Goodbyes Aren't Forever

      Well, here we are. It's the day after LDOC/the day before finals and Tar Heels are packing into Davis and the UL, checking if the Old Well has any more 4.0s to give, and more than likely feeling the after effects of celebrating the men's basketball team’s victory against Davidson at last night's (all-too-late) 9 PM game. Today is a bit more bittersweet for me, as this afternoon Iota Lambda held its last chapter of the semester, and my last chapter as an active member. I crossed in Fall ‘14 as the tail of The 4 VolatILe EleMents my first semester at Carolina as a transfer student. I went to my first rush week event because I was a Northerner in the South and I heard rumors that there would be a tray of Chick-fil-A nuggets. I kept coming to events because I saw the chapter's ability to work together as one cohesive unit to help serve the band, support each other as sisters, and, of course, be Da ILlest chapter around! The chapter maintained these qualities over the five semesters I've been here. I've been #blessed with two wonderful littles, both of whom have leadership positions within the band and the chapter. I also now have two grand-littles (both named Hannah!) who crossed in the spring and fall semesters of this year. They have both provided so much already to this chapter, and I can't wait to see what else they will offer in the future. Hannah Macie (Spr. 16) helped revitalize the Greek Music Council by holding meetings with the four music Greek organizations on campus. Their founding has led to several events this semester, including a semi-formal and a Holi-get together (think Friendsgiving). The music Greek organizations lost a sense of community when we lost the Greek lounge with the Hill Hall renovations (RIP), so it is great to see these relationships being revamped even without a physical space to share. This feeling of community is what I joined Tau Beta Sigma for, and it has not failed me.  
    Throughout my Carolina experience, I have spent countless hours with these sisters in meetings, at rush events, while performing volunteer work on campus and beyond, and demonstrating the 8 by 5’s at all times, especially while wearing a POTACC. My time as a student has been shaped by what I’ve done with the chapter--from having potluck dinners with other chapters, to traveling to Atlanta for Honda Battle of the Bands, to volunteering at the Bands of America regional finals at Wake Forest University. Most recently, our chapter gained two marvelous turtles, Jordan Jenkins and Hannah Williams, who have brought their joy and unquestionable dedication with them throughout their process and after crossing. I can’t wait to see what they contribute and accomplish in the future, because it is destined to be Almighty (Omicron)!
   To the active chapter, thank you for this fantastic and successful semester. We certainly faced some challenges, but we overcame them like the bosses we are. I plan to show my face once in a while next semester, so you certainly haven’t seen the last of me. I know you are all capable of great things, and I can’t wait to see what you will do. The chapter really embodies the word sisterhood, and that will lead to great successes. As you know, I have really enjoyed the partnership between our chapter and Playmaker’s Repertory Company. If there is ever a shift that needs covering, give me a call! In fact, anything you need, just give me a call. I plan to stick around for a little while longer.
To the alumni, I look forward to joining you all in the listserv upon my graduation on December 18th!
MLITB,
David Michaud
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