Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Baby Sitters

As I approach my last three weeks of work, I can't help but reflect on how much I love my students. In my work, I have the privilege of getting to know so many awesome students on a personal level. Though the hours can be demanding, those chunks of time lead to lots of deep conversations and even more bouts of complete silliness. I love that when my students graduate I will call them my friends.

It has been particularly fun to share this experience of my pregnancy with them. From day one they have been thrilled for me and have wanted to know every detail. They helped me finalize his name (I literally did a poll with my entire Interfraternity Council on whether Riggins was cool or just asking to be the class nerd...and of course the guys loved the Lethal Weapon connection of Riggs!), compliment me on a day when I'm feeling particularly pregnant, and argue over which fraternity he will be in someday (Alpha Phi Alpha is ahead at the moment...if Riggs' movements are any indication, he loves their yard shows!)

A few memories of my students' involvement in my pregnancy are particularly special to me. First, the women of our Panhellenic sororities threw me a shower at one of the sorority houses last month. They planned the entire thing themselves (no help from advisors!), complete with an adorable cake and delicious food. Here are just a few of the girls who stopped by the shower:

Each sorority has their own colors and mascots, and it is so special that Riggins now has a little something that represents those groups: a lion outfit from Phi Mu, and a handmade teddy bear quilt from he ladies of Kappa Delta (one of their moms made it especially for Riggs!) to name a few. And of course he got some great University of Memphis gear too...he's ready to cheer on those Tigers!

My other favorite memory came a couple of weeks ago during our annual Greek Sing performance. One of the teams, Alpha Gamma Delta/FIJI/KA, centered their performance on a jailhouse theme. The Alpha Gams had been accused of stealing the Greek Sing trophy and were put in prison...and guess who their one phone call went to?


That's right! They called ME! Out came one of the fraternity men, decked out in a dress, heels, wig, and a bump. In a high pitched voice, he recited his line: "Excuse me, officer! Riggs and I are here to release the ladies of Alpha Gamma Delta! They didn't steal the Greek Sing trophy...they won it!" They won first place! (And, no, I was not a judge :)

Of course I had to snag a pic with my lookalike after the show (please excuse my awkward face...I was laughing too hard at the sight of my twin!). The spitting image, no?

Even though I won't be formally working as their Greek Advisor anymore, I know that Riggins has a whole crowd of big brothers and sisters waiting to meet him at the University of Memphis. And if there was ever a perk to this job, I have a feeling I'm about to tap into it:

BABY. SITTERS.

;)