[DoctorD]

As I was a legacy to another sorority, my mother swears to this day that I acted up at her sorority's chapter to cause me to be dropped by them after round 2. I have told her repeatedly that wasn't the case - it was clearly not a fit.

With the discussion about the idea of "super legacy," if such an animal existed, my daughters would be considered such when/if they go through recruitment in a few years. And while I already can imagine how I will feel/be during that point (a complete wreck during recruitment week!), the journey that they will make must be their own. If they aren't a fit for my organization, that's ok - and that fit can be from either side - theirs, or the chapter's. While I would love to not only call them my daughters but also my sisters, I want them to be happy and to know that they are supported regardless. I do want them to be considered more than the PNM who has no connection with the organization (which is what legacy status offers), and knowing that the chapter will look at them for at least two rounds gives me some comfort.

I think back to how things "used to be," prior to RFM, plus with the changes that my own organization has made to member selection, and I do think the system works way better than it used to. Perfect? no. Perhaps I'm too educated in the system, but at the same time I think "super legacy" status also means that the mother has a clue and recognizes the possibilities better than someone who has not been very involved in 20 years. Would I be hurt if my daughters were released? no. Disappointed? certainly. It would not cause me to stop being involved in my organization, but would certainly cause me to also be involved in theirs, helping at recruitment or whatever they wanted/needed me to do.

In the meantime, though, my daughters know about Greek Life, and have from a young age. They've watched me do sorority work and have conference calls with sisters, and asked why didn't I just meet with them (explaining that these women are all over the country was a fun conversation, btw). They've helped me shop for Convention. They've been to get togethers I've had with sorority sisters. The Purpose is on our refrigerator. They play with Alpha Gam word magnets I got from IHQ. They've looked through our brand new new member book, and my oldest daughter recently decided she needed to learn the Greek alphabet on her own. They have also looked at materials from other organizations that I have reviewed at some point as I try to ascertain trends within the Greek community (one of the reasons I'm on Greek Chat, btw). They have been exposed to other Greek organizations both at the college where I work and at the camp they go to, as a number of the senior counselors are Greek - and I think they are more aware of the fact that some of the counselors are in sororities and tell me about them because they know how involved I am in my own organization. They've watched me write recommendations for young women, and cheer loudly when I find out where they pledge [thus far it has never been for Alpha Gam]. At every turn, I focus on Panhellenic spirit, because in the long run, that's what is important. I know that we're all in the same boat, and offer a lot of the same things.

So, I guess I write all this to say I'm comfortable with the fact that we still talk about legacies and that they exist. Super legacy just doesn't feel as important.

The 2 cents of a "medium/big squirrel."