When I chose St. Mary's as my college choice, my mother was estatic. She had a legacy that she could pass on, but as my first semester came to a close, she began to feel sad. When I asked her what the problem was, she told me about her views of the sororities. She admitted that now, she regretted not joining because she would be able to have me as a legacy in her sorority. I laughed it off and comforted her.
In the late 80's and 90's Sororities and fraternities went through a major makeover due to large amounts of hazing, deaths, injuries, and other emotional trauma. Laws were passed that now prevented these same acts from happening. Several chapters from all of them were shut down across the nations universities. St. Mary's included. I told her that if she had joined, there would be no legacy to pass on. She questioned my remark. I told her that all of the sororities that were there at her time, were all kicked off campus and they were all new. She smiled and agreed, but still wished she had greek letters to pass on.
Well, spring Formal recruitment came and after spending time with different members of the other sororities during the fall, I knew where I wanted to be. It was fun hanging out with the women of Alpha Phi. I didn't get along with alot of the girls in high school, but this mixed group of personalities made it work. They all showcased each other and brought out the best.
So after going through Open House, and the second night, Pref night came. Jennifer point blank asked me what she had to say to get me to join. I told her, it was as simple as saying she wanted me to join. So she did. That night when I signed my card, I "suicided" Alpha Phi.
I was super lucky that all the girls liked me, because on Bid Day... I got to go "Home".
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After my first year in Alpha Phi, I understood my mothers desire for a Legacy. So I surprised her with a gift of lifting regret. Alpha Phi allows women to join through the Alumni chapter. So I asked my mother to join, then went even further and convinced my grandmother to join! In one day, a year after I joined, I shared my experiences with the most important women in my life and became a 3rd generation legacy all at the same time! =) It was wonderful.
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It has been 8 years this year since I have joined. I still love and cherish my sisters. This summer, I was able to take my daughter through New York on vacation back from my aunt's. While we were there, today we stopped and I took her picture in front of the Founding School's house. I hope that when she finally goes to college, she will choose Alpha Phi. She will be 4th generation and it will be great to get her picture in front of the house again in 16 years.
