Riddle Wrapped 2025

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2025 was a super eventful year in my time at Embry-Riddle. From completing my Sophomore and Junior years, to moving from my dorm to my first apartment, and my involvement in campus organizations, it has surely been a full year. I figured I would cap off my year by going back through memory lane at some of the best moments of my year at Riddle:

Spring Semester Begins: This picture is the first I took on campus back for Spring 2025, and the first of many Union pictures I took in this crazy year. We really do have such a beautiful campus!

Pool Days: This is from one of the many pool days I had throughout both the spring and fall semesters. The pool is one of my favorite spots on campus to just unwind and soak up some sun between the stresses of class and schoolwork!

The Avion: It is never a dull moment in The Avion, our school’s award winning student lifestyle magazine and news website. However, I wouldn’t ask for a better group of people to undertake this with me every semester!

Dorm Move Out: This picture caps off two years of dorm living in the Student Village for me before I moved into an off-campus apartment in the Fall. It was a little nostalgic leaving, but I was ready for what was next!

Spring Commencement: I got to watch some of my best friends graduate from Embry-Riddle in the Spring. While it was sad to see them leave, I was so happy to celebrate all their accomplishments and what their future had in store fort all of them!

What’s the Forecast?: This past semester, I started making weather videos in the broadcast studio to help practice my broadcasting skills and to post on Instagram. One day super soon I hope to be a broadcast meteorologist, and this great resource Embry-Riddle has will help me reach that goal.

Beach Days!: I LOVE the beach, and there were plenty beach days throughout 2025. This particular picture is from September in Flagler Beach, where I hope to visit even more in 2026!

Disney Springs: I love to go to Disney Springs with my friends to explore and have a good time. Some of my best memories were there, like this picture from my 20th birthday back in March!

Friends, Old and New: Even as a third year student, I am constantly meeting new people and making new friends. I have cherished all the memories I made with my friends both old and new this year, and am looking forward to even more next year! This picture is from the Halloween Spooktacular in October at our Avion photobooth with some of my friends!

Fall Semester Comes to an End: This was the last picture I took on campus this semester, with probably one of the brightest moons I saw all year. It capped off a year even crazier than any of these pictures could have shown. While there were ups and downs throughout my year, these are the moments that I am going to remember from my 2025 at Embry-Riddle well after I graduate!

What were some of your favorite moments from your time at Embry-Riddle? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll see you in 2026!

Decking the Halls on a Budget

Christmas has got to be my favorite time of year! Seeing the holiday lights, putting up the tree, and drinking a warm sip of hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows, of course) all help to get me in the holiday spirit. While my family usually decorates our home back in New Jersey over Thanksgiving break, this year I decided to inject some holiday magic into my first apartment as well. This ended up being a great morale booster as I braved a tough finals week, and can be a fun way to mark the last few weeks of the semester for anyone no matter what holiday they celebrate. Being a college student, I also had to ensure that I was able to decorate on a budget (which is not always easy to be honest). However it can be done! Here are some tips for different elements of decking your halls on a budget:

The Tree Itself: This was probably the single most expensive item that I bought for decking my halls. I knew the second I moved into my apartment that I wanted to decorate for Christmas, so I bought my tree in mid-October. Yes, you read that right. The strategy here was to buy my tree early to get a good deal on the price, which paid off. I was able to get my 6.5 foot tree for about $50 at Home Depot, which was the height I wanted at a pretty reasonable price!

On the Tree: For the ornaments on the tree, I opted to go with a color set from Target. This was only about $20, and included about 50 glitter, shiny, and matte ornaments all with hooks. I also bought some cheap garland to wrap around my tree, and found a light up angel on sale!

Under the Tree: For under my tree, I bought a tree skirt and light up presents to help fill the space. I chose relatively economical options, and was able to use a gift card for these. I also found a super cute gold reindeer at Target to go under my tree, completing that space.

The rest of the Apartment: For the remainder of my apartment, I went to the dollar store, where they had a whole section of the store with super festive and economical decorations. Here, I was able to decorations such as a tabletop tree, a tablecloth, a “merry” outdoor sign, and more for a great deal!

Overall, when finding the items to decorate my apartment, I looked for items that were on sale, used gift cards that I already had, and shopped where I could find great deals! The beauty about decorating your space is that you can decide what to include or not. If you are working with a smaller budget, you could just choose to focus on the tree, for example. I ended up buying these decorations over the course of a month a little at a time, making it easy for me to budget a little each week for some decorations. I also knew that I would be able to use them next year in my apartment, and in the future as well.

This is why it helps to start early with budgeting and buying if you know decorating your dorm or apartment is something you want to do. It doesn’t have to be anything huge or grand, as long as you are happy with the way your space looks, you have successfully decked your halls!

Let me know down in the comments if you have any tips for decorating your dorm or apartment. Wishing everyone a very happy holidays!

The Joy of Creativity


Hey y’all!
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is slowing down and getting creative. Between finals, traveling home, and the general chaos that comes with this time of year, it’s nice to have something simple and hands-on to focus on. For me, that usually means crafts. There’s just something so comforting about sitting down with supplies, Christmas music playing in the background, and creating something just for fun.


Why Crafts Feel Extra Special During the Holidays
During the holidays, crafting feels different. It’s cozy. It’s nostalgic. It reminds me of being younger and doing crafts at the kitchen table while Christmas movies played in the background. Crafting gives my brain a break from screens, deadlines, and overthinking. It’s a way to relax without feeling like I’m doing nothing.


Making Seed Bead Animals
One of my favorite simple crafts is making seed bead animals. If you’ve never made them before, they’re these tiny animals made by weaving small beads together into different shapes. It takes patience and focus, but that’s part of why I love it. You can’t rush it, and you can’t multitask while doing it. You just sit there and work one bead at a time. Plus spending time on Pinterest to find patterns is also relaxing.
There’s something really satisfying about watching something come together from such small pieces. Plus, they’re adorable when they’re finished. I mean look how cute these stingray earrings came out!


Handmade Gifts Mean More
As I’ve gotten more into crafting, I’ve also started appreciating handmade gifts more during the holidays. There’s something really special about giving someone something you made yourself. It feels more personal and thoughtful, and it shows that time and care went into it, not just a quick trip to the store.
Handmade gifts don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s the small imperfections that make them special. Whether it’s something created late at night with Christmas music playing in the background or a project you spent weeks working on, handmade gifts carry a sense of warmth that store bought gifts just can’t replicate.


Crafting as Self Care
Crafting has become one of my favorite forms of self care. It’s calming, grounding, and lets me be creative without any pressure. There’s no grade, no deadline, and no expectations. Just me, my supplies, and a finished piece at the end.


During a season that can sometimes feel overwhelming, having a creative outlet like this makes a huge difference.


Final Thoughts
The holidays are the perfect time to slow down and create something just because you enjoy it. Whether it’s crafting, baking, or any other creative activity, giving yourself time to make something is such a gift. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to make you happy.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

Fall Comes to a Close

Where did all the time go? If you’ve been following along on my journey, it seems like just yesterday that I started as a blogger with my first post detailing the end of my sophomore year. Well, my fall semester has come to a close, and with that, I am now a senior, which feels crazy. Let me recap my last week of my fall semester and junior year for you all:

This week included a LOT of studying for me. This semester I had 4 finals, as well as a few finals projects and presentations that were also completed throughout the last week of classes. My projects included a multimedia pop culture website that contained an audio podcast and blog posts, and a crisis communication case study of the FEMA response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. My respective group mates and I had been working on these projects for weeks leading up to the end of the semester, and it was very rewarding to present them to cap off the semester.

One of the more fun parts of my week was our annual Avion staff holiday party! This tradition always takes place at our last meeting of the fall semester, where we do a staff secret Santa, play Jackbox games, eat Christmas cookies, and celebrate our successful semester that we had! As an avid mac and cheese and Target fan, I loved the Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese (from the brand new store in Daytona!!!) and Target Gift Card that I got in secret Santa.

Another fun way to destress from finals week was in the weather lab, where the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association (AMS/NWA) on campus provided Raising Cane’s as a study snack! I loved getting to help organize this for everyone, and it was a resounding success!

Finals week just flew by this year, and come January 1, it will be my graduation year. But for now, you’ve still got a year more of blogs coming your way! I hope your end of the semester went smoothly, and that you are settling into a relaxing winter break.

Victorian Christmas


Hey y’all!
With Christmas right around the corner, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite holiday traditions, Thomasville, Georgia’s Victorian Christmas. If you’ve ever been to Thomasville during the holidays, you know how special it is. And if you haven’t, this is your sign to put it on your Christmas bucket list.


A Little Holiday Magic
Every year during Victorian Christmas, downtown Thomasville completely transforms. The brick streets, historic buildings, and twinkling lights make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Hallmark movie. People dress in Victorian-style clothing, carolers sing classic Christmas songs, and the whole town just feels warm and festive.


It’s one of those events that instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit, no matter how busy or stressed you’ve been.


The Atmosphere Makes It
What I love most about Victorian Christmas is the atmosphere. It’s not rushed or overwhelming. People are just walking around, laughing, and enjoying the moment. There’s music playing, lights everywhere you look, and something happening on almost every corner.


It’s the kind of place where you can grab a warm drink, wander through downtown, and forget about everything else for a little while.


Supporting Local Businesses
Another reason this event is so special is how it brings the community together. Local shops stay open late, windows are decorated, and restaurants are packed with people grabbing dinner or dessert. It’s the perfect time to shop local and support small businesses while getting into the holiday spirit.


A Tradition Worth Keeping
Victorian Christmas has always felt like one of those traditions that never gets old. Whether you’ve been going for years or it’s your first time, it still feels magical. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and exactly what the holiday season should feel like.


Final Thoughts
Thomasville’s Victorian Christmas is more than just an event. It’s a reminder to slow down, enjoy the little things, and really take in the season. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. You won’t regret it.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

My Winter Self-Care Routine


Hey y’all!
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of winter break. For me, this season has always been the perfect time to reset. After finals, late nights, and constant deadlines, my brain just needs a break. So today I thought I’d share my winter self-care routine, and some things I like to do to recharge during the colder months.


Warm Drinks and Slowing Down
There is something so comforting about a warm drink. Whether it’s coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, I always have something warm nearby during the winter. It forces me to slow down and just breathe for a few minutes instead of rushing from task to task. Sometimes I’ll sit by the window and just watch the weather outside. It sounds small but it helps so much.


Winter Walks
I know it sounds silly, but going outside even when it’s cold helps a lot. Just a quick walk around the neighborhood clears my head and helps me reset. Plus winter air just feels different somehow. It’s refreshing in a way that summer air never is. I love putting on my headphones, playing soft music, and pretending I’m in my own little movie scene.


Rebuilding My Sleep Schedule
After finals week… let’s be honest, my sleep schedule basically doesn’t exist. Winter break is the time when I finally get to fix it. I try to go to bed earlier, wake up earlier (kind of), and just feel like a normal human again. Sleep is truly underrated, especially in college. If I can get 8 hours, I feel unstoppable.


Journaling and Reflection
Winter has this calmness that makes it easier to reflect. I like to journal about the semester, what I learned, what I struggled with, and what I’m proud of myself for. Even if things didn’t go perfectly, it’s good to see how far I’ve come. I also like writing a few goals for spring, nothing intense, just simple things I want to focus on.


Cozy Movie Nights
Blankets. Christmas lights. Hot chocolate. Cheesy movies. Friends. That’s literally all I need. Winter is the best excuse to stay inside and relax without feeling guilty. I usually pick one of my favorite childhood Christmas movies and enjoy laughing with my closest friends.


Final Thoughts
Winter break is a chance to breathe. A chance to reset. A chance to be gentle with yourself after an entire semester of pushing nonstop. Whatever your version of self-care is, do it.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

Time Management Tips I Actually Use

Hey y’all!
If there’s one thing college has taught me, it’s that time is fake until you have three assignments, two club meetings, and a quiz all due in the same 48 hours. I used to feel like I was constantly chasing the clock, but over the last couple semesters I’ve found a few time management tricks that actually work for me. Not the Pinterest “wake up at 4 a.m. and run ten miles” type. Realistic ones. Student ones. The bare minimum to keep your life together.
Here are the time management tips I actually use:

1. The 30 Minute Reset
At the start of each week, I sit down for thirty minutes and map out what’s due. Not the whole month, not the whole semester, just the week. I’ve learned that looking too far ahead freaks me out, so I keep it simple. I write down deadlines, classes, meetings, and any extra stuff I want to get done. Boom. One half hour and I go into the week knowing what’s coming.

2. My Two Task Rule
Every day I choose two things that MUST get done. Not ten. Not five. Two. And if I get those done, I consider the day a win. If I get more done, cool. If not, I don’t feel like I’ve failed. This keeps my to-do list from becoming a horror movie.

3. Study in Short Bursts

I’ve accepted that I’m not the “study for three hours straight” girl. I do 25 to 40 minute bursts, take breaks, and come back. I get way more done that way and don’t end up staring at my notes like they’re written in a different language.

4. I Don’t Multitask Anymore
I used to think multitasking made me productive. It didn’t. It made me tired. Now I do one thing at a time and finish it before starting the next. My brain is happier. My homework is better. My stress is lower.

5. Use Your Random Gaps
Those weird 20 or 30 minute gaps between classes? Life changers. I use them to answer emails, review a quiz, do a discussion post, or even just start an assignment. Even doing a tiny piece early saves so much stress later.

6. Plan “Nothing Time”
This might sound silly, but I plan time where I do absolutely nothing productive. Scroll my phone. Lay on my bed. Stare at the ceiling. If I don’t plan downtime, I burn out fast. Rest counts too. Studying effectively is almost impossible without your body and mind being fully rested.

7. Don’t Wait for Motivation
Most days I’m not “motivated.” I just start. Even if I only plan to work for five minutes, half the time I keep going. Starting is the hardest part, so I trick myself by lowering the bar.

8. Keep Everything in One Place
Calendar, assignments, reminders, all in one app. If I spread my life across five platforms, I forget everything. One home for all my deadlines has saved me a lot of unnecessary stress.

9. Let Yourself Off the Hook
Some days don’t go as planned. Some weeks are pure chaos. And that’s okay. Time management isn’t about being perfect. It’s about keeping yourself afloat and making life a little easier. I give myself permission to reset instead of spiraling.

Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, time management isn’t some magical personality trait people are born with. It’s a bunch of small choices you make that add up over time. You don’t need a perfect routine or a color coded planner to get your life together. You just need a system that works for you and gives you enough structure to stay sane. Try a few of these tips, adjust them, and build your own version of “organized chaos.” You’ve got this.


Until next time ✈️,
Olivia Strickland

How to Survive Finals Without Losing Your Sanity

Hey y’all!

Finals season is coming up again, which means campus is about to turn into a mix of caffeine, chaos, and people crying in the library at 2 in the morning. Whether this is your first round of college finals or you’re basically a seasoned academic warrior, finals week hits hard.

Here are some tips that have actually helped me survive finals without completely falling apart.

1. Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To

I know it’s not fun, but trust me, if you start even a week earlier it saves you from the “three exams in two days” meltdown later.

What helps:

1. Break chapters into chunks

2. Make a simple study schedule

3. Review notes for 20 to 30 minutes a day instead of cramming

4. Future you will thank you.

2. Organize Everything

Finals week feels overwhelming mostly because everything feels everywhere.
Before you study, take 10 minutes to gather:

1. Notes

2. PowerPoints

3. Textbook sections

4. Review sheets

5. Past quizzes

Put everything in one place, like your laptop, a folder, or a binder. When your materials feel organized, your brain feels organized.

3. Use Study Methods That Actually Work for You


Everyone studies differently, and finals is not the time to pretend you are a different person.

Some ideas:

1. Flashcards if you are a tactile learner

2. Practice problems for math and science

3. Record notes if you learn by listening. Only if the professor is okay with this!

4. Teaching the material to a friend or even your wall

Study smarter, not harder.

4. Take Breaks or Your Brain Will Revolt

Studying for eight hours straight does not make you productive. It makes you miserable.

Use:

1. Pomodoro sessions

2. Walks

3. Stretching

4. Food

5. Music breaks

6. A nap

Your brain will retain more when you give it time to breathe.

5. Eat Real Food

Snack bars, ramen, and iced coffee do not count as a meal (sorry).
Your brain performs worse when you do not eat properly.

Quick, college friendly study meals:

1. Bagel and cream cheese

2. Fruit and granola

3. Wraps

4. Quesadillas

5. Yogurt bowls

6. Pasta with anything on it

Just try to eat something with sustenance at least once. For me, that is usually
pasta noodles but do what makes you feel the best.


6. Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Ask:

1. Professors

2. TAs

3. Study groups

4. Classmates

5. Tutors

If you do not understand something, you are not the only one. Office hours are your best friend during finals.

7. Sleep. Seriously.

Pulling all nighters is the biggest scam in college culture. You will retain nothing and feel exhausted. This is the most important thing when studying for finals.

Try to get:

1. 6 to 8 hours of sleep

2. A consistent sleep schedule

3. A break from screens before bed

Finals are hard enough without being completely drained.

8. Set Up a Finals Survival Kit

This saved my life last semester. Pack:

1. Chargers

2. Pens and highlighters

3. Sticky notes

4. Caffeine

5. Snacks

6. Chapstick

7. A hoodie

8. A water bottle

Keep it all in one bag so you can grab it and go.

Final Thoughts

Finals week is tough, but you are tougher. Remember that your grades do not define your worth. Do your best, take care of yourself, and celebrate when it is all over.

Good luck, y’all. You have got this.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Campus Involvement Explained

Hey ya’ll!

If you read my last post, you already know how much getting involved on campus has shaped my experience at Embry-Riddle. I talked about the organizations I’m part of and will now discuss how each one has helped me grow, connect, and find my place in the ERAU community. But there’s even more to the story.

In this continuation, I’m diving deeper into what these roles actually look like day-to-day — the responsibilities, the lessons, the moments that made everything worth it, and how each involvement has influenced my path in aviation and beyond. Whether you’re thinking about joining a club, taking on a leadership role, or just looking for ways to build your college experience, this follow-up will give you a closer look at what being involved at ERAU truly feels like.


The Avion – Design Editor

Working with The Avion has been one of the most rewarding parts of my involvement on campus. As the Design Editor, I’m responsible for bringing the newspaper to life visually — everything from layout and typography to color choices, graphics, and the overall look of each issue. It’s a role that blends creativity with problem-solving, and no two production weeks are ever the same.

One of my favorite parts of the position is collaborating with the rest of the amazing team. Writers, photographers, section editors, and designers all come together to build something that represents our campus community. I get to take their work and shape it into a final product that’s clean, engaging, and true to the story. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a blank page turn into a polished spread that students pick up around campus.

Being Design Editor has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect — from learning new software and developing a sharper eye for detail to managing deadlines and leading design discussions. It’s taught me how to communicate visually, work under pressure, and make creative decisions that support the message of each article. In this last issue I truly developed my skills in project management and was able to make last minute decisions to get it done on deadline.

Most importantly, The Avion has given me a space to express myself and contribute to something bigger than me. It’s a place where creativity meets community, and I’m proud to help shape what our newspaper looks like each week.

Keep an eye out for the Fall 2025 Issue 2 and a brand new modern website. 🙂


Women’s Ambassadors

Being part of the Women’s Ambassadors team has been one of the most meaningful and supportive opportunities I’ve had at Embry-Riddle. Our mission is simple but powerful: to help prospective students—especially young women in aviation and STEM—feel welcomed, encouraged, and confident as they explore ERAU.

As an ambassador, I get to connect with future Eagles through outreach events, panels, and one-on-one conversations. I get to share my experiences, answer questions, and give an honest look at what life is like here. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a student who arrives unsure of themselves and their place at school and leave with excitement, clarity, and a sense of belonging.

This role has also helped me grow personally and emotionally. It’s strengthened my communication skills, taught me how to lead with empathy, and given me the chance to represent a community that truly matters to me. There’s something special about being part of a group of incredible women dedicated to uplifting others and showing the next generation that they, too, have a place in aviation, aerospace, and everything in-between.

Being a Women’s Ambassador isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about building connections, creating a welcoming environment, and helping students see their potential. And every time I get to be part of someone’s decision to come to ERAU, it reminds me why I joined in the first place.

Most recently I helped group interview the next set of potential women’s ambassadors. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with young women on campus who are involved in so many incredible clubs, organizations, and research fields. I am happy to say that the young women chosen to begin in spring are going to have an incredible journey and make so many students feel at home.

Another happy announcement, I will finally be able to travel to the accepted student receptions in Spring 2026. I am so excited to meet everyone one there. If you happen to read my blog and ever see me on campus or at a reception event feel free to stop by and say hi.


New Student Orientation Team (O-Team)

Joining the New Student Orientation Team has been one of the most energizing and memorable parts of my involvement at Embry-Riddle. Orientation Team sets the tone for every new student’s first days on campus, the family’s first impression, and the chaos of beginning a whole new life. Being part of the team that welcomes them into the ERAU community is something truly special to me.

As an O-Team ambassador, I help guide incoming students through their transition to college life—whether that’s leading small groups, answering questions, running activities, or simply being a friendly face during a week that can feel overwhelming. We’re the first connection many students make at ERAU, and creating a positive, supportive environment is at the heart of everything we do.

What I love most about Orientation Team is the energy. The excitement, the nerves, the campus buzzing with new faces—it all creates an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else. Getting to be part of that experience, and knowing you helped someone feel welcomed and confident, is incredibly rewarding.

This role has also helped me develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in ways I didn’t expect. Orientation week moves fast and requires adaptability, patience, and a lot of enthusiasm, but it’s the kind of challenge that brings out the best in you.

Being part of the O-Team feels like being part of a crazy fun family, one that’s dedicated to making sure every new student starts their Embry-Riddle journey on the right foot.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as both an ambassador and specialist on the team. As I begin my final year on the mighty mighty O-Team I am thrilled to get a chance to meet each and every one of you.


Additional Involvement

Beyond my leadership roles, I also stay active in several other organizations that have helped shape my experience at Embry-Riddle. As a general member of groups like the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASASP), and the Aviation Safety Advisory Council, I’ve had the chance to learn from industry professionals, attend meetings and workshops, grow my personal network, and stay connected to the aviation and occupational safety community.

These organizations give me a deeper look into the world of safety, investigation, and professional standards—areas that have become increasingly important to my academic and career goals. Even without holding a leadership position, being part of these groups has been extremely rewarding and helped me propel my career forward.

Each of these memberships adds another layer to my involvement on campus and helps round out my experience as an aviation safety student.


All in All

Getting involved on campus has been a huge part of what has made my time at Embry-Riddle so meaningful. Each organization I’m part of—whether I’m serving in a leadership role or simply showing up and participating—has given me something different to grow from. These experiences have helped me find my community, develop real-world skills, and shape the direction I want to take in safety.

What I’ve learned along the way is that involvement doesn’t have to look a certain way. You don’t need to be a president, chair, or editor to make an impact. Sometimes just being present, learning, and connecting with others is enough to change your whole college experience.

If you’re looking to get more engaged on campus, I hope this breakdown gives you a starting point. Whether you join one club or five ( I don’t recommend 5 when first starting out), take on a leadership role or just explore what interests you, there’s a place for everyone here at Embry-Riddle. And you might be surprised by just how much you grow along the way.

If you ever have any questions about how to get involved on campus and the opportunities available feel free to leave a comment below!

Enjoy this beautiful sunset from campus last week. The evening sky looks as though its been painted.

A Quick Thanksgiving Break

Our semester here in Daytona is racing towards the end, and I have been super busy trying to get all my assignments and final projects completed before finals week. However, the nice thing about fall semester is that we have Thanksgiving break! This gives all of us eagles time to reset, see our families, and catch up on any school work that we might have fallen behind on.

My mom, brother, and cat on Thanksgiving!

Every year for Thanksgiving, I go home to visit my family in New Jersey. To get to the airport, I use the SGA Shuttle to MCO (stay tuned for a blog post soon about my experience riding that). Normally for Thanksgiving, my flights are always delayed, so I was very thankful this year that both my flight leaving Florida and leaving New Jersey were on time despite the weather.

The view of Daytona Beach from the plane. Can you spot ISB and Riddle?

One of the things I love about going home for break is I get to see my friends that I have not seen in months. Over the break, my friends and I tried a new brunch spot in our hometown called Brown Sugar Cafe, where I got these delicious cloud-like pancakes. I also got the chance to see the new Wicked: For Good movie, and I can say as a fan of the broadway musical, that this movie is amazing. Finally, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving break without seeing family. I got to see my entire extended family as we gathered around the dinner table on Thursday and got to catch up, spend time together, and eat some delicious food.

The cloud pancakes were amazing!

The part of break that I was not ready for was how cold it would be in New Jersey. It was a pretty warm November in Daytona Beach this year, which made the northern cold seem that much colder. It was all worth it for the trip home though, and I left New Jersey feeling refreshed and ready to take on finals week. Stay tuned for my annual end of the semester post, and more highlights from this year!

The sunset coming back to Daytona!