Author Archives: Olivia

About Olivia

Sophomore

Aviation Maintenance Science

Hometown: Thomasville, Georgia

Navigating Emotions in College

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Hey y’all!
College comes with a lot of emotions. Excitement, stress, homesickness, motivation, burnout, happiness, and sometimes all of them in the same day. No one really prepares you for how emotionally overwhelming college can be, especially when you’re learning how to live on your own and manage everything at once.
Some days feel really good, and others feel heavy for no clear reason. I’ve learned that feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just means you’re human.


Let Yourself Feel It
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to stop pushing emotions away. When I try to ignore how I’m feeling, it usually just comes back stronger. Letting myself feel whatever I’m feeling, without judgment, has helped me process things faster. It’s okay to have bad days. You don’t need to justify them.


Find Someone to Talk To
You don’t have to go through everything alone. Talking to a friend, roommate, or family member can make a huge difference. Even just saying “I’m not having a great day” out loud helps more than you’d think. If you need more support, campus offers counseling services, and there’s absolutely no shame in using them.


Create Small Comforts
When emotions feel overwhelming, small comforts help ground me. Whether it’s going on a walk, listening to music, journaling, or watching a comfort show, these little moments can help reset your mindset. You don’t need a big solution every time, just something that helps you breathe.


Be Patient With Yourself
College is a big transition, and it’s okay to struggle while adjusting. You’re learning how to balance academics, relationships, responsibilities, life changing events and personal growth all at once. That’s a lot for anyone. Be patient with yourself and remember that progress doesn’t always look perfect.


Final Thoughts
Coping with emotions in college is an ongoing learning process. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s normal. Give yourself space to feel, ask for help when you need it, and remember that you’re doing the best you can.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Welcome Back

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Hey y’all!
I hope everyone had a relaxing break filled with rest, good food, and time with the people who matter most. As nice as being home is, getting back into the routine of school after a break can be rough. Whether it’s winter break, fall break, or even just a long weekend, the transition back to classes always takes a little adjusting.
After weeks of sleeping in, wearing comfy clothes, and not worrying about deadlines, jumping straight back into syllabi, early mornings, and responsibilities can be overwhelming. I always find myself wishing there was a slow “warm up” period instead of diving head first back into school mode.


Give Yourself Grace
One of the biggest things that helps me is reminding myself that the first week back doesn’t have to be perfect. I try not to expect peak productivity right away. Getting back into the groove takes time, and that’s okay. I focus on small wins like checking my email, reviewing my syllabus, and making a simple to do list. Even little steps make everything feel more manageable.


Reset Your Space
Another thing that helps is resetting my space. Whether it’s my dorm, apartment, or desk, cleaning and reorganizing makes it feel like a fresh start. It helps mentally separate break time from school time. Turning on my favorite show or a playlist, and setting up my planner makes everything feel a little less stressful and a lot more motivating.


Refocus on Your Why
After a break, motivation can be hard to find. When I feel stuck, I take a moment to remind myself why I’m here in the first place. Whether it’s graduating, learning new skills, or working toward future goals, remembering the bigger picture helps me refocus and feel more grounded.


Final Thoughts
Getting back to school after a break isn’t always easy, and that’s completely normal. Give yourself time, take it one day at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself. The routine will come back before you know it.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

The Joy of Creativity

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Hey y’all!
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is slowing down and getting creative. Between finals, traveling home, and the general chaos that comes with this time of year, it’s nice to have something simple and hands-on to focus on. For me, that usually means crafts. There’s just something so comforting about sitting down with supplies, Christmas music playing in the background, and creating something just for fun.


Why Crafts Feel Extra Special During the Holidays
During the holidays, crafting feels different. It’s cozy. It’s nostalgic. It reminds me of being younger and doing crafts at the kitchen table while Christmas movies played in the background. Crafting gives my brain a break from screens, deadlines, and overthinking. It’s a way to relax without feeling like I’m doing nothing.


Making Seed Bead Animals
One of my favorite simple crafts is making seed bead animals. If you’ve never made them before, they’re these tiny animals made by weaving small beads together into different shapes. It takes patience and focus, but that’s part of why I love it. You can’t rush it, and you can’t multitask while doing it. You just sit there and work one bead at a time. Plus spending time on Pinterest to find patterns is also relaxing.
There’s something really satisfying about watching something come together from such small pieces. Plus, they’re adorable when they’re finished. I mean look how cute these stingray earrings came out!


Handmade Gifts Mean More
As I’ve gotten more into crafting, I’ve also started appreciating handmade gifts more during the holidays. There’s something really special about giving someone something you made yourself. It feels more personal and thoughtful, and it shows that time and care went into it, not just a quick trip to the store.
Handmade gifts don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s the small imperfections that make them special. Whether it’s something created late at night with Christmas music playing in the background or a project you spent weeks working on, handmade gifts carry a sense of warmth that store bought gifts just can’t replicate.


Crafting as Self Care
Crafting has become one of my favorite forms of self care. It’s calming, grounding, and lets me be creative without any pressure. There’s no grade, no deadline, and no expectations. Just me, my supplies, and a finished piece at the end.


During a season that can sometimes feel overwhelming, having a creative outlet like this makes a huge difference.


Final Thoughts
The holidays are the perfect time to slow down and create something just because you enjoy it. Whether it’s crafting, baking, or any other creative activity, giving yourself time to make something is such a gift. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to make you happy.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

Victorian Christmas

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Hey y’all!
With Christmas right around the corner, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite holiday traditions, Thomasville, Georgia’s Victorian Christmas. If you’ve ever been to Thomasville during the holidays, you know how special it is. And if you haven’t, this is your sign to put it on your Christmas bucket list.


A Little Holiday Magic
Every year during Victorian Christmas, downtown Thomasville completely transforms. The brick streets, historic buildings, and twinkling lights make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Hallmark movie. People dress in Victorian-style clothing, carolers sing classic Christmas songs, and the whole town just feels warm and festive.


It’s one of those events that instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit, no matter how busy or stressed you’ve been.


The Atmosphere Makes It
What I love most about Victorian Christmas is the atmosphere. It’s not rushed or overwhelming. People are just walking around, laughing, and enjoying the moment. There’s music playing, lights everywhere you look, and something happening on almost every corner.


It’s the kind of place where you can grab a warm drink, wander through downtown, and forget about everything else for a little while.


Supporting Local Businesses
Another reason this event is so special is how it brings the community together. Local shops stay open late, windows are decorated, and restaurants are packed with people grabbing dinner or dessert. It’s the perfect time to shop local and support small businesses while getting into the holiday spirit.


A Tradition Worth Keeping
Victorian Christmas has always felt like one of those traditions that never gets old. Whether you’ve been going for years or it’s your first time, it still feels magical. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and exactly what the holiday season should feel like.


Final Thoughts
Thomasville’s Victorian Christmas is more than just an event. It’s a reminder to slow down, enjoy the little things, and really take in the season. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. You won’t regret it.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

My Winter Self-Care Routine

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Hey y’all!
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of winter break. For me, this season has always been the perfect time to reset. After finals, late nights, and constant deadlines, my brain just needs a break. So today I thought I’d share my winter self-care routine, and some things I like to do to recharge during the colder months.


Warm Drinks and Slowing Down
There is something so comforting about a warm drink. Whether it’s coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, I always have something warm nearby during the winter. It forces me to slow down and just breathe for a few minutes instead of rushing from task to task. Sometimes I’ll sit by the window and just watch the weather outside. It sounds small but it helps so much.


Winter Walks
I know it sounds silly, but going outside even when it’s cold helps a lot. Just a quick walk around the neighborhood clears my head and helps me reset. Plus winter air just feels different somehow. It’s refreshing in a way that summer air never is. I love putting on my headphones, playing soft music, and pretending I’m in my own little movie scene.


Rebuilding My Sleep Schedule
After finals week… let’s be honest, my sleep schedule basically doesn’t exist. Winter break is the time when I finally get to fix it. I try to go to bed earlier, wake up earlier (kind of), and just feel like a normal human again. Sleep is truly underrated, especially in college. If I can get 8 hours, I feel unstoppable.


Journaling and Reflection
Winter has this calmness that makes it easier to reflect. I like to journal about the semester, what I learned, what I struggled with, and what I’m proud of myself for. Even if things didn’t go perfectly, it’s good to see how far I’ve come. I also like writing a few goals for spring, nothing intense, just simple things I want to focus on.


Cozy Movie Nights
Blankets. Christmas lights. Hot chocolate. Cheesy movies. Friends. That’s literally all I need. Winter is the best excuse to stay inside and relax without feeling guilty. I usually pick one of my favorite childhood Christmas movies and enjoy laughing with my closest friends.


Final Thoughts
Winter break is a chance to breathe. A chance to reset. A chance to be gentle with yourself after an entire semester of pushing nonstop. Whatever your version of self-care is, do it.
Until next time ✈️
Olivia Strickland

Time Management Tips I Actually Use

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Hey y’all!
If there’s one thing college has taught me, it’s that time is fake until you have three assignments, two club meetings, and a quiz all due in the same 48 hours. I used to feel like I was constantly chasing the clock, but over the last couple semesters I’ve found a few time management tricks that actually work for me. Not the Pinterest “wake up at 4 a.m. and run ten miles” type. Realistic ones. Student ones. The bare minimum to keep your life together.
Here are the time management tips I actually use:

1. The 30 Minute Reset
At the start of each week, I sit down for thirty minutes and map out what’s due. Not the whole month, not the whole semester, just the week. I’ve learned that looking too far ahead freaks me out, so I keep it simple. I write down deadlines, classes, meetings, and any extra stuff I want to get done. Boom. One half hour and I go into the week knowing what’s coming.

2. My Two Task Rule
Every day I choose two things that MUST get done. Not ten. Not five. Two. And if I get those done, I consider the day a win. If I get more done, cool. If not, I don’t feel like I’ve failed. This keeps my to-do list from becoming a horror movie.

3. Study in Short Bursts
I’ve accepted that I’m not the “study for three hours straight” girl. I do 25 to 40 minute bursts, take breaks, and come back. I get way more done that way and don’t end up staring at my notes like they’re written in a different language.

4. I Don’t Multitask Anymore
I used to think multitasking made me productive. It didn’t. It made me tired. Now I do one thing at a time and finish it before starting the next. My brain is happier. My homework is better. My stress is lower.

5. Use Your Random Gaps
Those weird 20 or 30 minute gaps between classes? Life changers. I use them to answer emails, review a quiz, do a discussion post, or even just start an assignment. Even doing a tiny piece early saves so much stress later.

6. Plan “Nothing Time”
This might sound silly, but I plan time where I do absolutely nothing productive. Scroll my phone. Lay on my bed. Stare at the ceiling. If I don’t plan downtime, I burn out fast. Rest counts too. Studying effectively is almost impossible without your body and mind being fully rested.

7. Don’t Wait for Motivation
Most days I’m not “motivated.” I just start. Even if I only plan to work for five minutes, half the time I keep going. Starting is the hardest part, so I trick myself by lowering the bar.

8. Keep Everything in One Place
Calendar, assignments, reminders, all in one app. If I spread my life across five platforms, I forget everything. One home for all my deadlines has saved me a lot of unnecessary stress.

9. Let Yourself Off the Hook
Some days don’t go as planned. Some weeks are pure chaos. And that’s okay. Time management isn’t about being perfect. It’s about keeping yourself afloat and making life a little easier. I give myself permission to reset instead of spiraling.

Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, time management isn’t some magical personality trait people are born with. It’s a bunch of small choices you make that add up over time. You don’t need a perfect routine or a color coded planner to get your life together. You just need a system that works for you and gives you enough structure to stay sane. Try a few of these tips, adjust them, and build your own version of “organized chaos.” You’ve got this.


Until next time ✈️,
Olivia Strickland

How to Survive Finals Without Losing Your Sanity

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Hey y’all!

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.

Good luck, y’all. You have got this.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

How to Handle Homesickness Without Crying in the Shower

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Hey y’all!

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.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Beating Burnout: Learning to Rest in College

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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 ✈️

Dorm Room Essentials

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Hey y’all!


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:

  1. A mini fridge for snacks, drinks, and leftovers
  2. A microwave
  3. Reusable plates, bowls, and utensils
  4. A mug for those early morning coffee runs or late-night ramen moments
  5. An air fryer if it is allowed in your dorm hall

🔌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 ✈️