What Does Legacy Mean To You?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines legacy as “something that is a part of your history or that remains from an earlier time.'' The meaning behind the word, legacy piqued our interest during our Fall Women Empowering Women event, with many inspiring conversations coming from the question "what is our legacy?" So, we turned inward and asked our Rethreaded staff what legacy means to them and how has it impacted the big moments in their life. 

What does legacy mean to you?

“To me, legacy means building a bridge from where I started to a great place that someone else may someday want to go.” (Melynda, Program Administrator). 

“Leaving a legacy means that I have contributed my whole self to my life. It means that my friends, family, and co-workers have experienced my best self. It means my passions, creativity, and actions have borne fruit that will live on past my physical life.” (Gloria, Executive Assistant).

“Legacy is what we leave behind; it's the skills and life lessons we pass on to the next generation. Our legacy is the knowledge we wish to impart our children and our children's children.” (Rebekah, Director of Marketing).

What do you feel have been the important successes in your life; the frustrations?

“I was the first person in my family to go to college and finish. I thought that was my most important success until I realized that it takes more than a college education to live well. Once I decided that I truly wanted to live well, I started to take responsibility for my life. It was tough because I didn't always know how to fight for my wants and needs. Looking back on it, my biggest frustration is not taking charge sooner.” (Melynda, Program Administrator).

“I measure success in the sense of living up to my potential. Sometimes success means doing the little things that go unnoticed, and yet they serve to build a foundation for the future. I can get frustrated when it seems like too many little things are necessary to witness something big becoming a reality.” (Gloria, Executive Assistant). 

“My education is very important to me. Surviving grad school was one of the hardest things I had to go through, but receiving my Master’s in International Affairs and Political Science set me on a path toward success in life. It’s funny how the things that frustrate you the most also push you to grow and challenge the status quo.” (Rebekah, Director of Marketing). 

What have been the most influential experiences of your life?

“The first most influential experience of my life was when I ran a 5k with my physical therapist, Megan, after having a stroke. Megan believed in me and her belief still fuels me today. The second most influential experience was coming to work at Rethreaded. The strength I see coming from the survivors motivates me to dig deeper and do better in life. They have overcome some difficult situations and still show up with love and kindness.” (Melynda, Program Administrator). 

“I was deeply influenced by the legacy of my parents; their hard work and passionate dedication in ethics and discipline. I have been impacted by the passion and creativity of my children.” (Gloria, Executive Assistant). 

“Seeing my father recover from a major accident (as a police officer on call) and thrive after taking a chance, work hard, experience pitfalls and move our family (with young children) across the country to what might as well have been another country. Seeing my father's strength during/after our move from New Jersey to Florida has changed my life in so many ways.” (Rebekah, Director of Marketing). 

What does legacy mean to YOU? Tell us in the comments below! 

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