One day, 35(ish) years ago, two Mount Allison students, one from Bigelow and one from Windsor, were having the times of their lives. They were directed to the football field for a special event in the mid-morning. This just so happened to be the 200th Birthday of New Brunswick, where Queen Elizabeth II gave a special monarch presentation to the Mount Allison and Sackville community on the MtA field. My father, from Bigelow, sat with his friends, and my mother with her Windsor girls. Everyone in high spirits, and unable to return to their dorms due to security protocols, went down to Mel’s (the local diner) for milkshakes.  

Now, 35 years later, I get to visit that same diner and stand on that same football field making my own memories. The experiences, although different, provide the same wonder of life at Mount Allison. Now, needless to say, I have not had anything quite as exciting as the Queen showing up, but I am still enjoying my time nonetheless.  

One of the coolest things that I have gotten from going to the same university as my parents is the abundance of MtA merch I inherited, from vintage wrestling jackets to numerous sweaters, hats and other tokens. It is not often that I am not wearing at least one thing from Mount A. I have also gotten to leave my own imprint on the school. Having been in Bennett House last year, the sister house to Bigelow, I got to live a similar experience to that of my father. Last year when I first started at Mount Allison, I got to throw a spirit week for Bennett House. That meant a full week of activities and games to help boost house morale and have fun. We had a colour day, a twin day, a PJ day, a 'swinter day' (which was summer in winter; meaning we all dressed up in shorts and t-shirts in –10 degree weather), and finally a formal day. Now every time I go home, I get to spend my time listening and telling stories about life at Mount Allison. Not to mention the legacy it leaves behind. Since my parents went to Mount Allison, I have had numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends go to the school, creating our own unique group!  

Now one thing to note, which I'm sure many other 'legacy students' have considered before coming to Mount Allison, is "What if Mount Allison is not the school for me? What if I want to forge my own path and not follow in the footsteps of my parents?” Truthfully, I want to tell you that I almost chose a different university to go to because I wanted the separation from my parents and their story. But, now I wouldn't choose any other university for the world. The link to my parents and their time here is always there but, the university is truly my own now. There is no need to worry about any of that, I promise.  

All in all, being a second, third, fourth generation Mount Allison student is extraordinary in its own way. From the shared experiences, memories, wardrobe, etc. It is like making your own sequel to a series from 30 years ago fun and your own. I cant wait to see what else is in store for me.