It’s that time of year again.

Freshmen and sophomores alike are on the edge of their seats in anticipation. For weeks, the enticing “SIGN UP” button has been stealing the limelight in HBA’s weekly newsletter, inviting countless excited submissions. But now, that deadline has passed. Any day, the moment everyone has been waiting for—those pivotal pairings—will be revealed. 

The Big-Little Program is one of HBA’s favorite and proudest traditions in which CBHP freshmen (“Littles”) are matched with sophomores (“Bigs”) based on similar interests allowing an incredible opportunity for mentorship and friendship. A fan favorite, these pairings have made for some of the closest bonds and most valuable memories within the CBHP community.

Between Zoom University, campus restrictions, and half of us conducting classes remotely from entirely different cities, it is no lie that Covid-19 has left us with virtually no social life (no pun intended). However, HBA, as always, has a trick up its sleeve to offer a ray of light to anxious freshmen: the Big-Little Program. Nti Ababio ‘24 is one freshman who can relate. “I’m honestly just looking forward to making new connections and having someone who I can always reach out to, whether it’s about getting advice on classes or just grabbing some food together!” These Littles get the best of both worlds through a new, close friendship and top-tier mentorship. For Jenna Chen and Bergen Goldsmith, a major reason behind their decision to sign up was the notion of gaining a friend or mentor that has recently been in the very same shoes they’re in now, someone from whom the two freshmen can gain insight, constantly ask questions, and have personalized guidance. “I most look forward to bombarding my Big with an obnoxious amount of questions about their experience, what worked for them, and what would be best for me,” says Bergen. “I also am excited to have some older friends around campus!”

The sophomores of CBHP, with an extra year of experience under their belts, have been equally if not more excited to be matched up with their freshmen Littles. We talked to three sophomores, Chris McDonald, Chandani Bansal, and Fielden Baker, to gain some insight into their thoughts coming into the experience. In our conversations, it became clear that the three of them all had one thing in common: outstanding mentors in their own lives. This was likely why, when asked about their reason for signing up to be Bigs, all of them shared that their greatest motivation was the desire to now step into the other side of that mentorship for someone else. Each of them are looking forward to being a true friend and resource for their Littles, guiding them through the tougher aspects of freshman year, and enjoying the fun with them along the way. “One of the things that makes this program great is getting to know the people in the classes above or below your own,” said Chris. A key component of what makes the CBHP such a strong community is the strength and depth of connections across grade levels, and HBA’s Big-Little Program is certainly a huge factor in making that possible. 

We loved sharing in the anticipation of all the incoming Bigs and Littles, and this program’s more seasoned members still feel that same excitement even after several semesters of Big-Little Reveals. Headed by Adele Caminde ‘21, one family, which might more appropriately be called a dynasty, is the perfect example of what we hope those currently joining the program will gain from the experience. Last year, Adele’s Littles, Kashish and Shivani, each gained Littles of their own, Anusha, Ritika, Tamanna, and Lucky. This year,  Anusha, Ritika, Tamanna, and Lucky have each signed up to be Bigs, and the family is about to grow one generation in size. 

Each member of Adele’s family had a different story to tell us about their favorite times spent together, be it trying out delicious brunch Austin spots like “Snooze”, Friday night Chipotle runs, or having some serious “family” rivalry during Zoom game nights when quarantine hit. But more importantly, this CBHPhamily has been a platform for each of its members to meet some of their closest friends and supporters. Anusha ‘23 shared, “I’ve absolutely loved having a Big and feel like I’ve benefited so much from the experience. More than anything, it’s been like having a Big sister at UT that I can trust, go to with questions or just have a good time with!” Adele echoed Anusha’s message, showing that the support goes not only Big to Little, but also Little to Big. “I’m grateful that I was blessed with not one, but two ultra-loving and super-supportive Littles my sophomore year. I don’t consider myself super wise, but my Littles helped me feel that my stories and experiences really encouraged them as they navigated college and CBHP. I think I’ve truly gained a small family, and we will continue cheering each other on wherever we go in life!” Their experiences illustrate why this program exists, and why we have huge numbers of both sophomores and freshman signing up to join every fall.

Moral of the story is, if you’re looking for a friend, mentor, supporter, or just someone to share a meal or movie with, the Big-Little Program is the place to be. Right now, HBA is hard at work matching each and every one of you to your Little or Big, and we can’t wait to send out this year’s pairings soon! Freshmen, sophomores, get ready to start making memories with CBHPhamilies of your own. We know this is the beginning of relationships that last well beyond this semester, and we hope you’re just as ready as we are.