Author Archives: Moriah

About Moriah

Senior

Homeland Security

Minor: Terrorism Studies and Cyber Security
Year: Graduating Spring 2019 (FA 18 will be a Senior [oh my])
Hometown: Amherst, New Hampshire
Campus Involvement: Homeland Security Student Association (previous), Peer 2 Peer Challenging Extremism (previous)
Why I chose Embry-Riddle: It was between ERAU or a tiny school in Ohio, surrounded by cornfields. ERAU had better connections, curriculum, and staff by a landslide.

Closing Post

Posted on by
Reply

I have been extremely busy these past few weeks. I finished my internship, went home for a small vacation, drove back to Florida, and started school. I have a few key pointers that may seem obvious, but I feel should be restated. First, make sure to leave your internship on a positive note. Finish up any work you started and/or make sure to leave a copy of your notes, drafts, and work for coworkers. Although it is old fashioned, a hand written thank you note was also suggested. I sent my letter last week. Don’t feel intimidated. It’s not like it’s a personal letter to your grandma. Merely take the time to thank your coworkers and supervisors for x,y,z. My letter thanked everyone for their patience and guidance. I also included everyone’s name and a short sentence or two about a memory/particular thing I was thankful for. I genuinely enjoy writing letters. It’s important to leave a positive impact on wherever your internship was.

My “vacation” at home included completing a lot of chores. I went to the car shop three times in one week. I went to the DMV and dentist, which was not fun. I highly recommend that you make sure you visit your dentist, doctor, and any other locations that require you to be in your home state (aka DMV). There is always the option of going to the on-campus Health Services, but I find it easiest to schedule the doctor and dentist appointments in my hometown. Plus, when you are at home, you will be able to get the help from your parents. When I go to the dentist down in Florida, I will need to find a dentist, set up an appointment, make sure they take my insurance, and likely give them all my information from scratch.

A couple days before school started, I went to Target and saw many Embry-Riddle students. I walked by an aisle, and saw a mother excitedly telling her daughter to sit in a fluffy bean bag chair. For a split-second, I made eye contact with the daughter and she looked embarrassed. I remember the same feeling, but for all you incoming freshman, please let your parents spoil you and express their love for you, before they leave you for the semester. Additionally, I want to warn you of overbuying items that make clutter your dorm room. Make sure to start off with small purchases and slowly, gradually, add to your room. The worst thing is buying so many accessories and then not having any space for it. I also recommend buying a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit cups, soup, mac and cheese cups, and a reusable water bottle. For one thing, it can be a hard adjustment when you must pick your meals for yourself. During my freshman year, I ate so many fried foods and dairy that my stomach was upset for most of the semester. If your parents offered to buy you anything, I would recommend asking for gift cards to your favorite restaurants or shops because you may not know what you need now, but later in the semester it will be great to have a gift card.

This has been a great experience blogging, but I am signing off for now. Good luck with studies, be safe, and try new things!

Post 3: What’s for Fun?

Posted on by
Reply

When I first moved to the Baltimore area, I was almost out of data. I have a GPS for my car, but it kept randomly powering- off. Google Maps offers an offline mode where you download an area of the map. Simply choose your area, download, save, go on off-line mode, and turn on your location. Location should not use data. The off-line mode works like the regular GPS except you will not be able to get alternate routes. For incoming students that are new to the Daytona Area, I recommend the off-line mode to save data.

One of the highlights so far was a day trip into Baltimore. An all-day ticket for the light rail is $4.20 which in my opinion, is such a deal. I didn’t have to worry about driving into the city, traffic, pot holes, parking, etc. I wake up early on the weekends because I can’t help it. I put on shorts, a tank top, and sun screen. I had a light back pack for my keys, phone, wallet. Other items I brought: water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, pepper spray, pocket knife, granola bar, ear buds. The light rail ride went smoothly. As I said, it was mostly empty. I’ve gotten “be careful in Baltimore” a lot. But I’ve also gotten the run down of the “safer” areas. Even in the tourist areas, I was aware of pick-pocketers, muggers, and other acts of violence.

I’ll admit, I got off the light rail at Camden Yards and it was a bit sketchy. I wandered around for a bit before I figured out how to get to the street. Google Maps street version is good but takes time for it to realize what direction you’re walking.

In short, I went to The Blue Moon Café, Fells Point, Federal Hill Area, the Wharf, and got lost plenty. I hammock. Look at bunnies during the morning and fireflies at night. I like going to the cinema. I saw Deadpool 2, Oceans 8, and the Incredibles 2. I went to LA Fitness today and did a Zumba class.

My 2¢

Shout out to all the Transfer Students! If you haven’t finished your application, make sure you stay on top of your To-Do list and regularly check your email, voicemails, etc. Likewise- If you feel like you aren’t getting emails or phone calls from Admissions PLEASE check your spam folder, or contact Admissions and make sure your personal information is correct.

Post 2: Tips and Tricks to get through Week 1

Posted on by
Reply

It’s a crazy Friday night in Maryland. And by crazy, I mean Trader Joes Spicy Cheese Crunchies and a mixed drink. Since my last post, I have worked two full weeks at my internship, turned 21, and hit five hundred pot holes.

Quick facts about my internship: First- for security reasons, I will not be posting any in-depth information about my internship nor building/ my cubicle pictures. I am the Systems Security Intern at Textron Systems. I am learning so many new things. The group of people are phenomenal, and my supervisor is an amazing leader. I will admit it has been difficult meeting other interns and making friends. Because I am the only intern in the Security Department, I haven’t had much time to interact with the other interns. Plus, I’m a shy, introverted person… and extremely busy with my own training. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to make some friends and have a travel buddy, but it’s also so fun solo exploring.

What does the typical day look like for me: Wake-up. Get ready. Drive. Work. Drive. Dinner. Prep lunch for next day. Exercise. Get ready for bed. Pick outfit for next day. Relax. Fall asleep.

How did I find the internship? Believe it or not, I found the internship on Linked In. I had applied on Eagle Hire and directly on the websites. Linked In offered initial information and directed me to their website. So in a way, I did apply on the website, but the first platform was Linked In.

University Relations contacted me, and I went through two phone calls. I spoke with the Director of Security (now my supervisor). We went over basic phone interview introduction, “tell me about yourself”, and the position. If you take anything away from this post, make sure to research the company, agency, department, or organization beforehand. Not only will it make you look prepared, but it shows interest. Career services stresses pre-interview company research, but I cannot stress this enough. I did do a follow-up email because I was supposed to hear back a couple of days after the Director phone call (but didn’t). Remember that people are busy and sometimes forget. It’s okay to send a professional, polite follow-up. If you are so lucky to nail a gig, here are steps I advise.

Pre-internship:
1. Continue to stay informed about company news, events, products, etcetera.
2. If you can anticipate any vocabulary or incoming information you will need, hit the laptop a couple days if not a week before.
3. Time yourself on a test drive home to work.
4. Study the surrounding area.
5. Locate your nearest auto shop, gasoline stations, and preferred grocery store.
6. Start adjusting your sleep schedule.
I did not stay informed as I should have. Textron is a multi- industry company that works with Cessnas, EZ-Go Golf Carts, Bell Helicopter, and more. There are numerous locations across the United States. If you are working for multi-industry company, familiarize yourself with the different branches and locations. You will likely hear coworkers mentioning so-and-so at location X.

Night Before:
1. Panic a little. It’s natural.
2. Have an outfit ready.
3. Lay out bag, purse, etc.
4. Review any information on your job position.
5. Look up inspiration quotes to soothe yourself.
6. Set alarm and then try to get some sleep.

Must Haves:
1. Identifying legal documents (Your first-day may require proof of citizenship in 1+ versions. Just set a reminder the night before to put the documents safely in your bag).
2. A watch.
3. Note book. You will likely be given new office supplies but get your own notebook. I’m already ¼ the way through with notes and running lists of vocabulary. One word… Acronyms. So many acronyms in the security field. Any Homeland student will (should) know DoD, SF-86, SOP but do you know DD 441, SF-702, or FSO? That’s when the notebook comes in handy. Acronyms are going to be flying. You can either try to look it up yourself, but some acronyms may have multiple meanings or be company specific. If that’s the case, ask a co-worker or supervisor.
4. Folder for any organizing documents.
5. Cardigan or suit jacket. It may be a summer internship, but the AC will likely be full throttle.
6. Re-useable water bottle.

I will never forget: First day at orientation and I forgot my rain coat in a different room. Someone made an announcement and I had to awkwardly stand up and climb over some interns to get to my jacket (the chairs were really packed in the conference room). Imagine a line of rolling chairs followed by a row of fold-out chairs. I was in a rolling chair but had someone sitting a foot behind me. When I went back to sit down, I almost missed my seat.

Motivational Quote: The expert in anything was once a beginner.

Pilot Post: Intro and Internships

Posted on by
Reply

Hi, all! My name is Moriah and I am going to be a senior this fall. Maybe our paths have crossed, maybe they haven’t. I’ve been involved in Homeland Security classes, the Homeland Security Student Association (HSSA), Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism, and Transfer Admissions. Campus is small, so you may spot me briskly walking if not running to class (more on that later). Some quick facts about me… I am from New Hampshire and if you don’t know where that is, let’s just say the Boston, Massachusetts area.

Freshman year: Doolittle Hall, no car, HSSA member & secretary (spring semester), intra-mural soccer

Sophomore year: Apollo Hall, car in March, HSSA member & secretary, Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism, Israel Study Abroad summer 17, Student Assistant Transfer Admissions

Junior year: Off- Campus, car, HSSA member & secretary (fall semester), Student Assistant Transfer Admissions, moved houses, internship search, internship summer 18

I tried:

  • Rowing during freshman year but could not commit to waking up so early.
  • Embry-Riddle Dancing Eagles during freshman and sophomore year but HSSA got too busy
  • Scuba Club but the club communication was not particular enough for me to balance Scuba and HSSA

As you can tell, HSSA was a big part of my life. I will have a separate post about the journey through HSSA.

Now, I am busy with finishing my undergrad and working in Transfer Admissions. I work hours around my classes. I try to make my work and class schedule be back-to-back so I can spend time at the house or go to the gym. I hope you find my posts informative and entertaining. For now, let’s jump to internships!

For any Homeland Security (HS) Student, the word “internship” brings a wave of emotions. To complete the HS program, we are required to complete an internship or take thesis class (Career Services and HS 280 Professional Skills in Homeland Security will cover the criteria). The department recommends an internship and I agree; an internship will help you get your foot in the door. To be honest, I was a little late in the game for government internships. If you are interested in interning at a government agency, start applying freshman and/or sophomore year. Why so early? Security Clearances and paperwork will take a long time to be processed and completed.

DO: Take advantage of career services, go to related-field guest speakers, join clubs or take on leadership roles, pay attention in class, network with fellow students and professors, go to the career fairs, start organizing your personal information for the security clearance (SF 86)

Because I lived on campus for my first two school years, I went to any special speaker that I found interesting. There were many government officials and cyber security speakers. Not only is it a great excuse to get out of your dorm, but it is also interesting and academic. I recommend getting a jump start on the SF86 because it takes a long time to complete. Even if you don’t need the SF86 immediately, look at the document. Trust me. It will save you stress overall. You can find a template through the United States Office of Personnel Management website < SF86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions. You will hear about the SF86 in class and the rumors are true- it takes hours to complete. In the end, I estimated 6-8 hours.

DON’T: Be lazy and wait till last minute to internship search, be afraid to ask for help, think you only need to apply to one company

Us HS students live and breathe internships. We know we need the experience, networking, and course credit. Career Services won’t hand you an internship on a silver platter. Our field is competitive, and qualifications vary. If you kindly ask a professor for advice, you may get a chance to submit your resume or even an interview. It’s up to you to have a resume and interview skills ready to go! In the end, apply to as many positions as you can. I’ve been turned down so many times.

My next post will be more in-depth about my specific internship search and success. By the time you read this article, I may have already had my first day at the job!

My 2¢

Don’t expect or feel pressured into becoming best friends with your roommate; do respect each other. If you are using the right amount, liquid detergent is cheaper than “pods” and you really don’t need that fabric softener (in fact, fabric softener breaks down the clothes to make them “soft” which wears clothes out quicker).