The Reluctant PNM - Page 6

ellebud · #1 09-21-2009, 08:23 PM

Jen said it better than I did. Thank you.

My daughter's comments about recruitment were gleaned from bits and pieces of conversation, not from a concentrated talk about recruitment. Thank you for the kind comments. I hope that if this has or will help anyone I am glad to be her messenger.

ellebud · #2 11-05-2009, 08:22 PM

Update:

As I mentioned in the PNM's story I have spent her teenage years biting my tongue. I just had to tell all of you: I FINALLY said, "Told you so!"

Presents: Presents is, as I mentioned in the thread, a ceremony held throughout the Row. Every house, on the same day but at different times of the day, "present" their pledges to all of the parents. And, as I mentioned the only reason that the Reluctant One agreed to rush was to wear this dress.

The night before Presents (every girl guards their dress with the secrecy of the CIA and the KGB in the old days) my PNM threw a hissy fit. My dress is too fancy! I'll look like an idiot! It's a WEDDING dress. ....so you get the picture.

I remained calm in the storm that is the PNM in full fury. No, I assured her. So would NOT have the fanciest dress. As we approached the house we saw girls in mermaid, princess, tulle, omg! BEAUTIFUL dresses. (I WILL LOOK SO RIDICULOUS! came the scream the night before). BEAUTIFUL GIRLS (and I mean this for all the houses) flounced their dresses. Saw a Bagley Mischka...I mean serious dresses.

My PNM looked stunning, as did her sisters. Her dress was elegant, appropriate and fit like a dream.

She was happy...................but did she say anything?

That night we went to dinner. I couldn't stand it anymore.

Did you have fun today?

Yes!

Like your dress?

Yes (the voice was softer and a bit reluctant)

Was it too fancy?

No.

Did I do a good job?

...............................yes

And what do we say?

choke...choke...Thank you mommy........

KSUViolet06 · #3 11-05-2009, 08:37 PM

Aww!

I'm originally from So Cal, and alot of my friends who attended CA schools also had Presents for their parents and I LOVED looking at their pictures (and kind of wished we could do something like that in Ohio--without freezing our buns off).

TriDeltaSallie · #4 11-05-2009, 09:03 PM

Pictures! Pictures! And, ellebud, I don't mean you specifically but anyone who has pictures from recent years or knows where to find them online.

KSUViolet06 · #5 11-05-2009, 09:08 PM

Gamma Phi Beta at USC has pics of Presents, for those of you who are wondering what it's like.

Alot of other CA schools have Presents also. My friends who went to USD, SDSU, and UCLA had them.

ellebud · #6 11-05-2009, 09:46 PM

Ok, since I am a computer novice AND I really want to maintain my daughter's privacy, if you want to see pictures of Presents from this year and past years go to USC Panhellenic. And then click on the various chapters. DG's pictures are last years, but Kappa has pictures up. TriDelta may have their pictures up as well. They are online for anyone to see. AND no one is "tagged."

Please note that when I say each and every girl is stunning, I say this in all honesty.

tootiepie · #7 11-05-2009, 10:18 PM

I don't know exactly how it works,but LSU sororities also have a presentation of new members in the spring. The new members wear white dresses and I believe they are escorted by their father. Since we haven't done it yet I am not sure exactly how they do it. From the pictures that I have seen on websites it looks like they wear some beautiful gowns.

Football Fan · #8 11-06-2009, 01:43 AM

Each sorority has a designated time for Presents. Individual chapters have different traditions. At Pi Phi I recall they had each new member "crowned" with a circle of flowers in her hair. Tri Deltas walk through a flower bedecked arch as they are presented.

Since Tri Delta has a large front garden the presentation is done outdoors with a formal reception and luncheon buffet served after the ceremony in the chapter dining room. Naturally, there is time for many photographs.

The new members are dressed in long white dresses. They wait inside the foyer and each one is introduced individually to parents, relatives and friends. A few highlights of their accomplishments are announced as they are introduced. They then walk through the white flower covered arch.

Guests are seated outdoors at tables with large umbrellas. Each table has a bouquet of flowers in the center. After the presentation of the new members guests and members leave the garden and enter the chapter house for the reception. The buffet tables are decorated with flowers and Tri Delta symbols.

I shall try to post some photos tomorrow.