Day in the Life: Spring Edition

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Dominic

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

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Olivia

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!

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Noelle

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

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Olivia

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!

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Dominic

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:

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.

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!

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

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Olivia

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

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Noelle

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 🌪️

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
This week I took a trip to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, and it ended up being such a nice change of pace. I love days that get me out of my routine and outside for a bit, and this was the perfect way to do that.

Walking the Grounds
When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was how calm everything felt. The lighthouse itself is beautiful, but the surrounding grounds made the experience even better. Walking around and learning about the history made it feel more intentional instead of just a quick stop for pictures. There’s something really grounding about places with so much history. It made me slow down and actually be present, which isn’t always easy to do.

The Climb Up
Climbing the lighthouse was definitely a workout, but it was so worth it. Step by step, I got more excited to reach the top. By the time I made it up there, I was a little tired but completely distracted by the view.
Seeing the ocean, the inlet, and everything below was honestly incredible. It was one of those views that makes you stop talking and just take it all in.

Why This Trip Meant So Much
What I loved most about this visit was how simple it was. There was no rush, no strict plan, just enjoying the experience as it came. It reminded me that you don’t need a big trip or a packed itinerary to feel refreshed. Sometimes getting out of town for a few hours is enough to reset your mindset.

Final Thoughts
Visiting the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse was such a peaceful break from everyday life. Between the history, the climb, and the view at the top, it’s definitely something I’d recommend if you’re looking for a low stress adventure.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Pastries and Science Museums

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
This past weekend I took a little trip to Miami, and it ended up being such a fun change of pace. I love trips that feel productive but still relaxing, and this one was the perfect mix of exploring, learning, and of course, good food.

A Stop at Maman
I started the day at Maman, a French bakery and café that honestly felt like stepping into a Pinterest board. The atmosphere was cozy and calm, which was a nice contrast to the busy city around it. I grabbed a coffee and a pastry and took a moment to slow down and enjoy the morning.
It was the perfect way to start the day. There’s something about sitting with a warm drink and good food that instantly puts you in a better mood. If you’re ever in Miami and want a cute spot to grab breakfast or coffee, this one is definitely worth it.

Exploring the Frost Museum of Science
After breakfast, I headed to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and I was honestly impressed by how much there was to see. This isn’t one of those museums you rush through. There are multiple floors with interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and even a planetarium.
I really enjoyed how hands on everything was. I could easily spend hours walking around and still feel like there was more to see. It reminded me why I enjoy museums so much. They make learning fun without it feeling like school.

P.S.: Here is one of the many cat statues they have outside the museum. They were from all over the world, and so fun to look at!

Why I Loved This Trip
What I liked most about this day was how balanced it felt. I wasn’t rushing from place to place, but I also wasn’t just sitting around all day. It was a good reminder that short trips don’t have to be packed to be meaningful.
Getting out of town for even just a day helped me reset and come back feeling refreshed. Sometimes that’s all you need.

Final Thoughts
This Miami trip was such a nice break from routine. Between the cozy bakery stop and spending the afternoon exploring the science museum, it was the perfect mix of relaxing and interesting. If you’re looking for a fun, low stress way to spend a day in Miami, I’d definitely recommend something like this.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

My Favorite Places on Campus

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Grace

Being a senior at Embry-Riddle means juggling a demanding academic schedule with campus involvement and everyday life. With so much going on, the places I spend my time on campus really matter. In this blog, I’m highlighting my favorite locations on campus and how each one fits into my busy routine, whether I need to be productive, relax, or just take a break.

Location #1: Outside Deck of AMS Building

My number one spot on campus is the outdoor balcony of the AMS building. With the busy life of an Embry-Riddle senior, having a place that can serve multiple purposes is essential, and this location does exactly that. The AMS building features two levels of outdoor balconies where you can eat lunch, study for exams, or simply relax and spend time with friends between classes.

During the Daytona 500, I love joining the crowd to watch the Thunderbirds practice over the Daytona Beach Airport. It’s truly impressive to see the skill and precision the team brings every year. In the evenings, the view of the flight line and airport is paired with beautiful Florida sunsets, creating a setting that never gets old. No matter how many times I visit, it remains a place I can always appreciate.

One of my favorite memories from this spot was watching my boyfriend come in and land after passing his commercial checkride. I may have not been in the plane but I was supporting from as close as I could get.

Location #2: Benches Down Legacy Walk

If you’ve been on campus before, you may have noticed the many benches along Legacy Walk. Many of them have tables, making them perfect spots to eat lunch, chat with friends, or catch up between classes. The steady flow of students passing by and the shade from the trees make it feel lively but not overwhelming. When it’s not super hot outside (cause I am a red head and the sun is not my friend lol), I love sitting out here to do homework or relax with a good book—it’s a nice break from the classroom and a reminder to slow down during a busy day.

A lot of times you even get the chance to see the campus squirrels running up the palm trees and playing with each other.

Location #3: Student Leadership Suite & Avion Office

When I really need to lock in and get work done, I usually head to the Student Leadership Suite. It’s a quieter space that helps me focus, and it’s conveniently close to Starbucks for those much-needed coffee runs. The computer lab nearby also makes it easy to print assignments or handle last-minute class needs without having to go far. For design projects or when I want a more collaborative environment, I like spending time in the Avion office. It’s a great place to work on creative tasks, bounce ideas off the team, or just hang out with fellow Avion members while getting things done.

These are my three favorite places on campus to hang out. College life can sometimes feel like the same routine day in and day out, so it’s important to switch things up and find spots where you can take a much-needed break. Whether it’s a place to relax, focus, or connect with friends, having go-to locations makes campus feel more like home. What are some of your favorite spots on campus?

Talk soon,

Grace H. 🙂

My Life @ Riddle

Daytona Beach Edition