Sista from anotha Mista
Rebecca Holmes, Staff Writer
Macy McDonald, vice president of the Big Little program, and others pose at the Homecoming Parade last year.
Okay ladies, we all have those friends that we consider sisters that aren’t exactly related to us. We’re talking about those friends that are so much like us that we think it just has to be a mistake that we aren’t in the same family.
For some of us those close friends are the only sisters we will ever have. If you’ve just found yourself agreeing with everything I just said, then I have the place for you. There’s a club here on campus forming those very same kinds of friendships. The Big Little Program is a club on campus that focuses mainly on building relationships between “littles” and “bigs.”
The term “little” means that you would sign up to get a mentor or a big sister to guide you throughout the year. The term “big” means that you would sign up to mentor someone; you would basically be taking someone under your wing for the year.
According to the club’s Vice President Macy McDonald it is more of a relationship than a club. This program strives to create an environment where true lifelong friendships can develop. You may be thinking to yourself, “All the friendship stuff sounds great, but what’s the catch?” This program is designed to give you a lifelong friend with no strings attached. According to McDonald, “It is a total personal relationship where we provide opportunities for bigs and littles to connect but there are no specific time commitments within the relationship that we require.”
Another important question that needs to be answered is what kinds of opportunities does this club provide for the members? According to the club’s President, Eden Crain, “We participate in Homecoming, and also have monthly get-togethers like movie nights, craft nights, etc..”. McDonald added, “Members would also be building our float for the parade, and then riding in the parade before the football game. They may also have the opportunity to represent our club in the homecoming court.”
This club is offering women on campus an opportunity to make another friend to go out to eat with, go see a movie with or go get mani pedis with, and let’s all be honest, who doesn’t need someone to go on midnight Walmart runs with them?
The difference in this club versus other clubs on campus is one word: relationships. McDonald says, “I fully believe we are not called to do life alone, and God uses relationships to grow and encourage our faith. Through this club there are so many opportunities to get to know others that have the same values and interests that you do. These relationships are so important not only in your college season, but also in life in general!”
A club “little”, Hannah Price, said, “My favorite part of being a member is just the fact that I know that if I’m having trouble with something or if I have a question I know someone can help me. I know they will be there for me. Honestly, it’s just a great way to make new friends and get to know other girls.”
Another club “little”, Katelyn Ladue, added, “My favorite thing about being a member is definitely the friendships. They are always praying for me and I know I can talk to them about anything.”
The Big Little Program is truly about building lasting relationships rather than being a club that turns into one big time commitment. This program allows its members to have more flexibility with how they form their big-little relationships. It also includes the members individual style as they decide what activities to do with their “big” or their “little.”
This program’s ultimate goal according to Crain is, “…to see God raise a generation of young women that are very in tune with who He has called them to be.” This goal is being accomplished by showing each member of this program what it looks like to follow Christ.
If you are interested in becoming either a “big” or a “little” feel free to contact the program’s advisor Ruth McWhite, President Eden Crain or Vice President Macy McDonald.
