Quote:
Originally Posted by fantASTic
Assuming the PNM doesn't act inappropriately or have an impossible older sister or something bad, as was said, do you feel that they should be given a bid even if you wouldnt necessarily think they 'click' with your sorority? Just because they're a legacy, I mean.
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It depends on what you mean by "click." If the PNM is more quiet and shy in an alreday stressful formal recruitment environment, it may come off as she doesn't "click" but might actually be a wonderful member.
I think there is a balance between honoring legacies and their connection to the organization and finding the right "fit" for the chapter that requires input from both the actives and guidance from an alumna advisor.
It has been my experience that many chapter members are quick to disregard the legacy connection in favor of women who they feel are more "fun." It has also been my experience that those "fun" women often (though not always) tend to be the ones who are *not* active, contributing members and usually end up resiging membership after two years because they don't want to put in the effort anymore.
Big personalities may be fun to talk to during recruitment, but they are not always fun to live with, especially when you have 50+ women with big personalities living in a chapter facility. When I was a chapter adviser, I always stressed to the members the importance of having a wide array of personalities in the chapter and not to discount those PNMs who are a little more quiet or reserved. You need the quiet, supporting girls just as much (if not moreso) as the loud, outspoken ones.
BUT, if the legacy is blatantly not a good fit, the chapter should not feel obligated to invite her back past the required party. The feelings of the legacy connection (sister, mother, grandmother, etc..) also need to be taken into consideration. Not that they need an explanation per se, but I always told the members "imagine this girl is *your* sister or daughter, how would you feel?" Not that it always necessarily helped, but I hope it at least made them think a bit more about the decision.