Sisterhood at School: How WHEE Brings Girls Together

For many students, high school can feel stressful with new classes, new friends, and the pressure to find their place. At St. John’s, WHEE (Women Helping Empower Each Other) is one club that is making that journey easier for young women.

WHEE is one of the 12 affinity groups at St. John’s, and their central mission on mentorship is highlighted through one of the largest programs in SJS, the Big/Lil Sister pairing, which matches upperclassmen with younger students based on shared interests, fostering friendships that go beyond the classroom.

It involves pairing students who are typically two years apart, such as juniors with freshmen or seniors with sophomores, after they complete a questionnaire about their interests, personalities, and goals. Club leaders then use this information to match big sisters with little sisters.

At a reveal event filled with decorations and snacks, pairs meet for the first time and start building their special bonds. From there, big and littles often check in regularly, support each other through academic and emotional challenges, and celebrate successes together.

Ms. Eleanor Cannon, one of WHEE’s club sponsors, explains the impact big/little has when one first joins the upper school. “Having a WHEE Big Sister can ease [the upper school] transition,” she says. “The Bigs give invaluable insight into how to navigate the Upper School experience and, even more importantly, are a friendly face in the halls.”

When I was a freshman, I was lucky to be paired with Aien Du, who is now a senior and quickly became both a role model and a best friend. We’re on the swim team together, carpool to practice, and spend time together almost every day. She’s helped me feel supported, included, and truly seen.

Big (Aien Du) and little (Tiffany Li) enjoy time together out of school at puppy yoga.

“We don't need expensive meals or extravagant plans to enjoy each other's company. It's truly meaningful that my favorite memories are the silent car rides or the glances during a super hard practice,” Aien told me. “It’s the unassuming smiles and shared snacks that neither of us have to ask (hers is mine and mine is hers).”

Now, as a board member myself, I want to create the same welcoming experience for others that she gave to me. As WHEE grows in popularity at SJS, more students are discovering the value of the Big/Lil program. It’s a reminder that school isn’t just about academics, but also about the relationships that shape who we become. For anyone looking for connection, support, or just a friendly face in the hallway, WHEE offers a sisterhood that lasts far beyond the school year.