Life After Bid Day
Bid Day is a significant moment in the lives of new fraternity and sorority members. It marks the end of a rigorous recruitment process and the beginning of an exciting journey that will last a lifetime. While the anticipation and excitement leading up to Bid Day are palpable, remember that the real adventure starts once those bids have been accepted.
Bid Day officially welcomes you into a new brotherhood or sisterhood. It’s a time to celebrate the bonds you’ve formed with your fellow members and to foster a sense of unity. After Bid Day, take the time to connect with your new brothers or sisters on a deeper level. Understand that the bonds of your new family may take time to solidify, so be patient and open to forming meaningful connections.
The first thing you should consider is managing expectations.
It’s common to have high expectations of sorority and fraternity life based on stereotypes and social media. However, it’s essential to remember that real experience often differs from these portrayals. Be open to embracing the unique aspects of your own chapter, and don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t match preconceived notions. Ask curious questions to align your priorities and expectations with the reality of membership. The ability to understand that your chapter is about much more than parties and social events is key to having a fulfilling experience.
After that, focus on being intentional about building connections.
Don’t just wait for connections to happen—actively build and nurture them. Take the initiative to not just attend events, but get to know your fellow members and engage in meaningful conversations. These connections will not only enhance your experience but also enrich your college years. Focus your attention not just on finding the perfect big brother or big sister but on everyone else in the chapter, too. If you meet an older member that shares similar interests or hobbies, have the courage to go up to them and ask to meet up! They want you to feel welcome and have a great experience, too.
Finally, focus on YOUR lived experience and what you enjoy.
Don’t worry or think about external perceptions – whether it be from other members of the sorority and fraternity community OR unaffiliated students. It can be easy to be susceptible to the negative or critical comments that others make. Remember that you are the one living your experience, and the most important thing is for you to enjoy it authentically. Focus on your collegiate experience as a whole, too, outside of your involvement in your sorority or fraternity. Your identity is more than your affiliation. Take your values, interests, and talents and share them with the rest of campus, too!
Life after Bid Day is the true start of your membership. It’s a chance to create lifelong friendships, make a difference in your community, and grow as an individual. By managing and aligning your expectations, actively building connections, and focusing on what’s important, you can make the most of your experience. Sorority and fraternity life offers a remarkable journey filled with personal growth, and it’s up to you to seize the opportunities it presents.
Written by Elena Pastore, Growth Consultant 