To all the moms whose daughters are considering joining a sorority, 

I know you might be nervous as your daughter is heading to college and I’m so excited to share my journey with you! Watching my daughter become a KD has been one of the most rewarding experiences. She’s found her family away from home and has met incredible friends who make her college life so special. 

Recruitment is a whirlwind of emotions, and as moms, our best role is to support our daughters as they find their perfect fit. Whether she calls for fashion advice, needs tips on dealing with blisters from “cute shoes” or just wants to talk through her feelings about each stage, the best thing we can do is listen and encourage. I wasn’t in a sorority myself, so I felt a bit lost at first. But I realized it’s all about letting our girls discover where they belong. You might be surprised by how many parents get involved in bid day and other recruitment activities, but whether you choose to be there in person or just a comforting voice on the phone, it’s up to you.  

To all the girls diving into recruitment this year, do a bit of homework on the Panhellenic website or check out social media platforms like TikTok for tips on what to expect and how to dress for each round. My daughter had a blast planning her outfits and packing a small bag with essentials like deodorant, a portable fan, Band-Aids, hair ties and comfy shoes. This preparation helped her feel more confident and excited rather than nervous. Remember, this process is about having fun, meeting new people and embracing new experiences. 

The recruitment process brought my daughter some of her closest friends. They shared every moment—the excitement, anticipation and even the disappointment of not being invited back to certain houses. It’s all part of the journey. Trust the process, as it’s designed to help them find the right fit. Joining a sorority is about finding lifelong friends who will be there to laugh with or when you need support. Despite initial nerves, I couldn’t be happier for my daughter finding her home with KD. 

Being a part of Kappa Delta means joining a legacy of women committed to high academic standards, philanthropy and career ambitions. My daughter has already had amazing opportunities through KD, from campus jobs to networking with alumni at career fairs. The sorority has expanded her community, making her feel at home even while attending college out of state. She’s built close bonds with her member class, her big sister and other older members who have guided her. She enjoyed learning about the sorority’s history, attending mixers and social gatherings and even serving as a Panhellenic Junior Delegate in her first year. Despite my initial nerves, KD has been the perfect place for her, and she’s incredibly happy. 

Wishing all the girls and moms an amazing recruitment process,

Shannon Newkirk
Avery’s mom
Epsilon-Louisiana State