1. Tissues
They are your parents. They have not seen you in a week, which is like a century to parents! You are growing up and have just received a bid from a great chapter, where you will be loved by your new college family. *tears* They will cry, trust me.
2. A Positive Attitude
Attitudes are everything in today’s society. Even if your mother is a member of a chapter different than the name that is written on your bid card, remind her that this is your decision and your life. It might be hard for her to come to terms with that decision, but also attempt to be patient with her. Remind her that you are Panhellenic sisters, but more importantly mother and daughter forever.
3. Comfortable Outfits
Depending on how far your chapter house is from the parking lot, your parents might have to walk a few blocks. It will most likely be sunny and hot. Remind your parents that they will be standing in the sunshine, awaiting your grand entrance down the road. Comfortable shoes, breathable fabrics, and sunglasses are a must for your parents on this special day! They might even want to throw on some sunscreen to be safe.
4. A Fully Charged Camera
Pictures, pictures, pictures! From the moment they see you turning that corner while sprinting (or speed walking) down the street to the open arms of your bid day sister, they will want to be snapping that camera button fifty times a second. My dad is the king of selfies, so a fully charged iPhone battery is key. This moment only happens once in a lifetime. It is not as important as your walk down the aisle, but it is sort of kind of close!
5. Gifts
Okay, so this one is a little artificial sounding, but Bid Day gifts are a real thing in the sorority world. Not everyone shows his or her love in the same way. My love language is the art of giving, so my parents knew to show their congratulations with my new chapter-themed items such as jewelry, bags, key chains, and picture frames. If your parents do not want to break the bank or if you are not a “gift” person, flowers are always a nice gesture. The Greek letter car stickers are also a sorority necessity, but you might have to wait until your chapter allows you to wear your letters. (Heads up)
6. An Appetite
Your recruitment week will be full of small appetizer-sized “healthy” meals and late night snacks. And honey, lets be honest, they are not fulfilling at all. After a week of chicken wraps and Cheez-Its mixed with a few emotional days of exploring running around Greek Row, you will be HUNGRY. Make sure your parents bring an appetite or at least some patience while you chow down some real food.
I hope this list helps all of the Greek life parents, and Happy Bid Day-ing!
