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Have you ever wished you had a built-in friend group & a support system? Well, that's exactly what the Big Sister Little Sister program is all about.
It starts with a brunch where the high school girls get to know each other. It’s “cutesy, girly, with flowers, and yellow and pink and there are pictures and everyone looks really nice and it’s a space for only the girls (except the dads who help move the tables where they are supposed to be).” All the girls, 12th grade all the way down to 9th grade, have fun playing games and getting to know people they might not get a chance to talk with as much. This initial brunch sets the stage for the Big Sister Little Sister partnerships that last through the year and even through to the students’ graduation and beyond.  
After the brunch, upperclassmen are paired with underclassmen, though the underclassmen don’t know who they’re partnered with yet. As the weeks pass, big sisters shower their little sisters with thoughtful gifts, from lip gloss to snacks, often accompanied by cryptic clues. The anticipation builds and the excitement grows with each surprise as the little sisters try to guess who their big sister is. One big sister said, “It's so cute seeing the underclassmen get so excited! It is so nice knowing it means something to them; they actually care and get so excited about finding their gifts.” Another said, “It’s really fun having a happy secret where you get to bring them smiles. They have no clue. Sometimes siblings recognize handwriting and make jokes, hinting who the person might be.” 
These simple, small acts of kindness create a sense of warmth, care and community, reminding the underclassmen that they are seen, valued and supported. One student who just became a big sister said, “When I was a freshman, I felt like I didn’t know anyone and my upperclassmen didn’t know me. I was a little speck in the sea. This sort of connection makes you very aware of each other, how you impact each other, and allows you to make connections.”
Throughout the year, big and little sister partners embark on various projects together, building a creative, collaborative and community space. They become each other’s support systems, checking in regularly and offering a listening ear when needed. Whether it’s a quick chat or a heartfelt conversation, they’re there for each other. 
The Big Sister Little Sister group has a profound impact on the school community. It breaks down barriers between grade levels, creating a sense of belonging and togetherness. Underclassmen feel more comfortable approaching upperclassmen, and upperclassmen take pride in mentoring and guiding the younger students. 
One big sister shared, “The underclassmen are comfortable, and that’s what we want. We want a community, we want them to be able to talk to us and come to us for little things and big things. I want to watch out for them and build a family community where you have each other’s back.” Another chimed in, “It makes the school smaller in a good way, like that’s my sister, that’s my sister’s best friend, and that’s my sister’s best friend’s other best friend.” This really encapsulates the spirit of the program: creating a supportive and caring environment where everyone feels connected and learns to see beyond just themselves.
By fostering intentional interactions and breaking down social barriers, the Big Sister Little Sister program is more than just a fun activity; it’s a powerful tool for building a stronger, more compassionate school community.