ΑΦΩ - AEN
Alpha Epsilon Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega
Dear Big, Dear Little
How was Revealing? What did you do after Revealing? How have you two grown in your relationship?
Fire Family
Genesis Regalado
When I was pledging, revealing was the date I was most excited for. It was the first thing I put in my planner! I feel like I didn't have any expectations going into revealing so it was good. At revealing, when we took off our blindfold, I felt really bad because I thought I didn't remember my Bigs' name. But then she told me that she wasn't at Speed Dating so I didn't feel bad anymore! I was very confused when my entire family line was there. Reva was like "HI YOU'RE MY AUNT!". Then Kim was like "YEAH YOU'RE MY G-AUNT!". I remember Reva calling Mai "Grands" so I started calling her Grands because I thought that was what I was supposed to call her. It was really awkward haha...
We went to dinner after revealing. I remember we went to the Haight and it freaks me out being there at night so I didn't really want to go. It was late and I was like do you really want to go there? When we were at dinner, I was like "Wow, I fit in with these people." It was great.
Most people in APO are so with each other that people know everyone's family lines and start talking about who they are and what they're like. But since my Bigs isn't really around, not many people knew her so they didn't really tell me much. But I'm thankful because I was able tot get to know her without any expectations or biases. Because she's so busy, she wasn't around much but I really liked our relationship. Even though we weren't together in the open all the time, we would always be studying or texting each other. She even helped me past Chem!
Natalie Montoya
The week leading up to revealing was probably the time I felt the most impatient, nervous, and excited. When the day finally came, I was pretty surprised to find out who my bigs was even though I tried my hardest to go in with no expectations. I initially thought that being around Branden would be awkward and I wasn't sure if we were a good match, but I was wrong. When I went out to dinner with my family line, I could slowly see why I was paired with my bigs. I think Branden is someone who embodies the characteristics I wish I could have, and he is a person I wish I could be. He is very warm, friendly, kind, calm, supportive, and he always gives me some wise words even though he may not realize it. Also he gave me a hella sick ass Nerf gun for midpoint #thankubigs. I haven't known my bigs that long, but I feel that our friendship has a lot of room to grow and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
Monica Fong
Like many would say, revealing was an unforgettable experience. Sitting in the classroom for a while built up a lot of suspense. I was called out in the first group so we waited outside another room down the hall. As soon as those doors opened all I saw was strings everywhere! I followed my string and after lots of hopping and crawling I found out that I was in the Fire Family!!!
Eventually everyone in the first group found out that we were all in the Fire Family. We were all shuttled to another dark room, given lighters, and told to light up the candle belonging to the person we thought were our bigs. It was an intense and exhilarating moment when I lit my bigs’, Julianna’s, candle on the first try. After many pictures and hugs, my bigs, cousin (Sydney), and I went to dinner at Um Ma Son, a Korean restaurant.
My bigs’ and my relationship has grown tremendously since revealing. We found out that we have many common interests which includes watching the same YouTubers, exploring the city and trying new restaurants, and listening to the same music. My bigs has shown me a great deal of love of and support throughout the pledging process and I cannot wait for us to have an even closer relationship.
Alex Ho
I enjoyed Revealing because I finally got to see my family line and my Bigs, who manage to fool me with her obvious clues.
We had dinner at Kaiju Eats. After weeks, I am becoming more closer to my Bigs. But there are still a lot of work for me to do in order to strengthen our relationship. I have become less reluctant to ask her for stuff.
Kathleen Leung
The night of reveal was extremely nerve wracking. In the beginning, I did not know what to expect since I had no idea who my Bigs was going to be and worried about whether or not we would get along. Walking into the room made me even more anxious knowing that my Bigs was standing right in front of me yet I did not know who he/she was going to be. After finding out who my Bigs was, the nervousness disappeared. After revealing, my family line and I went to a get dinner at a Japanese restaurant named Tomo. It was fun meeting and getting to know everyone. When we first met and for the first week or so, my Bigs and I mostly just talked about the pledging process and our interests to get to know each other a little better. As time passed, however, Grace and I grew closer together and became more open with each other.
Wind Family
Paulina Nguyen
Hm, my reveal was pretty awkward. It started off with us being dressed in non-cute clothes (our theme was sports so our pictures weren’t as cute as they could be). Anyways, the second awkward thing was that I had lit my Bigs’ candle last because I wasn’t sure who my Bigs was. At first, I had assumed that my Bigs was a guy because my hints were “I like teal, I like the SJ Sharks, and I like Sushi”.
On top of that, it was just a tad bit awkward that my family line wasn’t as hyped up and enthusiastic as the other families. “Yeah, we aren’t like them…” LOL, so awkward tbh...BUT, I love my family line! I didn’t really like the fact that we had a pledge meeting afterwards so we weren’t able to have a family line dinner afterwards. :( Overall my reveal was okay because I wasn’t sure what to expect anyways!
Keanna Lee
Revealing was interesting. Pledge Team told us that there were three stages of revealing. They blindfolded us and it was supposed to be symbolic. They talked us through it but no one really knew what was going on. Then we were on stage two and got in groups of six. Then our blindfolds came off and suddenly we were with our Bigs. I found out that it was only blind for one side but even the Bigs were blindfolded too! I was surprised that my Bigs was a boy and I was still confused. Then they dunked on me so I was more confused. They like jumped on me and I guess it was fun. So many boys...
Afterwards, we went to get burritos at a hole in the wall kind of place. It was me, my Bigs, my Grands, and Andrea. She was the one that drove and talked me through the pledging process.
We're definitely a lot closer now and not as awkward. Our first bonding was fun, like awkward fun. But now, we aren't afraid to say what's on our mind and just be ourselves. I feel like I've bonded more with the family line too, especially now that I've crossed.
Chris Fogata
I was extremely relieved to finally find out who my Bigs was at revealing, and ecstatic to see that it was one I really felt I connected with during speed dating. Afterwards I went out for Ramen with a majority of my family line and ever since that day I felt I have grown closer and closer to my Bigs as we found out how much more we had in common.
Jacqueline Nguyen
Revealing was one of the most exciting nights I’ve had while pledging. I didn’t know what to expect and came into the room completely confused. Overall, it was amazing to finally meet my Bigs and family. After reveal, my family line and I went to go get ShareTea. Throughout the night, I was still trying to process what had just happened. My Bigs has been extremely supportive and helpful. She is always there when I need to talk and gives me advice whenever I need it. My Bigs and I have grown a lot through pledging and I cant wait to see what these final weeks will have in store for us.
Earth Family
Jerwin Almazar
Revealing was very cool and fun to be a part of. I definitely was surprised with the whole candle thing. I even wore headphones walking into the room, because I assumed it was just another stage before we meet.
After revealing, the whole family line up to my G3 went out to get sushi. We talked, and I realized that I had mutual friends with my G3 Sami. I had a Lion King roll that day...it was okay. Definitely had better, but it's the company that mattered.
How we have grown...well I have grown about two inches since revealing and Bigs (Joanne) has grown maybe half an inch, depending on the shoes she's wearing.
Joanne Tran
The reveal was the same thing as what LN did so it wasn't a surprise to me about how pledge team did it. I was very nervous because, you know, I'm a girly girl and getting paired with him was a bit worrisome. I thought I would have nothing in common with this guy so how am I even gonna make conversation to begin with, but I was excited nonetheless. My main concern was whether we were going to connect or not. Basically, I was anxious the whole day. After reveal, we went to get sushi at Sqwers because my family line made reservations. It was appropriate that my Littles got a Lion King roll because his gifts were Lion King themed. But, he didn't talk much since he was on the phone the whole time.
He doesn't look taller; he's just tall but it doesn't look like he's grown (haha). It was a rough start but now it's getting better. Like, he makes me angry 99.99% of the time but I already learned a lot from him. It isn't easy being his Bigs but he makes my life more interesting. If I had anyone else as a Littles, I'm pretty sure my life would not be interesting like now. Although he hasn't grown in height, he's grown through the pledging process so far and I am very proud. Our relationship is nothing like I expected it to be. It's even crazier, but greater. He's great and I hope he never changes. Love you Littles!
Christina Xian
Revealing was awesome! I now have another littles! I surprised her because she thought I was a boy from my clues. After revealing, we went to Sqwers for dinner with the whole family line. It was good sushi. I can honestly say that our relationship has grown since our first bonding. I have discovered that she is a very kind-hearted person and I can't wait for our relationship to grow even stronger in the future.
Jennifer Lam
On the day of reveal, I was super excited and nervous because I was excited to know who my Bigs was going to be and what family I was going to be a part of, but didn’t know what to expect. While my pbros and I were grouped in the room together and waiting to be called, I started to get butterflies in my stomach. As Rumneek called groups of people, I got more and more anxious. As I was in the last group, I was excited to find out if I was in the Earth, Wind, or Earth family, but to see how many strings were in the room to find out, I was overwhelmed. Luckily, I found out I was in Earth on my second try. Afterwards, I was excited because Martin gave us lighters so we could light the candle of who our Bigs was going to be. I was anxious because we could potentially guess our Bigs wrong and I didn’t want to be embarrassed. As I was in the first half to go into the dark room, I was surprised at how many people could fit in a small room. LOL. As I lit the candle of who I guessed my Bigs was, I was super excited to find out Christina was my Bigs. And to be greeted by the rest of my family line with a tiara and little gift, I was overwhelmed with happy feels. After revealing, I was able to hang out with my whole family line up to my G4 over eating sushi and watching a NBA basketball game, two of my favorite things! My relationship with my Bigs has flourished and I have realized we have a lot in common. I am excited for our relationship to grow in the future with not just her, but with my whole family line!
Lauren Juson
I honestly don't remember what happened at revealing except getting blindfolded and then holding hands LOL. But I was super happy when I found out who my littles was!!! Even though we don't hang out every single day, we're still annoying and mean to each other as ever!!!
Jesse Cruz
I was really excited for reveal because I knew having a Bigs was going to be fun. I had no idea who my Bigs was because we weren't given any clues. I didn't have any preference for who I wanted my Bigs to be. I trusted PTeam, and I knew they'd make a good pairing. We ended up getting blind folded and holding hands with someone. When we took off our blindfolds, we were told that the person we were holding hands with was our Bigs. I was excited! My Bigs was on my top 5 people I would want as a Bigs. In that moment though, I kind of forgot her name, just for a little while though I promise! I also met my Grandbigs! They were really nice. We went to Sharetea. We all really clicked. I felt like I've known them for years.
After reveal, my Bigs and I hung out every week, some weeks I would sleepover too because pledge meetings were long. We don't see each other as much as we'd like to because we are really busy, but every time we hangout, it's super fun. I know I can always come to her for anything, and she knows I'll be there for her no matter what. We are super mean to each other, but jeez it's just a joke. I love my Bigs so much. I'm so thankful to have her in my life.
Caitlin Celio
At revealing, I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I remember sitting next to people and I was just really confused. They told us to get in groups, then took off my blindfold, and then they were like just kidding, here's your Bigs. It was just a huge commotion and I was really overwhelmed. When I met my Bigs and Grands, I totally knew Amy's name but at the time I couldn't remember it (embarrassing). I got a tiara and they told me we're the Royal Cuties line! It was really cute. I'm super happy that I got them. When we started taking pictures, Amy told me that we're gonna be at the front of the photo so we waited until everyone got in position and then we got in the front! I remember seeing the both of them and thinking "I have a really beautiful family line."
After revealing, me, Amy, Jacqueline Chou, Krystal, Rumneek, and Tiffany Wong went to Sweet Cafe. We were standing and had an awkward moment when I said "Thanks Bigs" and Amy was like "Wait what?"
We've grown in our relationship to the point that I see Amy almost every day. She's probably one of my best friends and the person I would always open up to. I love how her main priority when I was pledging was to get me to cross over and she always made sure I was on track. During pledging, she stayed up past midnight just to make sure I finished my homework. She's given me a lot of guidance. She always protects me like when someone talks about me she always goes "What did you say about my Littles??" She's not always on my side of things but she backs out of the situation, gives me her viewpoint, and brings me back to reality. She always looks at the brighter side of things. My Bigs has a different sense of humor than me but we mesh well together. It's really cute that she gives me boba or Starbucks to cheer me up. One time I had three bobas in one day just because of her. One night, we had an all nighter with Chris Vasques and Meryl. It was my first all nighter and we went to Twin Peaks to see the sunrise but it was just fog. We had a lot of cheap sushi and boba dates even though we may not always have time to talk. I know she'll always be there for me. SD.
Bonnie Simpraseuth
It was exciting! I was kind of nervous going into the room because there were so many people, but I'm glad I got Candace as my Bigs! She's the sweetest person ever!
We went to Sushi Bistro with my family line. I got to know them a bit more, and what our family line is known for.
Candace is the most supportive and understanding person I know. She gives great advice not only for APO but also college life. I'd say we have grown pretty close since reveal. I'm pretty comfortable in telling her what's going on in my life.
Jason Jeong
The revealing came unexpected for me; got a huge family line compared to others. Vincent Wangworawut, my pbros whom I rarely interact with, was in my family line. The family line also include Boris Ngan, Ranill, Anna Tan, Akira Stephen, Linda, and Kat Hong. My G2 William Chiang and Jin Kim, Anna Tan’s Lils, are both absent due to busy schedule. I panic being introduced to so many people in my family line and I got no idea what the term “Grands, G2, G3, and G4 are. I got hugged from Kat Hong and Linda and a high five from the rest. I got great gifts and poster; one of the gifts is a balloon with a word saying “It’s a Boy” as in I was just boy and Neo Kim gave birth to me (sarcastic). Neo also got me candies, chocolate, and Protein Shake Bottles.
Martin Juarez
Scary. Revealing was really scary. I remember our pledge parents lining us up against the wall outside the pledge meeting room. They put lighters in our hands and told us we were going to light a candle of who we thought was our Bigs. If they blow it out, they aren't our Bigs. But if they don't, then they are. We were so terrified. When we went into the room, there was a crowd of people. I lit Natalie Tice's first and then she blew it out. All of a sudden, everyone's candle was lit and the only one left was Nick. I thought they weren't going to give me Nick as a Bigs since it was someone I already knew. I already knew it was going to be more like getting to know my family line rather than my Bigs since we already had a year to get to know each other. What takes a semester for Bigs and Littles to achieve in a relationship was already done in a year for mine since we had a year.
There was no change to our relationship because there was nothing new. We just sustained our friendship. He was there for everything but it wasn't to the same level as everyone else. Our relationship was just different compared to everyone else and we didn't grow the same way through pledging since we already reached all different types of levels during the year before pledging.
Matt Bordallo
It was weird because we got blindfolded. And of course whenever the blindfolds were brought out...oh you know. I remember having a derpy moment where I had the green string and was like "Oh, I'm in Wind!" And then everyone was like "Noooo, you're in Earth..." But the whole week before revealing, I was scared. I just didn't know what to expect. At revealing, I found out my Bigs was Martin and I was like I don't know him but hopefully we can get along. From this experience, I now know not to have expectations for anything and to be open and able to work with what you got.
We went to dinner at Kitaro after revealing. It was super awkward because I was really quiet, obviously, and Martin was trying to ask me questions and I gave one-word responses. Brittany and Nicole were there too and they were talking a lot so that made things more awkward.
In the beginning, it was super awkward. We didn't click and we really didn't have a lot in common. But as pledging went on, I opened up to him and he opened up to me, a little bit. Now we talk a lot! We're really b****y to each other, which is our way of showing affection to each other. To be honest, I had doubts if he even liked me but now I know that he does love me to a certain extent. I just want to tell him I love him too, b****.
Luke Choi
Revealing for me as a Littles was more than I could have imagined because I didn't know what to expect. Vanessa as my Bigs is more than I could have ever expected because she's someone that is so unique in nature and at times like myself. She has more life experience than I and we have had both interesting conversations and bondings. My first time meeting Vanessa I thought she was interesting but now I know that I have someone that I can depend on and talk to. Thank you so much Bigs for being there.
Last but not least (like not least at all)...
Our very own Madame President!
Bigs: Vanessa Mejia
I remember I wore my black Northface jacket. But it got too hot since I was nervous. The pledges gathered together outside and got post its on our forehead so we didn't know what it said. I remember doing process of elimination since I couldn't figure out what was on my post-it and Vanessa was the only one left. Then Vanessa asked if she was Romeo since she saw that my post-it said Juliet. Then we said "WOOOOO!" Then we exchanged contact numbers. My phone background had Wicked on it and she was like "You like Wicked?" And then I said "Yeah I watched it 11 times!"
At first, we were like what is this feeling? So sudden and new? And then, we were defying gravity. Because we're popular. And we were changed for good.
Littles #1: Nick Alcover
Revealing was great. On the day of revealing, I held a sign that said "Coffee Addict". The pledges came in, a few at a time. When he came in, he came straight to me. There was lots of excitement! I made him spam musubi and I think he was excited...I couldn't tell.
Now that we're older, we relate more closely. Even though we're oceans apart, the bond is still just as strong and continually growing.
Littles #2: Nicole Unpingco
This revealing was the most breath taking because I was wrapped in paper. I was covered in wrapping paper with masking tape alongside my Grands Martin. Then I got seated in a chair and waited for what seem like a century. My Littles finally unwrapped me and I was so excited...to finally breathe fresh air. And of course, meet my Littles! After revealing, we went to Kitaro and hit it off while Martin and Matt silently ate their food.
Even though, my Littles doesn't go here anymore, we still make the same effort to maintain our relationship and make time to hang out.
Littles #3: Macky Lee
My hands were really sweaty because Pledge Team gave me another islander! And I was nervous because Pledge Team made us hold hands with our Littles and my hands get clammy when I can't see. And we were blindfolded! When we were told to take off our blindfolds, she had a really neutral reaction and I thought she hated me. Then we went to Kevin's and she tripped on nothing and fell on the floor.
We're so comfortable with each other now that we send snapchats to each other while we're pooping. Our relationship gets more magical each day.
