Big-Little Reveal!

New member Emily G. talks about Reveal Week and the excitement surrounding finding out her big!

Reveal week started for me Monday morning, when I got a text from a random number instructing me to be out of my room from 6-7:30 pm. I was jittery for the rest of the day – I kept reading and rereading the text message, hoping some clue would stand out so I could figure out whom my big sister was. At 7:30 I came home to find my bed covered in balloons, candy, and cards welcoming me to the family. The rest of the week went on in the same way; each morning I got a text or an email with instructions for the day (when I should be in or out of my room, where to go and when, etc.), and I was continuously surprised by the presents. My big and grand-big made incredible efforts so that I would feel welcome and loved. As each day got closer and closer to reveal, I couldn’t take it anymore! I needed to figure out who they were!

Shannon L (little), Jenna M(big) and Emily G (little)!

On Friday evening, all the girls of my new member class gathered in one room. Meanwhile, the chapter assembled in the room across the hall. We were so excited and antsy – we were so close to finding out our bigs! When everyone had arrived, we went into the other room. It was full of bags and boxes and had a curtain pulled across the center of the room. Our bigs were lined up behind the curtain, and all we could see were their legs, clad in pajamas. I found the box with my name on it, put on the pajama pants inside, and went to stand next to the matching legs! This was also how I found my twin (I knew I had a twin, I just didn’t know who it was). That was so exciting in itself. After a minute or two, the bigs pulled down the curtain and revealed themselves! There was chaos – everyone was screaming, laughing, and hugging. The new families gathered on blankets, in their matching pajamas, eating s’mores and chatting. I don’t think there is a better way to do reveal; our chapter had just the right amount of suspense and surprise – and a ton of fun!

Already, I’m in love with my Pi Beta Phi family. I see my big almost daily, but when we’re not together we’re texting or talking over Facebook. My twin and I are getting closer and closer, and I can’t forget about my grandbig! Although she’s a senior and super busy, she’s the best. I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing family, and I know they will all be in my life forever.