Getting involved on campus has honestly been one of the best parts of my college experience. Embry-Riddle has so many cool opportunities, clubs, and organizations that you can jump into, and being part of them has helped me meet amazing people, learn new skills, and discover things I never thought I’d be interested in.
From leadership roles to hands-on projects to events that make campus feel like home, each involvement has given me something different — and something awesome.
In this blog, I’m breaking down everything I’m involved in and all the great opportunities they offer. If you’re trying to get more connected on campus or just want to see what’s out there, this is a great place to start!
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.
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 ✈️
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:
A mini fridge for snacks, drinks, and leftovers
A microwave
Reusable plates, bowls, and utensils
A mug for those early morning coffee runs or late-night ramen moments
🔌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 ✈️
As the semester flies by, I wanted to highlight a special resource that The Avion provides for all clubs and organizations on campus: photo booths. My fellow blogger and Avion exec board member Grace recently wrote about our Photo Booth at the Halloween Spooktacular, and I wanted to talk more about this special service we provide.
For those who don’t know, The Avion is the student lifestyle magazine and news source on campus. As a division of the Student Government Association (SGA), The Avion also provides services for all students. These include camera rentals, and of course photo booths!
The Photo Booth is an automated and user-friendly device that we are able to set up at events for clubs or the university. Users are able to tap the screen, see a countdown to take their picture, and get a QR code for a digital copy and a printed copy for the memories.
We first got this device last March and it made its debut at the Eaglepalooza Music Festival in the Spring. Since then, we’ve taken over 1,000 photos at many events including banquets, galas, and celebrations. We also set it up occasionally for holidays in the Student Union for all students to take pictures. Later this week, the Photo Booth will also be out for all of Homecoming Weekend, giving families, alumni, and students the perfect way to capture the memories of what is sure to be an action packed weekend.
If any organizations want to reserve it on campus, they should reach out to The Avion Editor-in-Chief to learn more information. Have you seen the Photo Booth at any events around campus?
If you have read my blogs, you know that I enjoy talking about my experience at school and with life in general. I also enjoy being candid about things, because being real is one of the things that you rarely see these days. I want to be reminded I am a living human, not just a student or employee, or a number/statistic. I have emotions, feelings, and opinions, and that is so special.
Being at ERAU has given me some of the best experiences and opportunities of my life, but being in school comes with its own anxiety as well. Stressing about assignment deadlines, balancing work and life, juggling responsibilities, and making sure I am learning and enriching my knowledge all at the same time can get overwhelming. Another layer of complexity is added when you think about your next semester, graduation plan, and life after graduation. I have been in school for as long as I remember. I have a deep love for learning and teaching others, sharing knowledge, and pursuing higher education. With my graduation date in May growing closer and closer, I found myself emotional at the idea that it could be my last time I will be in school, at least for a bit of time. There is much uncertainty right now for me with what’s next; however, the idea of putting off my Ph.D. and leaving my alma mater is unsettling. Sometimes making the right choice is the hardest.
Embry-Riddle has been my home away from home and second family for the last 7 years. Even before then, I attended ERAU as a dual-enrollment student, and attended many campus events, like the astronomy club open house, networking with students and professors. I have made numerous connections that I have no doubt I will keep throughout my career.
If you are like me, a graduate student unsure about a Ph.D., then these tips I have compiled will hopefully help you decide:
Make a list of pros/cons of a Ph.D.
Make a timeline or snapshot of your life for the next 5,10,15 years
Understand what the inertia of your life brings. Long-term and short-term goals/plans, family events, and financial goals. Be realistic too – what do you see yourself achieving?
Reach out to hiring managers in the industries you are interested in to get a feel for the hiring process and what is typical for that job type
Believe it or not, sometimes a Ph.D. can over qualify you for certain jobs. As much as I love research, I wouldn’t need a Ph.D. to be a project manager or operations manager for an airport, as an example. If you don’t know what is typical, reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn! Never be afraid to do this any time you have a question.
A reminder for you: the popular cartoon we all know and love, SpongeBob SquarePants, was created by Stephen Hillenburg, a marine biologist, writer, producer, and animator. I talked about this in my news feature here.
Write down what your dream job(s) are, what you would want to do for work (truly), and what sparks happiness
Sometimes what you do for a paycheck is different than what you do for fun or what you would want to do for a paycheck. Even if it sounds outlandish, write it down, do some research, make connections, and then formulate a plan to achieve it. For example, I want to pursue filmmaking and animation in the future. I want to use my systems engineering skills and knowledge of business to further this hobby/career blend.
Sometimes your hobby has to remain just that, a hobby, and cannot become your day-to-day job. That is okay – the ultimate goal is to work a job that doesn’t feel like work. With some dedication and planning, you can make career shifts any time.
Network
LinkedIn is one of the best places for professional networking, other than conferences and events. Attending conferences in your field of study or area(s) of interest can help you get a great understanding of that industry, the types of job opportunities, and an understanding of the qualities of the hire.
“There is more to life than just one degree program.”
This quote is what I live by these days. There is so much life has to offer, and oftentimes the job you end up getting is a blend of many things: engineering, business, communications, traveling, etc. Just because you get a degree in something doesn’t necessarily mean you are limited to just that.
I just have to remember; you truly never stop learning and growing.
Hey y’all! I hope everyone’s week has been going well. Today I want to talk about something really important, disability accessibility and support services at Riddle. Whether you’re a current student, thinking about attending, or you have a friend with accessibility needs, this post is for you.
What ERAU Offers ERAU has a dedicated office called Student Accessibility Services (SAS) on the Daytona Beach campus. Their mission is to help ensure that students with documented disabilities can access the same academic opportunities as everyone else. As a student that receives accommodations from this office, I have found that they are very helpful. Do not be scared to reach out, everyone in the office is super sweet and just wants to help you get as much out of your education as possible. The SAS office is located in Building 500 on campus.
Some of the accommodations and services that SAS can provide include: 1. Assistive technology devices and software. 2. Distraction-reduced testing environments, extra time on exams. 3. Alternate formats for print material (for visual/sensory disabilities) and note-taking support. 4. Housing and residence life accommodations if needed. 5. Policies for service animals and emotional support animals on campus.
Here is What to Keep in Mind Be proactive. If you think you’ll need accommodations, reach out early, ideally before classes start. While you can apply at any time, the ideal approach is to contact them early, so everything is in place before classes begin.
1. Documentation matters. You’ll likely need to provide documentation of your disability (medical, learning, chronic health, etc.) so the staff can work with you to determine what accommodations make sense. 2. Housing & Parking considerations. If your disability requires specific housing (ground-level room, service animal, etc.) or parking accommodations, make sure you check the deadlines and requirements. For example, SAS has housing accommodation deadlines for fall/spring. 3. Service Animals / Emotional Support Animals. The policy is pretty clear: service animals (trained for disability-related work) are permitted broadly; emotional support animals have stricter rules and are mostly for residence halls, not classrooms/dining halls.
Be an advocate for yourself. Even with SAS support, you’ll likely need to communicate with your professors, plan your schedule thoughtfully, and use the resources offered. Do not be scared to advocate or stand up for yourself, if necessary accommodations are not being met. Accessibility isn’t only physical. Beyond ramps and elevators, accessibility means being able to participate fully academically. Think about how labs, classes, group work, and hands-on projects might affect you. Then based off this you can negotiate accommodations.
The Process 1. Schedule a meeting with SAS early. After you submit your request, you’ll have an intake appointment where you’ll go through what you need, what documentation you have, and map out accommodations. 2. Tour campus and notice things. Walk the routes between your dorm, classrooms, lab buildings. If mobility is an issue, check that paths are clear, elevators work, and transportation (if needed) is available. 3. Talk to students who’ve used SAS. Get real-world insight into what works, what obstacles remain. Their experience can help you set expectations and strategies. (If you have any questions feel free to comment on this post. I will do my best to respond.) 4. Align your major with your support needs. If you’re in a more hands-on, lab-based field (like aviation or maintenance), ask SAS how those courses accommodate students with disabilities, sometimes extra planning is needed for labs or workshops. 5. Plan for residence and housing services. If you’ll live on campus and need accommodations, keep the deadlines in mind, and submit documentation well in advance. 6. Stay organized and communicate. Keep track of your accommodation plan, ensure professors receive the notification (via SAS) about your approved accommodations, and keep your ERAU email active (they use it for official communication).
Final Thoughts Accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all and sometimes things will still feel challenging (especially in rigorous programs). But knowing the resources, being informed, and planning ahead can make a huge difference. If you’re a future Eagle or a current student, and you have disability/accessibility questions, reach out to SAS, ask for tours, connect with students who are using these services. You deserve to have full access and the best college experience possible. Until next time, Olivia Strickland ✈️
After a busy semester, there’s nothing quite like a drive home to reset and recharge. This fall break, I packed up my car and hit the road to Pensacola, Florida — my hometown — with one goal in mind: surprise my mom. She had no idea I was coming, and keeping that secret made the hours on the road fly by just a little faster. I may have been tired from being in classes all day but this surprise was going to be worth it.
When I finally pulled into the driveway and called her saying I ordered an amazon package to the house , the look on her face when she realized I was outside was absolutely priceless. There’s something special about being home again — the familiar smells, the cozy atmosphere, and now, a new furry face waiting to greet me. My mom recently adopted a cat named Luna, a playful little ball of fur who instantly decided that my windowsill was her new favorite nap spot.
Of course, no trip home would be complete without a little yarn shopping. We made our way to Dixie Knits, one of my favorite local spots, where I absolutely bought way too much yarn (as usual). Between the endless colors and soft textures, I just couldn’t resist adding a few more skeins to my growing collection.
Spending time with my mom, catching up over coffee, and planning new crochet projects together made this fall break feel extra special. Sometimes, the best getaways aren’t about going somewhere new — they’re about going home.
Spooky Season Fun at Embry-Riddle’s Spooktacular 🎃
This year’s Spooktacular at Embry-Riddle was an unforgettable evening filled with creativity, laughter, and plenty of Halloween spirit! I helped represent The Avion at the event, where we set up a spooky-themed photo booth for students to stop by, strike a pose, and capture their best costumes (some added a variety of fun beach party props). It was so much fun seeing everyone’s Halloween energy come to life — from classic costumes to clever tech-inspired looks.
The Avion Exec that was there made sure to get our group photo. Our costumes included: a witch, Lois Lane, a bat, a frog, and Sam Sparks. Of course the strawberry had to be included.
The event was packed with fall favorites, including candy apples and warm apple cider, which made the night even better. The costume competition was definitely a highlight — the creativity across campus was incredible, and the crowd’s reactions made it even more fun to watch.
Outside in the fitness center lawn, the SCIC Car Club hosted a trunk-or-treat, showcasing some amazing cars decked out for Halloween. Between the spooky decorations, custom paint jobs, and many candy options , it was a total success and added to the festive atmosphere.
Overall, Spooktacular was an amazing experience — a perfect mix of fall fun, community, and Embry-Riddle spirit. Helping out with The Avion and seeing the Student Union atrium come alive for Halloween made it one of my favorite events of the semester.
Welcoming Future Eagles at Embry-Riddle’s Open House
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to help out at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Open House as part of the Women’s Ambassadors program. It was such a rewarding experience to welcome both prospective and accepted students to campus and share what makes ERAU such a special place to study, grow, and connect.
Throughout the day, I spoke with families and students about campus life, academics, and all the amazing opportunities available here — from hands-on labs to leadership programs. Seeing students light up as they imagined themselves at Embry-Riddle reminded me why I’m so proud to be part of this community.
It was inspiring to meet so many future Eagles who are passionate about aviation, engineering, safety, and beyond. Helping them feel at home on campus — and showing that ERAU is a place where everyone can thrive — made the day truly memorable.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend Mediafest ’25, the largest annual gathering of college media and journalism students in the nation hosted by the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists. This year, the conference was held in Washington D.C., and The Avion sent a delegation of students including myself, our News Editor Sam, our Business Manager Kaden, and our advisor Indira.
(L-R) Myself, Kaden, Indira, and Sam attending the first day of Mediafest ’25!
At the conference, we were able to receive critiques on our first issue of the semester and on our website, getting great feedback and praise from faculty from other universities on the hard work that our organization is doing. We also entered into some best of show awards, with our Photo Editor Brandon winning Ninth Place in the country for Best of Show Feature/News Photo.
We were able to attend different breakout sessions throughout the conference on many different topics including leadership, social media, copyright, writing techniques, and more. My favorite session that I attended was on strategies for building your own media career and was given by a Multi Media Journalist from Minnesota. Here, I was able to learn different strategies I can use to help build my own career in TV News after graduation.
Touring Gray Media’s D.C. Bureau!
Finally, I was also invited to a tour of the Gray Media D.C. Bureau, learning a lot by seeing the behind the scenes of an actual news room that is live almost every hour of the day. Throughout this trip, I was able to network and build relationships with other students and media professionals that will help us not only allow The Avion to flourish, but also my future career. This is one of the benefits that the smaller size of Embry-Riddle provides: the opportunity to attend important trips such as this!
The Capitol building!
Besides the conference, we had such a fun time exploring the city of Washington, D.C. Despite the government shutdown, we were able to see the entire National Mall, ride our scooters around the city, and of course get some tasty food in Chinatown and the Cheesecake Factory. This trip was a whirlwind three days from start to finish, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference.
Hey y’all! I’m back! I hope everyone’s week has been going well. This week, I wanted to talk about something that can be both exciting and stressful, picking classes. Whether it’s your first semester or you’re a returning student, registration season always sneaks up faster than expected. Over time, I’ve learned a few things that make choosing classes a little less overwhelming, so here are three tips that have helped me build a schedule that actually works for me.
1️⃣ Don’t Schedule Yourself Into Burnout When you first look at your school’s course list, it’s easy to feel like you can do it all: 8 a.m. classes, late-night labs, maybe even a few extras “just to get ahead.” The truth is, balance matters. Be realistic about what time of day you focus best. If you know you’re not a morning person, skip that 8 a.m. unless it’s absolutely required. Likewise, try not to overload your schedule with back-to-back classes. Give yourself breaks to eat, study, or just breathe. A well-paced day makes a huge difference in how productive and happy you’ll feel all semester.
2️⃣ Check Your Degree Plan and Talk to Your Advisor! This one sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget: make sure the classes you’re picking actually count toward your degree. Before registration opens, I always sit down with my degree flowchart and check off what I’ve already completed. Then I look at what’s next and what classes have prerequisites. Your academic advisor can also be a lifesaver here. They can help you avoid taking classes out of order or missing something required for graduation. Plus, they have to take an academic hold off your account before registration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what they’re there for!
3️⃣ Mix Required Courses with Fun or Creative Ones College isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s also about exploring what interests you. I’ve found that mixing in at least one “fun” or creative class or club each semester helps keep things fresh. For me, that’s usually something related to film, theater, or writing. For you, it could be art, photography, or even a cool elective in another department. These classes give you something to look forward to each week and can help you discover new passions, or even future career paths you never expected.
✨ Final Thoughts✨ Picking classes doesn’t have to be stressful. Really it’s about finding balance, staying on track, and giving yourself room to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, trust your instincts, and remember that every semester is a chance to learn something new, both in and out of the classroom.
Pro Tip: Use Rate My Professors to see what different professors are like! It will give you insights into what type of learning style each professor is geared more towards.
