Category Archives: 2026 2027

Film Fest Recap

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Hey y’all!
Now that the Fly By Film Festival is over, I can honestly say it was such a fun experience. After all the planning and preparation, seeing everything come together made it completely worth it. The turnout was amazing, and it was so exciting to see so many people come out to support.


Seeing It All Come Together
After weeks of planning, the night of the festival felt a little surreal. Everything we had been working on finally came to life, and it was so rewarding to see it all run smoothly, with the exception of the fire alarm going off. From start to finish, the energy in the room was just really positive.


An Amazing Turnout
One of the best parts of the night was the turnout. Seeing the Event Center filled with people there to watch and support student films made the whole experience even more special. It really showed how much interest and support there is for creative work on campus.


Celebrating Everyone’s Work
Getting to watch all the films on the big screen was definitely a highlight. Everyone put so much time and effort into their projects, and it showed. It was really cool to see all the different ideas and styles come together in one event. A big congratulations to Antonio Clark for winning best film!


Why It Meant So Much
Being part of the planning process made the night even more meaningful. As Director of Operations, I got to see everything that goes on behind the scenes, and it made me appreciate the final result even more. It was busy at times, but moments like this make it all worth it. The club also decided to dedicate the film festival to David Guerra, and that made everything just a bit more meaningful.


Final Thoughts
The Fly By Film Festival turned out to be such a success, and I’m so glad I got to be part of it. It was fun, exciting, and a great reminder of how much can be accomplished when people come together to create something.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

7.5 Hours Later

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Spring break was upon us last week, and boy was it needed! My drive home is always long (7.5 hours with traffic), but it’s really rewarding when I finally pull into my driveway. I spent my spring break with my family, and it was the perfect reset I needed before jumping back into emails, homework, and exams.

The first half of my spring break we spent in Brookhaven, Georgia. My sister was touring Oglethorpe University. It was kind of crazy seeing my sister looking at colleges, because I still think she’s little. It’s a weird feeling as the oldest sibling, but I’ve learned to cope with the fact that my two little sisters will grow up eventually.

The campus was really pretty. It was built in 1835, which makes it a very old campus. Nonetheless, every building gave me Hogwarts vibes. Built with some type of stone, it definitely has the gothic revival architecture style. If you’ve seen Stranger Things, the very last episode of the last season, they filmed Dustin’s college scene at Oglethorpe.

Once we got back from Georgia, my goal was simple: get tan, eat my mom’s homemade mac n cheese, and go to the beach. I devoured my mom’s mac n cheese the second I got home, and I was able to combine my goal of getting tan with going to the beach. I may be a little biased here in saying that Navarre has the best beach on the West coast of Florida, but… oh well! The pictures speak for themselves.

The crystal clear, blue water and fluffy white sand is something I will never get tired of. I’m really grateful to have this as my view, and I take advantage of going to the beach anytime I can while I’m home. I expected to feel stressed about my homework while I was at the beach, but the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun melted that worry away and finally let me relax. Be sure to remember your sunscreen!

As the week wrapped up, I realized how much I needed this break more than I initially thought. Between exploring Oglethorpe University with my sister and spending time by the ocean, I found myself slowing down in a way I haven’t in a while. Watching her get excited about her future reminded me of how far I’ve come in my own journey, and the quiet moments at the beach gave me space to breathe, reset, and simply exist without deadlines tugging at me. It wasn’t a flashy or overly busy spring break, but it was exactly the kind of pause I needed.

Doing your best will look different every day.

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Spring Break in Idaho

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Hey everyone, welcome back for another blog! With Blue and Gold week upon us, I have returned from my trip to the mountains of Idaho. I went to go visit my friend who lives out there, and it was super cool because I had not been off the east coast up until this.

Beautiful Mountain Home sunset on my first night!

After some brief flight changes, I eventually made my way to Boise through Denver. The second I stepped off the plane, I was immediately in awe of the mountains and scenery of southern Idaho, especially coming from Daytona. We stopped in a town called Mountain Home after leaving the airport, and I was able to see my first mountain sunset.

Exploring Twin Falls!

On our first day, my friend and I braved the strong wind and explored downtown Boise, just in time for St. Patricks Day! Boise was such a nice city in between the mountains, with great restaurants and nice small businesses. On our second dat, we explored Twin Falls, Shoshone Falls, and the mountains in Sun Valley. On this day of the trip, I really got to take in Idaho’s natural beauty in different parts of the state.

My friend and I visiting the school where they filmed the High School Musical movies!

On my third day of the trip, we drove over three hours to Salt Lake City in Utah. Here, we got to explore their downtown, and even explore the school where they filmed the High School Musical movies at. This was a fun side quest day, where we were able to see even more of the mountain west. Finally, on my last day in Idaho, we explored the Craters of the Moon National Monument. Formed from lava turned to stone, this region of Idaho now looks like the surface of the moon. It was such a beautiful place to hike around for a final day in Idaho.

Craters of the Moon!

The next day brought a drive back to Salt Lake City to go catch my flight back to Daytona. I honestly had so much fun exploring Idaho, and it was even better getting to see my friend who moved out there! Now, I’m back on campus and ready for the fun Blue and Gold week will bring!

Thanks for stopping by,
Dominic ☀️

Studying for Comp Exams

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Hey y’all!
As I wrap up the airframe section of my aviation maintenance science degree, I’m officially in comp exam season. If you’re not familiar, comp exams are required for maintenance students before we can move on to our FAA written, oral, and practical exams.


What Comp Exams Are Like
Comp exams cover a lot of material, especially after finishing a full section like airframe. It’s not just memorizing a few things, it’s going back through everything you’ve learned and making sure you actually understand it. It definitely feels like a lot at times, but it’s also a good way to see how much you’ve learned. They also help you prepare for the actual FAA exams.


How I’m Studying
One of the main tools I’ve been using is ASA Prepware. It’s been really helpful for practicing questions and getting familiar with how the exams are structured. I like that I can go through different sections and focus on areas where I need more practice. I’ve also been trying to study in smaller chunks instead of cramming everything at once. Breaking it up makes it feel more manageable and helps me actually retain the information.


Staying Consistent
The biggest challenge has honestly just been staying consistent. Some days I feel really motivated, and other days it’s harder to sit down and focus. On those days, I try to at least do a little bit so I don’t fall behind. Even small progress adds up over time.


Looking Ahead
While comp exams are definitely stressful, they’re also an important step toward moving forward in the program. It’s kind of exciting knowing that passing them gets me one step closer to my FAA exams and eventually working in the field.


Final Thoughts
Studying for comp exams isn’t always easy, but it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come in the program. Taking it one section at a time and staying consistent has been key. It’s a challenge, but it’s all part of the process.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Heading Home for Break

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Hey y’all!
For spring break this year, I headed home to Thomasville, Georgia, and it ended up being exactly what I needed. After a busy stretch of classes and responsibilities, having a week to slow down, relax, and be in a familiar place feels so refreshing.


Slowing Down
One of the best parts about being home is the chance to truly relax. There’s no rushing to class and no packed schedule, just taking things one day at a time. I don’t realize how much I need this slower pace until I’m actually in it. Even simple things like sleeping in, spending time with family, and enjoying quiet moments feel extra special.


Spending Time Downtown
Of course, I am spending time in downtown Thomasville. There’s something about the charm of the area that never gets old. Walking around, popping into little shops, and just taking in the atmosphere makes for the perfect laid-back afternoons. Everything feels so welcoming and calm, and it’s such a nice change from the fast pace of campus life. It reminds me how much I appreciate those small-town moments.


A Much Needed Reset
Spring break at home gives me the reset I don’t even realize I need. Being away from my usual routine helps me recharge and come back feeling more ready to take on the rest of the semester.


Final Thoughts
Going home to Thomasville for spring break is simple, relaxing, and exactly what I need. Sometimes the best kind of break isn’t about traveling somewhere new, but about returning to a place that feels like home.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Career Fair Prep

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Hey y’all!
The career fair at Embry-Riddle always feels like a big deal. The energy on campus is different, everyone is dressed professionally, and there’s this mix of excitement and nerves in the air. Even though it can feel intimidating, being prepared makes all the difference.


Do Your Research
Before career fair day, I like to look at the list of companies attending and pick out the ones I’m most interested in. Doing a little research ahead of time helps conversations feel more natural. It’s much easier to talk to recruiters when you already know what the company does and why you’re interested.


Dress the Part
Professional attire goes a long way. Whether it’s a suit, blazer, or polished business outfit, dressing professionally helps you feel more confident walking into the event. The night before, I always make sure everything is ready so I’m not scrambling in the morning.


Practice Your Introduction
Having a quick introduction ready makes starting conversations less stressful. I keep mine simple: my name, my major, my year, and what I’m interested in. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just clear and confident.


Bring the Essentials
Resumes are a must. I always bring multiple copies just in case. A folder to keep everything organized is helpful too. It’s the little things that make you feel more put together.


Follow Up After
One of the most important parts happens after the fair. Sending a follow-up email thanking recruiters for their time keeps you fresh in their mind and shows professionalism. It doesn’t have to be long, just thoughtful.


Final Thoughts
Career Fair Day at Embry-Riddle can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. With a little preparation and confidence, it becomes less scary and more exciting. Every conversation is practice, and you never know which one could lead to something big.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Big City Girl in San Francisco! 🌉

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I’m back everybody! I have been up to a lot lately, but my biggest adventure has been to the beautiful city of San Francisco, California. I had the amazing opportunity to travel on behalf of the Avion and the university with Grace Hamilton and Indira Diaz, our advisor, for the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Conference. Enough chat now, I know you want to see some pictures!

When I tell you that San Francisco was the coolest city I have ever been to, I truly mean it. I love the vibe of big cities. I need that fast-pace lifestyle, and I felt like I fit right into San Francisco. The 1st picture is of Grace and I on our 1st day of ACP. I will say, we absolutely rocked theses outfits for our conference. The 2nd picture is when we got to see the Golden Gate Bridge (that was unreal!!). It wasn’t actually golden, but when the sunset hit just right against the bridge, it looked and felt like a dream. The 3rd picture is Grace and I going to In-N-Out. That was my first time trying In-N-Out, and as a burger connoisseur, it was a delicious experience. In-N-Out has knocked Shake Shack out of the #1 spot for best burger.

Here are some pictures of the environment that I took. I really tried to capture the vibrancy and overall peacefulness of the city.

Ever since I had found out that I was selected to go to ACP this semester, I have been diligently working on what I was going to wear. As a girl, outfits are everything! My motto is “Look good, feel good, do good” and I was not about to let this opportunity go. I went with different shades of blue, since that is my favorite color.

This skirt is my EVERYTHING!!!!
I have a similar blue shirt on with navy pinstriped pants.

The blue skirt outfit was my favorite outfit, just because it made me feel and look like a girlboss. I got many compliments on it, which made my day!

You can’t go to a city and not try the food (that’s criminal). Below are my favorite meals from the trip. I tried a strawberry and cream cheese croissant, a double-double In-N-Out burger with animal fries and a vanilla milkshake, and a bagel breakfast sandwich from a little hole-in-the-wall business.

I still can’t believe that I was able to go, and I thank the Avion for selecting me for this life-changing experience. As always, here’s my favorite quote.

“When you do your best … that’s all you can do.” Open Arms by SZA feat. Travis Scott

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Spring Break is Here!

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Hey everyone! If you are reading this, that means SPRING BREAK IS HERE!!! It’s always nice to be able to have a break from class, relax, and get the opportunity to take a trip or visit home. My past few spring breaks I have gone back home to New Jersey, but this year I am going to Idaho to visit my best friend who recently moved out there!

In preparation for this year’s break, my Advanced Broadcast Meteorology class did a live show this morning, where we each forecasted the weather for our spring break destinations. Some of the destinations that were presented in our show today included the Bahamas, Nashville, Arizona, and even Shanghai. We also had two anchors to help bring that spring break excitement to the show and guide the viewers through all the different locations!

Our class does these shows every month in our class, each with a different focus based on what time of year it is. These shows are great opportunities for everyone in the class to get live experience presenting the weather in front of the green screen. This is just one of the many uses of the weather broadcast studio, which anyone student can reserve time for to work on projects.

Well, I hope everyone has a great spring break! I will be sure to let you know how my trip goes.

Thanks for stopping by,
Dominic ☀️

How I Chose My Minor and Degree Track

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Hey everyone! I’m back for another week blogging. If you’ve followed along for a while, you might know that I am a Communication major, with a track in Broadcast Meteorology and a minor in Emergency Management. It’s honestly a mouthful whenever someone asks me what I’m studying at school, but a lot of thought and planning went into planning everything out. Here is how I chose my minor and degree track:

I originally came into Embry-Riddle as a Meteorology major, but switched to Communication when I learned about the unique program that is offered at Riddle. Communication students are required to have a minor, but in place of this they can choose a track in Broadcast Meteorology, taking all the broadcast and weather electives with the communication classes still required by the degree. This degree seemed perfect to me, and the track was a no brainer for me to take.

The decision to add my Emergency Management minor was a little different. I added that minor during my sophomore year after meeting with my advisor. I had realized that I had 2 open elective spots opened to fill in my degree plan, and based on the weather and communication courses I had or was planning on taking, the 2 additional required courses for the minor would fit perfectly. It also will help post graduation when I am in my career. Once I declared the minor, I was all set to go.

Depending on what it is, a minor can help complement your degree. If you have a minor in mind you want to add, I recommend talking with your academic advisor to see if it is feasible in your degree plan. I hope this guide was helpful if you’re considering adding a minor to your degree!

Thanks for stopping by,
Dominic ☀️

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

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Hey y’all!
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in college so far is how important it is to put yourself out there. It’s not always comfortable, and it’s definitely not always easy, but some of the best experiences I’ve had started with stepping slightly outside my comfort zone.


It Starts With Small Steps
Putting yourself out there doesn’t have to mean doing something huge. Sometimes it’s as simple as introducing yourself to someone in class, going to a club meeting alone, or saying yes to plans when your first instinct is to stay in. Those small moments add up more than you think.


The Friendships That Follow
Some of the friendships I value most started with a simple conversation. If I hadn’t taken that first step, I might not have met people who now make campus feel like home. It’s funny how one decision to show up somewhere can change your whole experience.


Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
College is full of new environments, new people, and new opportunities. It’s easy to stick to what feels safe, but growth usually happens when you try something unfamiliar. Even if it feels awkward at first, you learn more about yourself every time you take that chance.


Final Thoughts
Putting yourself out there won’t always feel natural, but it’s worth it. The connections you make and the confidence you build can shape your college experience in ways you never expected. Sometimes all it takes is one brave moment.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️