By Ariana Magafas
On Oct. 10, one of Saint Louis University’s seven sororities, Zeta Tau Alpha, held their Big Little Reveal. The event started at 7 p.m. and took place in the Sinquefield Room at DuBourg Hall.
Big Little Reveal is an event where new members of a sorority get their big sister, also known as a “Big,” and initiated members get their little sister, or a “Little.” Prior to the event, the Bigs will know who their Littles are, but the Littles will get surprised.
Kathryn Thurston, a junior at SLU, is the Big Little Chair for ZTA this year. “I wanted to be in charge of Big Little because I really value my Zeta family and wanted to be a part of making more Zeta families,” Thurston said. “Having a Big is essential to making Zeta feel like home.”
Thurston said that about three weeks before the event, she had initiated members and new members complete a form about themselves and their interests. She then assigned and matched potential Bigs and Littles with each other based on similarities to go on Berry Buddy Dates. Thurston said that she also paired girls based on the vibes of their social media.
“My favorite thing about the Big Little process was getting to talk to the new girls and learning more about them through the Berry Buddy Dates,” SLU sophomore Julia Mannix said.
Thurston said that after the dates are completed, the potential Bigs and Littles rank each other to determine their preferences. However, the Little’s choice is taken before the Big’s.
The reveal started as the enthusiastic initiated members entered the room in white dresses with their Big Little baskets. Inside the baskets were ZTA themed canvases, shirts, and accessories that the Bigs made or bought for their Littles. The room was dimly lit with two candles and decorated with bright blue, pink, and white ZTA banners that the sorority members made.
When the Littles arrived, the Bigs were instructed to stand behind their new ZTA family member. ZTA’s President, SLU senior Tory Christian, then handed the Bigs ZTA’s traditional flower, a white violet, to give to their Littles.
Next, Christian told the Littles to turn around and meet their new Big. Cheers filled the air as both Bigs and Littles jumped in the air and hugged each other with excitement.
“I’m most thrilled about having someone else in Zeta I can be close to,” Chloe Amstutz, a sophomore at SLU said. “I’m good friends with my Big, so getting close to my Little seems really fun.”
“Overall it was exciting,” Mannix said. “However, I was surprised that the reveal was considered a ritual for ZTA, so it did seem serious at times.”
Towards the end of the event, the Bigs and Littles changed into their matching shirts and took pictures. Other ZTA members had the option to come to the reveal to meet the new additions of their family.
“The significance of a Zeta family is that it gives you a unique place in Zeta,” Thurston said. “Your Zeta family are people you can rely on and they will always be there for you. The bond truly lasts a lifetime.”
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