Last Year of My Teens

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Hi everybody! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Well, I’ve been up to a lot of cool things lately. Last weekend was my 19th birthday, and it was AMAZING! Let me show you some of the awesome things I did for my birthday.

This year, my birthday just so happened to land exactly on the day of the Daytona 500. It was incredible luck, and I couldn’t believe it. I knew I had to go to the 500 for my birthday.

This is me at the race! I’ve never seen so many people at the speedway before, and it was really cool to meet new people. I met a dad and his son who were from a little town in Illinois where I grew up. It was definitely eye-opening to see how many people traveled far and wide to come to Daytona Beach for the famous Daytona 500. And to think that this is my amazing backyard here at Embry-Riddle?

Through the Avion, I was able to take a camera and practice my photography skills! Here are some of the pictures I took while I was there.

Pretty neat, right?

After the Daytona 500, my best friend Annie (I went with her to the lacrosse game in my previous blog!) took me out to dinner. I let her surprise me with the restaurant, but I gave her one condition: it has to have burgers. Burgers are my all-time favorite, and I eat one at pretty much every restaurant I go to. We ended up going to Landshark Grill & Bar, and after a long day at the speedway, that was a really good burger!

After dinner, I went to sleepover at Grace’s apartment (yup, the one and only Grace Hamilton! She also writes blogs for this page too), where she and Emilee (our Editor-In-Chief at the Avion) surprised me with BURGER-themed birthday decorations! I was not expecting that at all, and it absolutely made my night. Not to mention my fabulous burger cake, which was the cutest thing I have ever seen!

My 19th birthday was one for the history books, and it’ll be a birthday I’ll never forget. Thank you to all my friends and family for making my day so special. Here’s to my last year in my teens!

It’s time to stop waiting for your life to be perfect. Be in the moment and enjoy it.

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Getting Involved with Women Ambassadors at Embry-Riddle ✈️💕

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My Journey

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Embry-Riddle has been getting involved with organizations that support women in aviation and STEM. Among them, Women Ambassadors stands out as a group that truly focuses on mentorship, outreach, and representation within the ERAU community. Being part of an environment that encourages leadership, confidence, and connection has made a huge difference in my college experience.

Women Ambassadors is a group of women on campus who work with the admissions office who are dedicated to promoting women in aviation, aerospace, and STEM while also supporting prospective and current students. Members often participate in campus events, outreach programs, tours, and mentorship opportunities that help showcase the opportunities available at Embry-Riddle. It’s not just about volunteering — it’s about being a visible example of women succeeding in aviation fields and helping the next generation see themselves here too.

What I especially appreciate about Women Ambassadors is the sense of community. ERAU can be academically intense, and being surrounded by motivated, supportive women who share similar goals makes the experience feel less overwhelming and more inspiring. Whether it’s helping at events, connecting with prospective students, or working alongside peers who are passionate about aviation, the organization creates meaningful connections that extend beyond campus activities.

For students considering involvement, Women Ambassadors offers a chance to build leadership skills, gain outreach experience, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s a way to represent Embry-Riddle while also advocating for women in fields where representation still matters. For me, it’s been both personally rewarding and professionally valuable.

✈️Travels in Spring 2026 ✈️

This semester, I’m especially excited that Women Ambassadors has given me the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh for an Accepted Student Reception. Events like this allow us to connect directly with future Embry-Riddle students and their families, share our experiences, and help them envision what their own journey here could look like. Being able to represent ERAU outside of campus feels incredibly meaningful, because it highlights both the impact of the university and the role students play in welcoming the next generation. I’m really looking forward to meeting prospective students, answering their questions, and sharing why Embry-Riddle has been such an important part of my life so far.

Keep an eye out for a travel recap next month. 🙂

Until the next wave 🌊,

Grace Hamilton

Savor the Flavor: Hidden Gems Near You

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As an Embry-Riddle student, I’ve learned pretty quickly that some of the best food in Daytona isn’t the places that everyone already knows. It is usually the local spots just a few minutes from campus that you only find though friends or random late-night food runs. Whenever I want something different from the everyday chain food or student union options, these are my top resturants that I keep going back too. They are all very close to Embry-Riddle, consistently tasty, and each place has its own vibe depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Location #1: Giuseppe’s Steel City Pizza 🍕

Giuseppe’s is my go-to whenever I’m craving delicious pizza. The slices are huge, cheesy, and super filling. You could easily share a pizza between a group of three and still leave there hungry. The have a vast menu with anything and everything. I’ve grabbed pizza to go from here on those long days after classes and meetings, and its always been hot and fresh. I recommend you get the garlic knots as an appetizer. However, be careful as they are extremely tasty and you’ll be wanting some to-go as well.

Location #2: Hanwoo Korean BBQ 🥩

Hanwoo is one of the most fun spots I’ve found near Embry-Riddle. You grill the meat and vegetables right at your table, making the whole meal feel interactive an social. It is the perfect place for going with friends or celebrating. So far I think we have celebrated a couple birthdays and checkride passes. The sides and marinade make everything taste authentic and unique from other options in the area. Whenever I have family or friends visiting this is one of the first places we go.

Location #3: Tiki Docks Bar & Grill 🌴

Growing up in the Gulf Coast I developed a love for seafood at a very young age. Thankfully Daytona has many seafood places to offer. My favorite is Tiki Docks. This is where I go when I want something that feels very coastal without driving far. Sitting outside by the water, especially around sunset, feels like a mini vacation from school stress. The seafood and tropical drinks area the perfect combination. It is a great place for nice dinners, family visits, and celebrating after exams.

Location #4: The Casual Bird 🌊

The Casual Bird is my comfort-food favorite near school. They have a great amount of variety in their menu. My go to sandwich is the Turkey Melt with a side of hash brown casserole. If you are a coffee drinker they have a variety of coffee options with lots of room for customization. The seating area offers a coastal vibe where you can relax with friends, get coffee with the girls, and grab a delicious bite to eat before going to the beach.

One of my favorite parts of living off-campus has been discovering the local restaurants that make Daytona feel more like home. These restaurants have all become regular stops for me and friends depending on what we are craving. They are all close to campus but feel different from the usual student spots, which is exactly what makes them hidden gems. If you’re an ERAU student looking to branch out from the typical food rotation, these are definitely worth trying.

Until the next wave 🌊,

Grace Hamilton

Day in the Life: Spring Edition

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Hey everyone! Since everyone has finally settled into their routines for the semester, I figured I would bring you all on another day in my life, on one of the busier days of the semester. If you were an avid reader last semester, you may remember my 4 classes, tutoring, and many meetings on my last day in the life. This semester isn’t quite as busy, but I will let you all be the judge of that:

9:00 AM – I start my Tuesdays and Thursdays a little later this semester. However, on this particular day, I arrived to school early to get ready for our live show in my Advanced Broadcast Meteorology class.

9:45 AM – This is when I have my Advanced Broadcast Meteorology class, and on this day we did a live show about the Daytona 500, Valentine’s Day, the Olympics, and more! Everyone in my class got the opportunity to do a presentation in front of the green screen, and my friend Bella and I were the anchors. This is one of my favorite classes, and I would say that our show was a success

11:15 AM – Next, I had my Public Relations class, where we had a mini Valentine’s Day party and completed a project where we were randomly given an item and had to map out a commercial for it.

12:30 PM – For the next hour and a half, I had my lunch break. On this particular day, I got Starbucks for lunch. I love their Egg, Pesto, and Mozzarella Sandwich, and I paired that with a Hot Chocolate.

2:15 PM – I have my third and final class at this time, Studies in Music. This is an upper level humanities course where we have been discussing different genres of music and their characteristics. On this particular day, we were learning about the origins of Blues music, and also heard some class presentations on different instruments.

3:30 PM – At this time, I head to the Weather Lab for my afternoon closing shift. While a relatively short and quiet shift, it is always a nice way to finish off my day with a great view of the clouds.

5:00 PM – On this day, I recorded a video about the upcoming forecast for the Daytona 500 for the Embry-Riddle Weather Facebook page. I was able to use the computer in the Weather Lab to make my own graphics, and then record myself presenting the forecast from our computer corner. Recording in the broadcast studio is always so much fun, and I definitely plan on making more videos throughout the semester.

6:45 PM – Finally, my day on campus came to an end. While it was longer than my average Thursday, it was still a super fun and fulfilling day. After this, I got dinner off campus and did a Target run with one of my best friends while trying to avoid the race weekend traffic.

I hope this gave you another glimpse into a super busy day on campus for me. What’s your typical day in the life on campus like?

A Day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

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Hey y’all!
I recently spent the day at the Jacksonville Zoo, and honestly it was such a fun and refreshing experience. There’s something about being outside, walking around, and seeing animals that instantly puts you in a good mood. It felt like the perfect little escape from everyday routines.


So Much to See
One of my favorite parts of the day was just wandering through all the different areas. Every section had something new, whether it was colorful birds, playful animals, or peaceful scenery. I loved how the paths kept leading to something unexpected. It made the whole visit feel exciting without ever feeling rushed. This is one of the Zoo’s tortoises, and his name is Goober. His name alone is the reason that he is my favorite animal that I saw that day.


The Best Moments
Seeing the animals up close was definitely the highlight. It’s one thing to see pictures online, but it’s completely different when you’re standing there watching them move, interact, and just exist in their space. Those little moments made the day feel extra special.


The Overall Vibe
The whole atmosphere was really cheerful and relaxed. Families were laughing, people were taking photos, and everyone just seemed happy to be there. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and not worry about anything else for a while.


Final Thoughts
Visiting the Jacksonville Zoo ended up being one of those simple days that turns into a really great memory. Between the sunshine, the animals, and the peaceful walking paths, it was such a feel good experience. I’d absolutely go again.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Dirt, Ice, and Turf!

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Hey everybody! I’m back, and this time, with sports! This past semester I’ve gone to baseball, hockey, and lacrosse (my personal favorites).

Starting off strong with baseball, you can never get tired of baseball sunsets, especially when they’re night games. There’s something about the atmosphere of a baseball game that makes me feel at home. I grew up in a baseball family (go St. Louis Cardinals!), so of course I had to watch baseball here! I also took this as another chance to practice my photography through the Avion! Photography is quickly becoming one of my favorite hobbies. Anyways, here are some baseball pictures!

The fast-paced environment of hockey is so fun to end your week with. I’ve always been a big hockey fan (go St. Louis Blues! Can you tell where I’ve grown up?), so I was excited to see what the games were going to look like. It’s definitely chilly in the arena, so make sure to bring a jacket! You’re able to sit above the hockey rink in stands on the second floor, or you could stand around the outside of the hockey rink on the first floor. My personal favorite spot is around the hockey rink. I have to stand on a bench to truly see into the rink (curse my 5″2 height), but I make the most of it. All-in-all, hockey is a sport that I try to go to every time there’s a home game.

Finally, lacrosse! I don’t think I’ve been to a sports game that was as fun as the men’s lacrosse game. They played music during the breaks, and they had a bean bag toss and hotdogs. Luckily, I know a little bit about lacrosse (thanks to my little sister, Gabby, who plays lacrosse!). Not to mention, the refreshing morning air is my favorite way to start the day. In the future, I’m also going to take this as an opportunity to practice my photography. This is a picture of my best friend and I at the lacrosse game!

That’s all folks! Thank you for coming along with me through my favorite sports. As I said before, here’s my quote for this week!

What if it all works out?

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Navigating a Busy Schedule

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Hey y’all!
Lately my schedule has been packed, and between classes, assignments, and club responsibilities, it feels like there’s always something that needs my attention. Even so, I’ve been learning how to navigate the busy days without feeling completely overwhelmed.


Balancing School and Club Life
Working on club projects has been one of the most rewarding parts of my schedule, but it definitely takes planning. Whether it’s meetings, events, or behind-the-scenes work, fitting everything in means being more intentional with my time and energy.


Staying Organized (Most of the Time)
I’ve learned that staying organized doesn’t mean having everything perfectly planned out—it just means knowing what needs to get done next. Writing things down, setting reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps has made busy days feel more manageable.


Finding Small Moments to Recharge
On days when everything feels nonstop, taking short breaks has been key. Even a few minutes to reset, grab coffee, or step outside helps me come back to my work feeling more focused and less stressed.


Final Thoughts
Navigating a busy schedule while staying involved in clubs isn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it. Being busy with things I enjoy makes the long days feel more purposeful, and I’m learning a lot along the way.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

A Day at Magic Kingdom!

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Happy February everyone! It’s certainly been an unusually cold few weeks in Daytona. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the warmth to return like we had just a few weeks ago. On our super warm Sunday, I had the chance to go to the Magic Kingdom for a day trip! Now, sit back and come along as I tell you about my magical day:

Main Street U.S.A. at sunset!

My day started bright and early at 7 AM, as I left Daytona Beach in the dense early morning fog to beat the I-4 traffic. I was able to get parked and onto one of the Ferry Boats right as the park opened at 9 AM, and meet my family from New Jersey that was visiting for the week.

Family day at Disney!

In our day at the park, we were able to ride most of the rides, including the tea cups, It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo, and more! It was my nephew’s first time at Disney World, so we also took him to meet Mickey Mouse and the Winnie the Pooh characters at lunch, and watched the afternoon parade!

Obligatory Mickey ice cream sandwich!

Overall, it was a magical January day with perfect weather! The proximity to the theme parks is one of the perks of Embry-Riddle. I find myself at the parks or Disney Springs at least a few times a semester, even if it’s just for an afternoon to evening. Students and faculty can get discounted theme park tickets for Disney, Universal, Sea World, and more at the ICI Center! Have you been to the parks at all?

Cold Weather in Daytona Beach

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Hey y’all!
Cold weather in Daytona Beach is always a little surprising. One day it feels like summer, and the next everyone is reaching for hoodies and long pants. While I’m definitely more of a warm weather person, I have to admit that the colder days here have their own kind of charm.


What “Cold” Really Means Here
In Daytona, cold doesn’t usually last long, which honestly makes it more tolerable. Anything under 65 degrees feels like a big deal, but it’s usually gone before you know it. The sun is still out, the sky is still blue, but if you’re anything like me you will still be bundled up. In my opinion anything below 65 degrees calls for thick hoodies and a good pair of comfy sweatpants.

The Fun Side of Cold Days
Even though I prefer the heat, cold days give a good excuse to slow down. Cozy outfits finally make sense, hot coffee feels extra comforting, and evenings are perfect for movie nights or baking something warm. I recently made a batch of strawberry white chocolate cookies, and they were absolutely amazing. I’ll include the recipe at the bottom.


Campus During Cold Weather
Campus feels different when it’s cold. People move a little slower, everything feels a bit more relaxed, and staying awake in class feels a little bit harder. I highly recommend the yellow Red Bull. It is a lifesaver for those early morning classes. If you are not an energy drink person a hot tea or coffee still does the trick!


Making the Most of It
Since cold weather doesn’t stick around long in Daytona, I try to enjoy it while it’s here. It’s a nice break from the usual heat and a reminder to appreciate the little seasonal changes when they happen. Even if I am appreciating it from the comfort of my dorm, it is still nice to pause and think about things. It is just a cozy, and peaceful time of year.


Final Thoughts
Cold weather in Daytona Beach may not be my favorite, but it’s still enjoyable in its own way. Between cozy moments and cooler evenings, it adds a small change of pace before the warmth returns.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Cookie Recipe:

1 box of strawberry cake mix

2 large eggs

1/3 cup of oil

1 cup of chocolate chips(white or milk chocolate)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl mix all ingredients except for the chocolate chips together. Once the ingredients are evenly combined fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop two tablespoon balls of dough onto parchment paper and bake for 8-11 minutes depending on how you prefer your cookies. I baked mine for 8 and they came out soft and gooey. Then let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

Balancing School and Me-Time

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Hi everybody! I’m Noelle, and I’m so excited to join the team. More importantly, I’m excited to share my life at Riddle as a freshman. I think I’ll be able to give a different perspective, especially since I’m living on campus and I’m a part of some amazing clubs!

Starting off strong, and what I think is the most important, is your school to me time balance. My first semester at college was a busy one. I joined a lot of clubs, and I thought I could do it all. Homework assignment after homework assignment, I thought I would never break my cycle. I was losing my passion for my hobbies, and my days started to feel shorter. I realized that something needed to change when my answer to the question, “What’ve you been up to?” was always, “Eat, sleep, homework.”

Make time for yourself!

My first semester taught me that I wanted to live a comfortable life at Riddle. And that started with prioritizing “me time“. For my own definition, me time is when you set aside time to focus on your own body, mind, and overall well-being. It could be 30 minutes out of your day to take a walk, an hour to read a book, whatever your idea of “me time” could be. Lately, I’ve found comfort in the gym, reading, and photography. I was nervous about going to the gym at first, but you just have to do it, and then that fear will go away. I’ve always been into reading, but I never gave myself time to read. This semester, I’ve gotten through half of a book that I was putting off! Photography was something new to me, but through the Avion, I’ve had a couple really cool opportunities to practice and get better.

Here are some of the photos I took from the Rolex 24 (January 24th-25th)! It was my first time really working with a camera, and I had a lot of fun learning the different angles. I stayed 27 hours, and I slept at the speedway. I was unprepared for how cold it was going to be, so if you want to try that, bring a blanket! But truthfully, I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world, and I will definitely be going to more races in the future. It was also a time for me to relax from schoolwork and other responsibilities.

Be smart when planning out your days

I don’t know about you, but a good day-to-day schedule is what gets me through the months. Having a schedule everyday allows me to block out time for my allocated me time. That way, I can still get my studying in, but I’m using my time wisely. I have breaks between my classes, so after my earliest class, that’s my time to go to the gym. Before bed, I block out time to read some of my book. Giving yourself time during the day to get your work done will save you from the nights of endless red bulls and random scribbles on whiteboards. Trust me, it’s not always the best choice. Sleep should be another priority, because the mid-day naps WILL hit you hard if you don’t get enough sleep. Can’t wake up early? Don’t pick morning classes, because they might just be the bane of your existence. Can wake up early? Then pick those morning classes and get them done early.

Living comfortably

When you start to prioritize your mind and body, that’s when you truly begin to live comfortably. Good routines will start to sprout from building good habits. Consistency might sound overwhelming (it certainly was for me), but it’s just part of the process. Make time for your forgotten hobbies, because it can become your peace in a new environment, like college.

Going forward with the blog, I want to leave a favorite quote of mine at the end!

“Slow down, you’re doing fine,” (“Vienna” by Billy Joel)

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️