Studying for Comp Exams

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Olivia

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

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Olivia

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

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Olivia

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! 🌉

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Noelle

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.

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!

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Dominic

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

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Dominic

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

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Olivia

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 ✈️

Last Year of My Teens

Posted on February 27, 2026 by Noelle

Hi everybody! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Well, I’ve been up to a lot of cool things lately. Last weekend was my 19th birthday, and it was AMAZING! Let me show you some of the awesome things I did for my birthday.

This year, my birthday just so happened to land exactly on the day of the Daytona 500. It was incredible luck, and I couldn’t believe it. I knew I had to go to the 500 for my birthday.

This is me at the race! I’ve never seen so many people at the speedway before, and it was really cool to meet new people. I met a dad and his son who were from a little town in Illinois where I grew up. It was definitely eye-opening to see how many people traveled far and wide to come to Daytona Beach for the famous Daytona 500. And to think that this is my amazing backyard here at Embry-Riddle?

Through the Avion, I was able to take a camera and practice my photography skills! Here are some of the pictures I took while I was there.

Pretty neat, right?

After the Daytona 500, my best friend Annie (I went with her to the lacrosse game in my previous blog!) took me out to dinner. I let her surprise me with the restaurant, but I gave her one condition: it has to have burgers. Burgers are my all-time favorite, and I eat one at pretty much every restaurant I go to. We ended up going to Landshark Grill & Bar, and after a long day at the speedway, that was a really good burger!

After dinner, I went to sleepover at Grace’s apartment (yup, the one and only Grace Hamilton! She also writes blogs for this page too), where she and Emilee (our Editor-In-Chief at the Avion) surprised me with BURGER-themed birthday decorations! I was not expecting that at all, and it absolutely made my night. Not to mention my fabulous burger cake, which was the cutest thing I have ever seen!

My 19th birthday was one for the history books, and it’ll be a birthday I’ll never forget. Thank you to all my friends and family for making my day so special. Here’s to my last year in my teens!

It’s time to stop waiting for your life to be perfect. Be in the moment and enjoy it.

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Getting Involved with Women Ambassadors at Embry-Riddle ✈️💕

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Grace

My Journey

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Embry-Riddle has been getting involved with organizations that support women in aviation and STEM. Among them, Women Ambassadors stands out as a group that truly focuses on mentorship, outreach, and representation within the ERAU community. Being part of an environment that encourages leadership, confidence, and connection has made a huge difference in my college experience.

Women Ambassadors is a group of women on campus who work with the admissions office who are dedicated to promoting women in aviation, aerospace, and STEM while also supporting prospective and current students. Members often participate in campus events, outreach programs, tours, and mentorship opportunities that help showcase the opportunities available at Embry-Riddle. It’s not just about volunteering — it’s about being a visible example of women succeeding in aviation fields and helping the next generation see themselves here too.

What I especially appreciate about Women Ambassadors is the sense of community. ERAU can be academically intense, and being surrounded by motivated, supportive women who share similar goals makes the experience feel less overwhelming and more inspiring. Whether it’s helping at events, connecting with prospective students, or working alongside peers who are passionate about aviation, the organization creates meaningful connections that extend beyond campus activities.

For students considering involvement, Women Ambassadors offers a chance to build leadership skills, gain outreach experience, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s a way to represent Embry-Riddle while also advocating for women in fields where representation still matters. For me, it’s been both personally rewarding and professionally valuable.

✈️Travels in Spring 2026 ✈️

This semester, I’m especially excited that Women Ambassadors has given me the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh for an Accepted Student Reception. Events like this allow us to connect directly with future Embry-Riddle students and their families, share our experiences, and help them envision what their own journey here could look like. Being able to represent ERAU outside of campus feels incredibly meaningful, because it highlights both the impact of the university and the role students play in welcoming the next generation. I’m really looking forward to meeting prospective students, answering their questions, and sharing why Embry-Riddle has been such an important part of my life so far.

Keep an eye out for a travel recap next month. 🙂

Until the next wave 🌊,

Grace Hamilton

Savor the Flavor: Hidden Gems Near You

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Grace

As an Embry-Riddle student, I’ve learned pretty quickly that some of the best food in Daytona isn’t the places that everyone already knows. It is usually the local spots just a few minutes from campus that you only find though friends or random late-night food runs. Whenever I want something different from the everyday chain food or student union options, these are my top resturants that I keep going back too. They are all very close to Embry-Riddle, consistently tasty, and each place has its own vibe depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Location #1: Giuseppe’s Steel City Pizza 🍕

Giuseppe’s is my go-to whenever I’m craving delicious pizza. The slices are huge, cheesy, and super filling. You could easily share a pizza between a group of three and still leave there hungry. The have a vast menu with anything and everything. I’ve grabbed pizza to go from here on those long days after classes and meetings, and its always been hot and fresh. I recommend you get the garlic knots as an appetizer. However, be careful as they are extremely tasty and you’ll be wanting some to-go as well.

Location #2: Hanwoo Korean BBQ 🥩

Hanwoo is one of the most fun spots I’ve found near Embry-Riddle. You grill the meat and vegetables right at your table, making the whole meal feel interactive an social. It is the perfect place for going with friends or celebrating. So far I think we have celebrated a couple birthdays and checkride passes. The sides and marinade make everything taste authentic and unique from other options in the area. Whenever I have family or friends visiting this is one of the first places we go.

Location #3: Tiki Docks Bar & Grill 🌴

Growing up in the Gulf Coast I developed a love for seafood at a very young age. Thankfully Daytona has many seafood places to offer. My favorite is Tiki Docks. This is where I go when I want something that feels very coastal without driving far. Sitting outside by the water, especially around sunset, feels like a mini vacation from school stress. The seafood and tropical drinks area the perfect combination. It is a great place for nice dinners, family visits, and celebrating after exams.

Location #4: The Casual Bird 🌊

The Casual Bird is my comfort-food favorite near school. They have a great amount of variety in their menu. My go to sandwich is the Turkey Melt with a side of hash brown casserole. If you are a coffee drinker they have a variety of coffee options with lots of room for customization. The seating area offers a coastal vibe where you can relax with friends, get coffee with the girls, and grab a delicious bite to eat before going to the beach.

One of my favorite parts of living off-campus has been discovering the local restaurants that make Daytona feel more like home. These restaurants have all become regular stops for me and friends depending on what we are craving. They are all close to campus but feel different from the usual student spots, which is exactly what makes them hidden gems. If you’re an ERAU student looking to branch out from the typical food rotation, these are definitely worth trying.