Sunshine & Sisterhood: The 2020 Big/Lil' Reveal

Photo courtesy of Meredith College

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the wait finally ended for the Classes of 2022 and 2024 as they found out who would become their Big or Little Sis. The Big Sis/Lil’ Sis program works each year to pair incoming freshmen with juniors who can serve as mentors and friends to them during their first and following years. The Class of 2022 registered to become Big Sisters in mid-May and incoming freshmen received their registration information in early June. The Big Sis/Lil’ Sis committee, led by Cristin Boswell, ‘22, and Lauren Hales, ‘22, worked tirelessly through the summer to pair sisters in time for the August reveal.

While the true success of the matches is still unknown, the initial reactions via social media were positive. Many members of the Classes of 2022 and 2024 posted pictures and greetings to their Bigs and Littles on Instagram. Junior Anna Wisniewski says that she already has a lot in common with her Littles and that they “are all looking forward to (hopefully) participating in traditions together soon!”

The reveal was celebrated with the first Big Sis/Lil’ Sis social on Thursday, Aug. 27. The event was titled “Sunshine & Sisterhood” and featured, with COVID-19 precautions, a scavenger hunt, popcorn, prizes and new memories shared with new sisters. Additionally, the program will offer two more events to help facilitate the relationships between the new pairs. “Sweets with Your Sis” will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The event will feature “grab-and-go” cookie decorating kits to ensure social distancing. Next, the “Cup of Joy” coffee social will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The event will feature free drinks (coffee, tea, lemonade or water), free mugs and conversation starters. While registration for “Sweets with Your Sis” has already closed, the registration for “Cup of Joy” is still open.

The Big Sis/Lil’ Sis program has had a long history of pairing sisters with the intent of community and mentorship on campus. This year’s reveal, although different because of the circumstances of our society right now, was filled with the same excitement from years past, as juniors and freshmen awaited the promise of new friendships and, hopefully, sisterhood.

By Madison Sholar, Contributing Writer