Mediafest ’25 in Washington D.C.

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Last week, I had the opportunity to attend Mediafest ’25, the largest annual gathering of college media and journalism students in the nation hosted by the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists. This year, the conference was held in Washington D.C., and The Avion sent a delegation of students including myself, our News Editor Sam, our Business Manager Kaden, and our advisor Indira.

(L-R) Myself, Kaden, Indira, and Sam attending the first day of Mediafest ’25!

At the conference, we were able to receive critiques on our first issue of the semester and on our website, getting great feedback and praise from faculty from other universities on the hard work that our organization is doing. We also entered into some best of show awards, with our Photo Editor Brandon winning Ninth Place in the country for Best of Show Feature/News Photo.

We were able to attend different breakout sessions throughout the conference on many different topics including leadership, social media, copyright, writing techniques, and more. My favorite session that I attended was on strategies for building your own media career and was given by a Multi Media Journalist from Minnesota. Here, I was able to learn different strategies I can use to help build my own career in TV News after graduation.

Touring Gray Media’s D.C. Bureau!

Finally, I was also invited to a tour of the Gray Media D.C. Bureau, learning a lot by seeing the behind the scenes of an actual news room that is live almost every hour of the day. Throughout this trip, I was able to network and build relationships with other students and media professionals that will help us not only allow The Avion to flourish, but also my future career. This is one of the benefits that the smaller size of Embry-Riddle provides: the opportunity to attend important trips such as this!

The Capitol building!

Besides the conference, we had such a fun time exploring the city of Washington, D.C. Despite the government shutdown, we were able to see the entire National Mall, ride our scooters around the city, and of course get some tasty food in Chinatown and the Cheesecake Factory. This trip was a whirlwind three days from start to finish, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference.

3 Tips for Picking the Right College Classes

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Hey y’all!
I’m back! I hope everyone’s week has been going well. This week, I wanted to talk about something that can be both exciting and stressful, picking classes. Whether it’s your first semester or you’re a returning student, registration season always sneaks up faster than expected. Over time, I’ve learned a few things that make choosing classes a little less overwhelming, so here are three tips that have helped me build a schedule that actually works for me.

1️⃣ Don’t Schedule Yourself Into Burnout
When you first look at your school’s course list, it’s easy to feel like you can do it all: 8 a.m. classes, late-night labs, maybe even a few extras “just to get ahead.” The truth is, balance matters. Be realistic about what time of day you focus best. If you know you’re not a morning person, skip that 8 a.m. unless it’s absolutely required. Likewise, try not to overload your schedule with back-to-back classes. Give yourself breaks to eat, study, or just breathe. A well-paced day makes a huge difference in how productive and happy you’ll feel all semester.

2️⃣ Check Your Degree Plan and Talk to Your Advisor!
This one sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget: make sure the classes you’re picking actually count toward your degree. Before registration opens, I always sit down with my degree flowchart and check off what I’ve already completed. Then I look at what’s next and what classes have prerequisites.
Your academic advisor can also be a lifesaver here. They can help you avoid taking classes out of order or missing something required for graduation. Plus, they have to take an academic hold off your account before registration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what they’re there for!

3️⃣ Mix Required Courses with Fun or Creative Ones
College isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s also about exploring what interests you. I’ve found that mixing in at least one “fun” or creative class or club each semester helps keep things fresh. For me, that’s usually something related to film, theater, or writing. For you, it could be art, photography, or even a cool elective in another department. These classes give you something to look forward to each week and can help you discover new passions, or even future career paths you never expected.

✨ Final Thoughts✨
Picking classes doesn’t have to be stressful. Really it’s about finding balance, staying on track, and giving yourself room to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, trust your instincts, and remember that every semester is a chance to learn something new, both in and out of the classroom.

Pro Tip:
Use Rate My Professors to see what different professors are like! It will give you insights into what type of learning style each professor is geared more towards.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland✈️

Resume Tips and Tricks

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Hey y’all!
I’m back, and this week I thought I’d give a few tips and tricks on how to have a good resume. I know the career fair just passed, so I’m a little late, but it’s okay. Better late than never, right?

Job Experience
As a college student, you may have never held a full-time job before, and that’s okay! You can still create an impressive resume by highlighting different types of experience:
Volunteer Opportunities: If you’ve volunteered for any causes, it counts! Employers value this experience because it shows initiative and dedication.
Part-Time Jobs: Even a part-time job can showcase important skills like responsibility, time management, and customer service.
Campus Involvement: Don’t overlook clubs, organizations, or research projects you’ve been a part of. These experiences show that you’re a well-rounded individual. For example, being in a club can highlight leadership, teamwork, and communication skills—traits employers absolutely love.


Transferable Skills
Even if you haven’t worked in your desired field yet, don’t stress! You can still emphasize the skills you’ve gained in college and high school that apply to the job:
Technical Skills: For example, CS 120 at Riddle teaches you how to use Microsoft Office, and you even get certifications. Definitely include these kinds of skills on your resume!
Problem-Solving: Talk about situations where you faced a challenge—whether in group work or tough coursework—and successfully overcame it. Employers love hearing about your problem-solving abilities!


Keep it Simple
A resume doesn’t need to be complicated or fancy. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Professional Font: Stick to simple fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Keep the font size between 10-12 points for readability.
Bullet Points: Bullet points are great for listing job experience and technical skills. They help make your resume more scannable and leave you space to expand on these experiences during interviews.
One Page: A resume should be one page long—this is a great rule of thumb. Employers don’t have time to read through pages and pages of your information, so focus on summarizing the most important points.


I hope these tips help you get started on building a killer resume!
And here’s a bonus tip: The school offers Canva Premium to students. There are tons of great resume templates on their site that can help you save time while creating a polished look. Definitely take advantage of that!

Until next time✈️,
Olivia Strickland

Class trip to the Airport

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One of the benefits about attending Embry-Riddle is its proximity to the airport. This is not only helpful to Aeronautical Science majors, as it provides some benefits to meteorology majors too. A few weeks ago my WX 327 (Operational Analysis and Forecasting) class has the opportunity to take a trip to the airport to visit the Automated Surface Observing System, also known as the ASOS.

The ASOS at Daytona Beach International Airport.

The ASOS is an unmanned weather station located at most airports that provides measurements of temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation type, and visibility. All of this information is critical for the smooth operations of an airport, ensuring that all pilots and air traffic controllers are aware of current landing conditions to land planes safely.

After meeting at the airport, my class boarded buses where we were driven to the ASOS, which sits at the end of the runway on a patch of grass. This ensures that all the measurements are accurate, and that there are no close buildings or pavement to throw them off.

The fire station at Daytona Beach International Airport.

While we have been learning about this device in the classroom for the entire semester, being able to see it in person was a very valuable experience. I never realized the true scale of this system, as it is very tall and very long. This is one of the great things about Embry-Riddle, getting this real life learning experience on an average Wednesday since we are so fortunate to have the airport in our backyard. It has allowed myself and all the other students interested in meteorology to see an element of this first hand, something you can’t get just by going to a lecture.

Let me know what other trips you have been on for your classes down below!

Lights, Camera, Campus: My Experience with UnReel Media

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Hey y’all!

I’m back! I hope everyone’s week has been going well. This week, I’d like to talk about my experiences in UnReel Media, Embry-Riddle’s film club. Previously, I mentioned that I’ve been working on my own short film and promised some updates — and now I finally have them! Alongside that, I’ve also been helping other club members with our club-wide short film, “lnside” by Clayton Loughary.



🎬 My Short Film: “Pieces of Us”

I began writing my short film over the summer after watching some videos about different stylistic choices writers can make. I’m a huge fan of the romance genre, so naturally, my story leans that way.

The film follows a young woman as she navigates her experiences with dating. A paper heart slowly tearing apart throughout the film symbolizes how her relationships and emotions begin to unravel — which inspired the working title: “Pieces of Us”.

Right now, I’m finalizing my script and putting together a shot list. Once those are complete, auditions will begin! The cast is small — one female lead and two male leads — but we’ll still need extras.

🎥 If you’re interested in auditioning, check out UnReel Media’s Instagram page for more information!



🎬 “Inside” by Clayton Loughary

This short film was written by UnReel Media’s president, Clayton Loughary, and explores human emotions and the roles they play in our lives. I play a character named “Eight”, who represents hope.

The filming process has been so much fun — but also a lot of work. On Wednesday, we spent hours blocking the entire film (for those who don’t know, blocking is the process of positioning actors on stage or on set and mapping out their movements).

It was a long day, but I learned so much about expressing emotion through subtle gestures and tone. Normally, I play more goofy or lighthearted roles, but this one is deeply emotional and serious — definitely a challenge, but a rewarding one.

Other members also got to learn about directing and camera work, so there was always something happening on set. It was a bit chaotic at times, but in the best way possible. Everything came together beautifully in the end.

🎭 You can catch the finished film at the Spring Film Festival! For updates, keep an eye on UnReel Media’s Instagram.



💡 Final Thoughts

Having a creative outlet in college has been so refreshing. Taking breaks from academics is vital — burnout is real, and creative activities can make a huge difference.

I highly recommend that freshmen (and current students, too!) find a club or activity they love. Being involved helps you make friends, connect with upperclassmen who can offer great advice, and even open doors for internship opportunities. Plus, employers love seeing a well-rounded résumé — so joining an arts or media club definitely doesn’t hurt.


Until next time,
Olivia Strickland 🎥✨

Caffeine Time: Best Local Coffee Spots

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As a college student, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s my survival tool. Whether it’s powering through early morning lectures, fueling late-night study sessions (which I probably have too many of), or just giving me an excuse to take a much-needed break, coffee has become a crucial part of my daily routine. Luckily, there are some amazing local spots that not only keep me caffeinated but also offer a cozy atmosphere to unwind or get work done. Here are a few of my favorites in town.

Foxtail

Foxtail coffee has several locations surrounding campus so no matter where you live there is one close by. The closest one to campus is located in OneDaytona by the Speedway. This coffee shop always gives such cozy vibes and a vibrant charm. They offer a variety of brews, a full espresso bar, and various seasonal favorites. Even though it may not feel like it in Florida the fall season has begun and so have the flavors. Foxtail has a delicious Maple Pancake Latte that taste like a warm pancake with syrup.

I personally enjoy having a treat with my coffee and Foxtail has some great options. My go to options are either the ham and swiss on a sub roll or the double chocolate muffin. They have so many incredible options that there is something for everyone.

Here’s the link to their website: https://www.foxtailcoffee.com/locations/foxtail-coffee-one-daytona

Coffee Therapy

Located in South Daytona, Coffee Therapy offers so many delicious beverage options. One of my favorite things about them is that they offer sugar free options. They offer a wide variety of seasonal drinks to encompass all the autumn flavors. My current seasonal favorites are:

  • Witches Brew: Butterscotch and Pumpkin Spice
  • Sugar Free Chocolate Macadamia Nut
  • Shake it Offee: brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk

All of their drinks can be made iced or hot. Living in Florida I mostly go with the iced option. However as soon as it gets cool I’ll start getting my drinks hot.

They have a lot of comfy seating options which is perfect for study dates or hanging out with friends. They don’t have a website but you can check their Facebook page for any menu and seasonal updates.

Aura Coffee

If you’re searching for a coffee shop that radiates good vibes and creativity, Aura Coffee in Holly Hill is a must-visit. It’s more than just a place to grab caffeine — it’s an experience built around connection, positivity, and handcrafted flavor.

Their menu has everything from your favorite classics like cold brew, lattes, and americanos to some truly unique signature drinks. A few standouts include the Bloom (espresso with rose and lavender) and Honey Bear (espresso with honey, cinnamon, and macadamia). Each one has its own personality — and they’re all made with organic ingredients.

Aura’s mission goes beyond coffee; it’s about spreading positive energy and love through every cup. The cozy space and ocean-inspired design make it the perfect spot to slow down, recharge, or catch up with friends.

You can find Aura Coffee at 1122 Riverside Drive in Holly Hill, open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM — and trust me, it’s worth the stop.

Here is a link to their website: https://auracoffee.co/

Copperline Coffee

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to grab your morning coffee or spend a slow weekend brunch, Copperline Coffee + Café is definitely worth the stop. Their menu goes way beyond your typical coffee shop fare — blending rich espresso drinks, creative flavors, and some seriously good comfort food.

They serve up everything from cold brews and pour-overs to signature lattes like the Honeysuckle (a mix of vanilla, honey, and cinnamon) and the Ube Latte, which is as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, their coffee flights let you sample a few different brews — perfect for coffee lovers who can’t pick just one.

But what really sets Copperline apart is their food menu. Think flaky biscuits loaded with fried chicken, red pepper jelly, and pimento cheese, or sweet treats like triple chocolate cake and vegan carrot cake. It’s the kind of place where you can grab breakfast, stay for lunch, and still find an excuse to take dessert to go. I say that from personal experience and long study sessions with friends.

They’ve got locations in Port Orange and South Daytona, so wherever you are, you’re not far from good coffee and good vibes. Their location close to Halifax has a wonderful outdoor and indoor seating area so not matter what the weather there will be a great place to get work done.

Some of my personal favorites: the Honeysuckle Latte and the Chicken Biscuit with Pimento Cheese. Trust me — you’ll want to go back for seconds.

Here is a link to their website: https://www.copperlinecoffee.com/

Beach Bros Coffee

If you’re ever in the mood for local specialty coffee, Beach Bros is the place to go. Their menu features a wide variety of options including cold brew, hot, iced, and blended drinks — even a few extra-caffeinated choices for those who need an extra boost. By combining the laid-back vibes of the sea with their coffee creations, they’ve crafted unique flavors like coconut, pineapple, mango, and many more.

Beach Bros has locations in both Port Orange and Daytona Beach, so no matter which side of town you’re on, there’s one nearby.

Some of my personal recommendations are The Seaside Bonfire and Biscoff — both are absolutely worth a try!

Here’s the link to their website: https://beachbroscoffee.com/

I hope that this list has helped you find your new study spot, caffeine fix or even just a great place to catch up with friends.

Don’t forget to take a step back and relax during the chaos of the semester or busy workday. Take some time this weekend to enjoy time with friends, go to the beach, or relax on the couch.

Have a great weekend!

~ Grace H. 🙂

Off Campus Adventures: My Favorite Spots Near Daytona

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Hey y’all!
This week has been super long with a lot of testing, but now that I’m finally done, I thought I’d focus on something a little more fun — exploring some cool spots in the Daytona area! 🌴
These are great places to visit with friends or a significant other. They do require a bit of driving, so if you don’t have a car on campus, maybe see if you can carpool with someone. I’ve been to both places and absolutely loved them — they’re a great way to spend some time off campus and unwind.

1. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
📍 Ponce Inlet, FL
This lighthouse is such a fun excursion — packed with history and incredible views. It’s actually the tallest lighthouse in Florida, with a 209-step climb to the top (your legs will feel it, trust me 😅). But the view? So worth it. You can even spot ERAU and the Daytona International Speedway in the distance!

In addition to the lighthouse, there are several historic buildings you can walk through to learn more about Ponce Inlet’s past. Just across from the lighthouse is the Pacetti Hotel, which is also part of the museum. It has a rich history in Southern hospitality and early sports tourism.

There’s even a fun scavenger hunt you can do while you’re there (sadly no prize, but it’s still worth doing).

🎟️ Admission:

$10 for students
Year-long student pass also available for $10


2. Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS)
📍 Daytona Beach, FL
This museum is such a cool place to visit with friends. They always have new and exciting exhibits!

🦖 Upcoming: On October 11th, the Dinosaur Exhibit is opening — I’m so stoked about it!
🐞 Currently: There’s a bug sculpture exhibit that’s super intricate and beautiful (I’ll include some pictures, but you have to see it in person).

They also have a planetarium with some amazing shows. I haven’t had the chance to go yet, but it’s definitely on my bucket list.

The art wing is more chill and relaxing, featuring Florida-themed paintings and rotating exhibits that really capture the beachy, laid-back vibe. Oh! And don’t miss the train exhibit — it’s seriously cool.

🎟️ Admission:

Free for ERAU students with your Eagle Card
Note: Planetarium shows are not included in the free ticket


Wishing you all an awesome week ahead! Good luck at the Career Fair this Tuesday — go get ’em! 💼✈️
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland

Tate McRae comes to Orlando

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We all need a break from the stresses of school from time to time, and what better way to have fun than by going to a concert! One of my favorite artists, Tate McRae, recently came to Orlando and performed at the Kia Center for two nights this month. I was so excited for this concert, having bought my tickets to it last November. My friend from New Jersey even flew down to Florida to see it with me.

My concert outfit!

I have never been to the Kia Center in Orlando before, but it was such an easy process to park in the connected garage and get checked in and ready. I would definitely recommend buying a garage pass before an event because they were sold out on the day of the concert. Once we got to the venue, we were able to walk right through security, over a pedestrian bridge and have our tickets scanned.

Our view of the main stage from our seats!

Next, we bought our concert merch and found our seats. We were up in section 208, but we had a perfect view of the stage. We were able to see Tate performing on the main stage and on her acoustic stage, and had great views of it all. She opened the show with her song “Miss Possessive” and continued the show with some of her biggest hits including “greedy”, “Sports Car”, “you broke me first” and “It’s ok I’m ok”. The crowd was ecstatic throughout the night and Tate did not disappoint at all.

Tate McRae performing on the acoustic stage!

Leaving the show was super easy from the parking garage, as it takes you right out on to I-4 and back to Daytona Beach. Overall, this was such a fun experience and a night that I will never forget (especially since I got almost the whole thing on video). I would definitely go to another concert at the Kia Center in the future, and cannot wait until Tate McRae comes back in the future!

Have you ever been to a concert at the Kia Center or somewhere else in Orlando? Let me know in the comments below.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before College

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Hey guys, I’m back! 🌸


This week I thought I’d talk about some of the misconceptions I had about college before I got here. I remember being so excited to start my university adventures in the summer of 2024 and thinking I was so prepared. Sure, I had everything packed and ready to go, but I was still unprepared for all the experiences I was about to have.


After making it through my first year here at Riddle, I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned that I wish I had known beforehand.


1. How to Actually Study
In high school, I never really struggled with tests. So, naturally, I thought college exams wouldn’t be much different. Boy, was I wrong.
University exams are tougher — longer, worded differently, and they carry way more weight on your final grade. My first few didn’t go so well. I went from straight A’s in high school to straight C’s in college. That was my wake-up call.
Eventually, I discovered flashcards and tactile learning. Reading textbook chapters alone just wasn’t cutting it for me. In my University 101 class, we learned about different learning styles, and I took a quiz that revealed I learn best through hands-on methods. Rewriting my notes into flashcards seemed like a hassle at first, but it worked — my grades went up, and I walked into exams with way more confidence.
✨ Pro tip: Take one of those learning style quizzes. You’ll thank yourself later.


2. It’s Okay to Fail
I used to think that getting anything less than an A or B was unacceptable. But here’s the truth: sometimes you give your best effort, and it still isn’t enough for the grade you hoped for. And that’s okay.
Older friends warned me with the classic “C’s get degrees” line, and I thought they were crazy. Fast forward a year later, and suddenly I was celebrating 75s on exams.
Here’s what I learned: don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be perfect. Use your professor’s office hours, ask for help when you need it, and remind yourself that nobody has it all figured out. You’ll get through it.


3. The Importance of a Creative Outlet
When I first got here, I noticed I was losing the creativity I once had. I’d been heavily involved in theater and arts throughout high school, and I missed that part of myself.
That’s when I found UnReel Media. This club gave me a space to keep growing as an actress, not only on stage but also on camera. Recently, I even started writing my own short film (stay tuned for updates 👀).
If you can’t find a club that fits your passion, start your own. Chances are, other people are looking for the same thing. Clubs also help you meet upperclassmen who can share advice from their own experiences.


4. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
When I arrived at Riddle, I planned on being an engineer. Spoiler: that didn’t last long. Switching into Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) was terrifying because I didn’t know anything at first. But I slowly adjusted, and eventually it started to feel like the right place for me.
Even now, I’ve changed my mind a dozen times about what I want to do with my degree — and that’s normal. Take a deep breath, explore your options, and remember: the world is your oyster.


5. Bonus: AMS Labs Will Humble You 🔧🪚
Let me tell you, labs will test your patience.
In one of my first labs (AMS 117: Tools and Materials), I had to cut aluminum with a hacksaw. I was so nervous. I wasted three pieces of practice metal before I finally managed to cut out my multigage. Thankfully, with guidance from my professor and TA, I got through it.
More recently, a friend and I were tasked with removing the spinner from an aircraft during a 100-hour inspection project. Taking it off? Easy. Getting it back on? A nightmare. After two hours, three professors, and lots of grease, it still wasn’t attached. We walked out covered in dust, shaking our heads — but laughing, too. That’s the true mechanic experience.


Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, college is a great experience. You’ll grow, be challenged, and discover more about yourself than you expected. Just remember to have fun, give it your best, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Girls in Aviation Day 2025

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Good day everybody!

As the semester kicks into full gear with classes, group projects, and clubs there have been a lot of cool things happening on and around campus. This past weekend I got to participate in an incredible event that helped inspire the next generation of women in aviation. I couldn’t have done it without this very special group of women.

At the Daytona Beach campus, I’m an active member of the ERAU Women in Aviation Chapter. Our group includes young women from all corners of the aviation industry—ranging from pilots and mechanics to experts in aviation safety, human factors, and more. I’ve been involved with Women in Aviation even before enrolling at Embry-Riddle, and it has continued to be a meaningful part of my journey. Just this past weekend, our chapter volunteered at the Girls in Aviation Day event, hosted by the regional Women in Aviation chapter at SHELTAIR.

At the event, several vendors, flight schools, and organizations came together to show young girls and their families all that aviation has to offer. From the moment they arrived and received their goodie bags to the excitement of reaching the flight line and seeing the aircraft up close, it was clear they were experiencing their dreams taking flight.

This year, I worked the photo booth alongside one of the Flexjet captains. She was incredible to talk to and inspired so many girls by sharing her journey and career in aviation. Nearby, a face painting booth helped imaginations soar with creative designs and lots of glitter.

Here is a picture of me with one of my fellow Aerospace and Occupational students on the left and on my right is the ERAU Daytona Beach Chapter President.

Embry-Riddle was proudly represented with one of our own Cessna 172s. In addition, organizations like FLAP, Women in Aviation, the VR Lab, and the MakerSpace hosted engaging activities, giving the girls hands-on experiences and a glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of aviation.

Girls in Aviation Day was more than just an event—it was a reminder of why representation, mentorship, and community matter so much in this industry. Seeing the excitement on the girls’ faces and watching their curiosity grow into passion was incredibly rewarding.

I’m grateful to be part of a group like Women in Aviation that actively works to create opportunities and spark inspiration in future aviators. As I continue my journey at Embry-Riddle, I look forward to more opportunities like this to give back, connect, and help shape the future of aviation—one dream at a time.