Author Archives: Olivia Strickland

About Olivia Strickland

Sophomore

Aviation Maintenance Science

Hometown: Thomasville, Georgia

Lights, Camera, Campus: My Experience with UnReel Media

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Hey y’all!

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



🎬 My Short Film: “Pieces of Us”

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

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

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

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



🎬 “Inside” by Clayton Loughary

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

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

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

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

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



💡 Final Thoughts

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

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


Until next time,
Olivia Strickland 🎥✨

Off Campus Adventures: My Favorite Spots Near Daytona

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

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

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

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

🎟️ Admission:

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


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

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

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

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

🎟️ Admission:

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


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

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before College

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Hey guys, I’m back! 🌸


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Aviation Maintenance and Lessons Learned

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Hey y’all! Welcome to my very first blog post.
My name is Olivia, and I’m from Thomasville, Georgia. When I first came to Embry-Riddle in the Fall of 2024, I planned on pursuing engineering because of the school’s strong hands-on program. But after starting my first semester, I quickly realized that engineering just wasn’t for me.

That’s when I discovered the Aviation Maintenance Science program. At the time, I knew absolutely nothing about planes (and honestly wasn’t that interested in them). What drew me in was the incredible hands-on labs. From the moment I stepped into my first AMS class, I knew I had found my place. I was surrounded by like-minded people who shared their love for aviation with me, and now I truly understand the hype. More importantly, I’ve gained a family through aviation maintenance—something I’ll always be grateful for.


Tips & Tricks for Aviation Maintenance Students
Leaning into that, I want to share some tips I’ve learned so far. While these are geared toward aviation maintenance, I think some of them apply to college life in general.

1. Don’t Buy Every Textbook
Save your money! The syllabus may list multiple books, but most professors will tell you which ones you actually need. Always ask before dropping hundreds of dollars on materials you might never use.

2. You Don’t have to buy the Snap-On General Kit
As a freshman, you don’t need to buy the full Snap-On kit right away. You can purchase the same tools at a hardware store for less, and you won’t use all of them during your first year anyway.


3. Get a Rolling Toolbox or Bag
This is a game changer. Carrying heavy tools on your shoulders every day is exhausting, especially with how physically demanding the labs are. Rolling storage makes life so much easier. Pro tip: if you’re using the school lockers, be careful with the keypad—they’re easy to mess up.

4. Use Flash Cards
Yes, Quizlet is convenient, but writing things down on index cards helps the information stick. Plus, there’s something satisfying about flipping a card over and getting the answer right. With so much memorization in the general courses, flash cards are a lifesaver.

5. Prep for Comp Exams the Smart Way
Invest in ASA Prepware—it’ll help you get through the curveball questions the FAA likes to throw in. Also, don’t take your general comp exam until after your first semester of Airframe. A surprising amount of the content overlaps.

6. Prioritize Sleep & Self-Care
The seven-point grading scale and demanding labs are no joke. As someone living with POTS (a chronic illness), I know firsthand how draining it can be. Sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition make a huge difference. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey—it goes by fast!

Final Thoughts
I hope these tips help other aviation maintenance students—or really anyone navigating college. This program is challenging but so rewarding, and I’m grateful every day that I found my place here.
Until next time! ✈️
— Olivia