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.
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.
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!
Every year in early November, campus comes to life for Homecoming and Family Weekend, and this year’s did not disappoint. Homecoming and Family weekend is a time for students, parents, and alumni to come together to celebrate all Eagles past, present, and future. It’s an action packed weekend that creates lifelong memories every year.
The celebrations began this year with the annual Tri Sigma Farmer’s Market, which gave all attendees a chance to shop and eat from local businesses and restaurants. On Friday night, Brewfest took over the lawn with a beer garden, food trucks, lawn games, music, and more as the sun set on campus. Across the street at the ICI Center, a tailgate and the women’s volleyball game were taking place, culminating in the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.
On Saturday, attendees were able to view a static display on the flight line accompanied by a pancake breakfast, and attend the “Good Fun Fair”, a place for the people to come together and make an impact in the community. The Avion also hosted a Photo Booth in the Union, where everyone could take a picture to put in their souvenir magnet frame that was given to all guests.
Finally, the weekend culminated in what was the best Homecoming Concert to date, with Flo Rida and the Rare Occasions taking over the Fitness Center Lawn. Thousands of students, parents, and alumni packed the lawn for a night that Flo Rida himself described as a “party”, dancing to classic such as “Low” and “My House”. Flo Rida even brought students on stage to party with him, and threw roses at others in the crow. I had such a fun time at the concert, and enjoyed the fire works show after as well.
Overall, this Homecoming weekend was one to remember. With fun events, lively traditions, and the best concert Touch-n-Go Productions has ever put on, the memories I made during Hoco 2025 will last a lifetime.
Getting involved on campus has honestly been one of the best parts of my college experience. Embry-Riddle has so many cool opportunities, clubs, and organizations that you can jump into, and being part of them has helped me meet amazing people, learn new skills, and discover things I never thought I’d be interested in.
From leadership roles to hands-on projects to events that make campus feel like home, each involvement has given me something different — and something awesome.
In this blog, I’m breaking down everything I’m involved in and all the great opportunities they offer. If you’re trying to get more connected on campus or just want to see what’s out there, this is a great place to start!
I hope everyone’s week has been going well! Today I wanted to talk about something almost every college student deals with at some point, even if they don’t admit it: homesickness. Whether you’re only an hour away or you flew across the country for school, that first semester hits hard. Suddenly the comfort of your own bed, your pets, and your mom’s cooking feels very far away.
So here are a few things that helped me get through those moments without dramatically crying in the shower like I’m in a movie scene.
1. Create a “Home Base” in Your Dorm
Your dorm will feel lonely if it looks like a temporary hotel room. Decorating makes a bigger difference than you’d think. Add photos, hang lights, get a cozy blanket, or keep your favorite snack stocked. Little familiar things make your space feel safer and more “you.”
Pro Tip: make your bed comfy.
2. Call Family (But Not Too Often)
Talking to people from home helps but calling every single time you feel sad can make the feeling worse. Find a balance. Schedule one or two calls a week so you can update everyone, get reassurance, and hear your dog bark in the background. But also give yourself room to adjust to your new environment without running back emotionally every five minutes.
3. Get Out of Your Dorm (Seriously)
Homesickness gets worse when you sit alone in a small room staring at the door. Go do something—even if it’s small. Go study in the library, grab food with a friend, join a club meeting, or take a walk. Movement helps your brain switch out of sad mode.
This is actually how I met a lot of my friends, just by saying yes to little things.
4. Build New Routines
One huge reason why home feels like “home” is because of routine—your favorite breakfast, a certain TV show at night, the same route to school, etc. Try building new routines on campus. Maybe it’s grabbing a morning coffee, going to the gym at a certain time, or studying in the same spot. Routines help your brain feel grounded, and that’s something homesickness really tries to steal.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Homesickness is NORMAL. Like, painfully normal. You’re not weak. You’re not dramatic. You’re not “failing” at college because you miss home. You’re human. This is a huge transition, and emotions don’t care how old you are.
If you need to cry a little? Cry! It doesn’t have to be in the shower, those tears are allowed anywhere.
6. Remember Why You’re Here
When homesickness flares up, focus on your goals. The degree you’re chasing, the dream job, the future you want. This is just the uncomfortable middle part between who you were and who you’re becoming.
Home will always be there. But right now, you’re building a version of yourself that your future self will be proud of.
Homesickness doesn’t last forever, even if it feels like it does in the moment. One day you’ll wake up and realize campus finally feels familiar. That’s when you know you’re growing.
Hey y’all! I hope everyone’s week has been going well. Today, I want to talk about something I think every college student faces at some point, burnout. It’s that feeling when you’re running on empty, constantly tired, and no amount of coffee seems to help. When I first started college, I thought burnout was just being “a little tired.” I figured if I just pushed through it, I’d feel better eventually. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works. After a few weeks of late nights, back-to-back classes, and endless studying, I hit a wall. I was exhausted, unmotivated, and honestly, just didn’t feel like myself. Through trial and error (and maybe a few too many energy drinks), I learned how important it is to rest. Really rest! So, here are three things that have helped me manage and avoid burnout while at Embry-Riddle:
1. Listen to Your Body and Mind It sounds obvious, but it’s so easy to ignore the signs of burnout. When you’re constantly busy, you might not notice how tired you are until it hits hard. I used to push through headaches, fatigue, and mental fog just to finish one more assignment. Now, I pay attention. If I feel myself zoning out or getting irritated easily, that’s my cue to take a break. Sometimes that means going for a walk, taking a nap, or watching an episode of my favorite show, House MD. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you give yourself permission to pause.
2. Find a Balance Between Work and Play College is important, but it shouldn’t consume your entire life. I used to feel guilty if I wasn’t constantly being “productive.” But the truth is, productivity doesn’t always mean grinding 24/7. It’s about balance. Joining UnReel Media, our film club, has been one of my best decisions. It’s given me a creative outlet and a break from academics. Whether it’s acting, writing, or just hanging out with people who share the same passion, it helps me recharge. Find something outside of your coursework that brings you joy like music, art, sports, anything that lets your brain rest.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Slow Down It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of college life. Trying to keep grades up, be involved, and plan your future all at once can be overwhelming. But it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You don’t have to do everything all at once, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. If you need to take a mental health day, take it. Go outside. Sit by the flight line and watch planes take off. Grab coffee with a friend. Life won’t fall apart if you slow down . In fact, it often gets better.
Final Thoughts Burnout happens to everyone, but it doesn’t have to control your college experience. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take care of your mind as much as your GPA. Remember, rest isn’t lazy, it’s necessary. Until next time, Olivia Strickland ✈️
Today I wanted to talk about something I wish I had read before moving into my dorm. What you actually need to survive college dorm life. When I was packing for my first semester, I brought way too much of some things and totally forgot the essentials that make everyday life easier. So here’s my list of dorm room must-haves that I now swear by!
🛏️ 1. Comfortable Bedding Trust me on this one. Your bed becomes your couch, your desk, and sometimes your dining area. The standard dorm mattress is not the comfiest, so a mattress topper is a total game changer. Add a soft blanket and a few extra pillows, and suddenly your dorm feels like home.
Pro tip: Get twin XL sheets, not just twin, because the smaller ones won’t fit! Alternatively if you are living in a single the bedding should be size full.
💡 2. Good Lighting Most dorm rooms have harsh fluorescent lights that make you feel like you’re in an office. Bring a desk lamp or a string of LED lights to create a warmer vibe. It makes late-night studying or movie nights way more relaxing. Do not get the LEDs with the sticky strips on the back. They peel paint off the walls, and you won’t get your housing deposit back.
☕ 3. Mini Kitchen Essentials Even if you have a meal plan, you’ll still want a few basics for quick snacks or breakfasts. My go-tos:
A mini fridge for snacks, drinks, and leftovers
A microwave
Reusable plates, bowls, and utensils
A mug for those early morning coffee runs or late-night ramen moments
🔌4. Extension Cords and Power Strips You’ll quickly realize there are never enough outlets, especially when you’re sharing a space. A surge-protected power strip keeps all your chargers, lamps, and laptop plugged in safely.
🧺 5. Laundry Supplies Laundry day is one of those “welcome to adulthood” moments. Make it easier on yourself with: 1. A laundry basket with handles or wheels for hauling to the machines 2. Detergent pods which are less messy than liquid 3. Dryer sheets 4. Stain remover
🧼 6. Cleaning Essentials Even if you’re not the neatest person, dorm rooms get dusty fast. I always keep: 1. Disinfecting wipes 2. Paper towels 3. A small vacuum or handheld mini vac 4. Air freshener or a diffuser if your dorm allows it
Pro Tip: Keeping your space clean honestly helps your brain feel less cluttered, too.
🪞 7. Storage Solutions Dorms are tiny, so vertical space is your best friend. Try: 1. Under-bed storage bins 2. Over-the-door organizers 3. Closet hanging shelves 4. Drawer dividers for smaller items You’ll be shocked how much more organized your room feels.
🩹 8. Health and Comfort Items Things you’ll thank yourself for having later: 1. A mini first-aid kit with pain relievers and band-aids 2. A reusable water bottle 3. A small fan if your dorm doesn’t have great A/C 4. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for late-night noise
✨ 9. Personal Touches Finally, make it yours! Decorate with: 1. Photos from home 2. Posters or wall art 3. A cozy rug 4. Small plants, real or fake You’ll be surprised how much your mood improves when your dorm feels like your space, not just a box with cinderblock walls.
Final Thoughts At the end of the day, your dorm should be a space where you can rest, recharge, and feel comfortable after a long day of classes. You don’t need to buy everything under the sun, just the things that make your day-to-day life smoother. Until next time, Olivia Strickland ✈️
As the semester flies by, I wanted to highlight a special resource that The Avion provides for all clubs and organizations on campus: photo booths. My fellow blogger and Avion exec board member Grace recently wrote about our Photo Booth at the Halloween Spooktacular, and I wanted to talk more about this special service we provide.
For those who don’t know, The Avion is the student lifestyle magazine and news source on campus. As a division of the Student Government Association (SGA), The Avion also provides services for all students. These include camera rentals, and of course photo booths!
The Photo Booth is an automated and user-friendly device that we are able to set up at events for clubs or the university. Users are able to tap the screen, see a countdown to take their picture, and get a QR code for a digital copy and a printed copy for the memories.
We first got this device last March and it made its debut at the Eaglepalooza Music Festival in the Spring. Since then, we’ve taken over 1,000 photos at many events including banquets, galas, and celebrations. We also set it up occasionally for holidays in the Student Union for all students to take pictures. Later this week, the Photo Booth will also be out for all of Homecoming Weekend, giving families, alumni, and students the perfect way to capture the memories of what is sure to be an action packed weekend.
If any organizations want to reserve it on campus, they should reach out to The Avion Editor-in-Chief to learn more information. Have you seen the Photo Booth at any events around campus?
If you have read my blogs, you know that I enjoy talking about my experience at school and with life in general. I also enjoy being candid about things, because being real is one of the things that you rarely see these days. I want to be reminded I am a living human, not just a student or employee, or a number/statistic. I have emotions, feelings, and opinions, and that is so special.
Being at ERAU has given me some of the best experiences and opportunities of my life, but being in school comes with its own anxiety as well. Stressing about assignment deadlines, balancing work and life, juggling responsibilities, and making sure I am learning and enriching my knowledge all at the same time can get overwhelming. Another layer of complexity is added when you think about your next semester, graduation plan, and life after graduation. I have been in school for as long as I remember. I have a deep love for learning and teaching others, sharing knowledge, and pursuing higher education. With my graduation date in May growing closer and closer, I found myself emotional at the idea that it could be my last time I will be in school, at least for a bit of time. There is much uncertainty right now for me with what’s next; however, the idea of putting off my Ph.D. and leaving my alma mater is unsettling. Sometimes making the right choice is the hardest.
Embry-Riddle has been my home away from home and second family for the last 7 years. Even before then, I attended ERAU as a dual-enrollment student, and attended many campus events, like the astronomy club open house, networking with students and professors. I have made numerous connections that I have no doubt I will keep throughout my career.
If you are like me, a graduate student unsure about a Ph.D., then these tips I have compiled will hopefully help you decide:
Make a list of pros/cons of a Ph.D.
Make a timeline or snapshot of your life for the next 5,10,15 years
Understand what the inertia of your life brings. Long-term and short-term goals/plans, family events, and financial goals. Be realistic too – what do you see yourself achieving?
Reach out to hiring managers in the industries you are interested in to get a feel for the hiring process and what is typical for that job type
Believe it or not, sometimes a Ph.D. can over qualify you for certain jobs. As much as I love research, I wouldn’t need a Ph.D. to be a project manager or operations manager for an airport, as an example. If you don’t know what is typical, reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn! Never be afraid to do this any time you have a question.
A reminder for you: the popular cartoon we all know and love, SpongeBob SquarePants, was created by Stephen Hillenburg, a marine biologist, writer, producer, and animator. I talked about this in my news feature here.
Write down what your dream job(s) are, what you would want to do for work (truly), and what sparks happiness
Sometimes what you do for a paycheck is different than what you do for fun or what you would want to do for a paycheck. Even if it sounds outlandish, write it down, do some research, make connections, and then formulate a plan to achieve it. For example, I want to pursue filmmaking and animation in the future. I want to use my systems engineering skills and knowledge of business to further this hobby/career blend.
Sometimes your hobby has to remain just that, a hobby, and cannot become your day-to-day job. That is okay – the ultimate goal is to work a job that doesn’t feel like work. With some dedication and planning, you can make career shifts any time.
Network
LinkedIn is one of the best places for professional networking, other than conferences and events. Attending conferences in your field of study or area(s) of interest can help you get a great understanding of that industry, the types of job opportunities, and an understanding of the qualities of the hire.
“There is more to life than just one degree program.”
This quote is what I live by these days. There is so much life has to offer, and oftentimes the job you end up getting is a blend of many things: engineering, business, communications, traveling, etc. Just because you get a degree in something doesn’t necessarily mean you are limited to just that.
I just have to remember; you truly never stop learning and growing.
