted the rocks they wouldn't stick to the box.

 

Step 2:

Spray paint rocks and let them dry. Then shake and repeat until rocks are covered with desired color.

Step 3:

Once they dry, they may stick together. If this happens, just put your hand between the bag and the box and crumple until they are loose again.

Step 4:

Pour the rocks into a glass container of your choice. I got one at Walmart that is deep and has a square top. It goes with the theme of my other bathroom things.

When you're done, stick your make-up brushes in and place on the counter! This is a super cute way to keep your brushes separate so you don't have to constantly dig for them, and it doubles as a cute decoration.



These are simple but fun crafts to do this summer and the best part is, the materials used are usually bought in multiples giving you more reason to craft for your Bigs or Littles!

Hope you enjoy!

XOXO

-Ashely W.











Sorority Recruitment Do's and Dont's

Last year in August, I went through sorority recruitment as a potential new member. This year, I will be on the inside as a sister of one of the chapters. Some girls (myself included) go through rush with no idea what to wear, what to say, or what is going on. Sure, the Panhellenic council makes a website, but that only helps so much. I've compiled a little list of do's and don'ts that may help!

DO: Get recommendation letters, if possible. Ask any Greek alumni you or your family and friends may know who belong to chapters at the school you are rushing at to send a letter. These letters can be especially helpful with schools that have massive Greek life (think SEC/ACC), but never really hurt your chances. If push comes to shove and you don't know anyone Greek, post on this page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/270665629731083/
There are helpful people who would be willing to write you a letter if you send them a resume and provide some background information!

DON'T: Come into rush with the mindset of "I'm only rushing chapter XYZ" or "I'm NOT rushing chapter XYZ" because that mindset will get you let down quickly. Many girls who go through the recruitment process thinking those things are crushed when XYZ doesn't invite them back for the next round. Some even drop recruitment altogether. Don't let that be you because, as the rounds go on, you learn more about each chapter and there may be something that causes you to fall in love with a chapter you didn't like all that much in the beginning. Be completely open to all of the chapters; each one has something special to offer you!

DO: Talk to your group leader (Rho Gamma, Pi Chi, etc.) about your thoughts throughout the whole recruitment process. Many group leaders hand out little notebooks where you can write your thoughts in after you visit each house. These are especially handy when you are going back and forth between house and things get confusing. They're especially fun to read through after the process is finished! Write out a Pro's and Con's between each sorority and be realistic. 

DON'T: Be afraid to ask questions. You want to know if they have a payment plan? Ask! Asking questions makes you look like you are genuinely interested in the sorority. The sisters will definitely remember that during the final days when they are torn in their own selection process. I remember when I went through recruitment, I would ask a question during a dead conversation. It helped to avoid awkward pauses.

DO: Dress for the weather and bring makeup and a comb for touchups throughout the day. Comfort is very important because if you are comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, that's going to show! During recruitment, my outfits got progressively dressier. Throughout the week I wore a romper, cute shorts and tank, two sundresses, and a cocktail dress for preference night. I went through rush at the University of Central Florida in the middle of summer!

Throughout the whole process, there will be times when you will question if the whole thing is for you. If you are having any doubts, speak to your group leaders (that's what they're there for). I think everyone can make the most out of going Greek and recruitment was honestly one of the best experiences of my collegiate career so far. When you're running home after opening your bid card... that's when you'll know. GO GREEK! RUSH! LILP <3

Kelsey