Tale of 3 Daughters

[IHPiPrez]

Daughter #1s Story

Of course, she’s heard all about how much Dad and I loved our time at the “University of Red Brick Sidewalks and Towering Oaks.” She’s been to football games, Homecoming weekends and sports camps on the campus for as long as she can remember. But, Daughter #1 is Opinionated. So odd for a first child (yeah right)!! SHE will NOT be attending our alma mater. SHE wants to go to a smaller school farther north and preferably as far away from Mom and Dad as possible. Okay, no problem. We drive all week and tour small to medium schools far and wide. She likes a few, narrows her list and plans to apply in the fall. I nod and smile and say very little, as is wise for parents of teens, especially when they’re in their “I know it ALL” years.

Fall of her senior year comes and I hear little talk of college apps. In the way of today’s mothers, I poke and prod a little to make sure she knows about the deadlines etc. (BTW – How in the world did we ever research, apply and get admitted to college before the Internet?? No wonder I was so clueless… see previous posts for details!) I know from the almost daily updates from the College Guidance office at her school that they’d like all applications in to them by mid November for review. One night at dinner, I casually inquire as to the status of her apps. Giving me the “look” that we all know so well, Opinionated informs me that she sent her early decision application weeks ago to the “University of Red Brick Sidewalks and Towering Oaks’ and should hear pretty soon if she’s been admitted. WHAT??? After picking myself and extremely surprised Dad off the floor, we silently rejoice that she has seen the light.

[LPIDelta]

I love that you've nicknamed her Opinionated...

[IHPiPrez]

Originally Posted by LPIDelta

I love that you've nicknamed her Opinionated...

As my Tale continues, you will find out that I have given all 3 daughters nicknames. Since they are all wonderful, complex girls with many characteristics, the nicknames are just ones I came up with that most accurately described their attitudes about GLOs and experiences with rush.

[IHPiPrez]

Daughter #1s Story….. Part 2

It’s June of 2002. Opinionated and I are at orientation. She was accepted early decision and whenever Dad teased her about her proclamations of not EVER attending the “University of Red Brick Sidewalks and Towering Oaks” she pretends not to hear him. She, of course, is thrilled to be a member of the incoming freshman class. Orientation is a two day event where the kids and parents rarely see each other. Each go off in different directions and attend sessions about University life.

On the second day, I’m walking across my beloved red brick sidewalks chatting with a good friend whose daughter will also be a freshman. And then it happens. Suddenly, I see a girl casually strolling across campus wearing a Greek letter tee!! Of course, at that point my own experiences come rushing (no pun intended) back and I KNOW that I have another chance to experience Greek life. Not first hand of course but, if Opinionated decided to rush, vicariously. (Yes, I hear all of you laughing at this point!!) Orientation ends and I bide my time, waiting for the perfect moment to “suggest” rush to Opinionated.

[UGAalum94]

Oh yes, but it's got to be the suggested in way that makes her think it's her idea type of suggested, if it have correct read on her personality and stage of development. It's hard to pull off.

[Cane94G8r97]

What a fun thread! I can't wait to read about Opinionated's opinions about Greek Life!

[ASUADPi]

I love this story. I can't wait to hear (read) what "opinionated" decided to do about rush.

p.s. I LOVE her nickname. I'm the oldest and super opinionated. It's not a bad thing

[Ocalagirl]

I am loving this story and definitely wanting to hear more!

[IHPiPrez]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

I love this story. I can't wait to hear (read) what "opinionated" decided to do about rush.

p.s. I LOVE her nickname. I'm the oldest and super opinionated. It's not a bad thing

I agree with you completely!! Knowing your own mind is GOOD thing!!

Daughter #1s Story….. Part 3

I let a couple weeks go by and wait for my moment. One day Opinionated and one of her best HS friends are lounging at our house discussing going to school. Her friend starts to extol the virtues of the Greek system at the school she will be attending and describing the rush process. Opinionated listens politely and even asks a few questions that seem to indicate interest! Once her friend heads home, I’m ready and waiting. “So Opinionated, I couldn’t help but over hear you and so and so discussing GLOs and rush. Sounds like something you might enjoy. Why don’t you go on the University web and check out the Greek Life site?” And then there was the look (and a slight eye roll), followed by “Mom, I’ve already been to the site, talked to some girls that are and aren’t in sororities at school and have decided it’s not for me.” I stammer and say “but you would meet great girls that would become lifelong sisters.” Opinionated laughs and as she flounces out of the room responds “I already have all the sisters I can stand.”

I was disappointed with her decision, but not at all surprised. Her name is not Opinionated in this thread for nothing!! Opinionated spent 4 wonderful years at school before graduating in May of 2006. She became very involved a multitude of campus activities. She will start her last year of Grad school at another university in a couple weeks but she is just like her Dad and me, her heart will always belong to the “University of Red Brick Sidewalks and Towering Oaks”. She did meet lifelong sisters some of whom wear tees with Greek letters on them.

Back to my tale. It’s Spring Break 2003 and Daughter #2 and I are leaving to tour her list of colleges up and down the east coast........

[CrimsonTide4]

I stumbled across this thread this morning and am really enjoying it.