Sacred Hearts Academy just wrapped up Freshman Initiation Week, when freshmen are officially welcomed to the high school. It’s an exciting time of year for everyone, but for the juniors, it means becoming “big sisters.”

As big sisters, we take the lead in welcoming our “little sisters,” the freshmen, to the school. Although I had already gone through the process of getting initiated as a freshman, I still had mixed feelings going into initiation week. As a junior, I knew it would be stressful to choreograph a dance for our little sisters, while still trying to balance school work.

But at the same time, I was also excited to be paired up with a freshman because I always wanted a little sister. Turns out, I already knew my little sister, Mickayla, pretty well. We went to the same school prior to attending the Academy. But after spending a full week with her, participating in various activities, we were able to strengthen our friendship even more. She was like the little sister I never had.

The theme of this year’s Freshman Initiation was “Dancing Through Life” and was incorporated throughout the week of activities. It was a lot of fun. Big sisters dressed up their little sisters on Mini Monday and We Match Wednesday. For Mini Monday, juniors adorned their little sisters with baby accessories.

My friend Hi‘i and I both “shared” Mickayla as our little sister, so we decided to put a baby leash and a bib on her. We also gave her a sippy cup to drink out of. To match, we wore sunglasses and a floaty, as well as put up our hair in buns. All of these activities led up to Friday’s Initiation Day, when the little sisters performed the dances we choreographed for the entire school. I couldn’t have been prouder of my group of little sisters.

Overall, getting paired up with a little sister was such a fun experience because I was able to form a special bond with not only my little sister but with all of the little sisters in my group as well. This annual tradition is great for both divisions because the little sisters are able to have a mentor, while still adjusting to high school, and the juniors learn more about being good leaders and positive role models. Hopefully, I will be able to keep this sisterhood going for many years to come.