Hey y’all! This week has been super long with a lot of testing, but now that I’m finally done, I thought I’d focus on something a little more fun — exploring some cool spots in the Daytona area! 🌴 These are great places to visit with friends or a significant other. They do require a bit of driving, so if you don’t have a car on campus, maybe see if you can carpool with someone. I’ve been to both places and absolutely loved them — they’re a great way to spend some time off campus and unwind.
1. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum 📍 Ponce Inlet, FL This lighthouse is such a fun excursion — packed with history and incredible views. It’s actually the tallest lighthouse in Florida, with a 209-step climb to the top (your legs will feel it, trust me 😅). But the view? So worth it. You can even spot ERAU and the Daytona International Speedway in the distance!
In addition to the lighthouse, there are several historic buildings you can walk through to learn more about Ponce Inlet’s past. Just across from the lighthouse is the Pacetti Hotel, which is also part of the museum. It has a rich history in Southern hospitality and early sports tourism.
There’s even a fun scavenger hunt you can do while you’re there (sadly no prize, but it’s still worth doing).
🎟️ Admission:
$10 for students Year-long student pass also available for $10
2. Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) 📍 Daytona Beach, FL This museum is such a cool place to visit with friends. They always have new and exciting exhibits!
🦖 Upcoming: On October 11th, the Dinosaur Exhibit is opening — I’m so stoked about it! 🐞 Currently: There’s a bug sculpture exhibit that’s super intricate and beautiful (I’ll include some pictures, but you have to see it in person).
They also have a planetarium with some amazing shows. I haven’t had the chance to go yet, but it’s definitely on my bucket list.
The art wing is more chill and relaxing, featuring Florida-themed paintings and rotating exhibits that really capture the beachy, laid-back vibe. Oh! And don’t miss the train exhibit — it’s seriously cool.
🎟️ Admission:
Free for ERAU students with your Eagle Card Note: Planetarium shows are not included in the free ticket
Wishing you all an awesome week ahead! Good luck at the Career Fair this Tuesday — go get ’em! 💼✈️ Until next time, Olivia Strickland
We all need a break from the stresses of school from time to time, and what better way to have fun than by going to a concert! One of my favorite artists, Tate McRae, recently came to Orlando and performed at the Kia Center for two nights this month. I was so excited for this concert, having bought my tickets to it last November. My friend from New Jersey even flew down to Florida to see it with me.
My concert outfit!
I have never been to the Kia Center in Orlando before, but it was such an easy process to park in the connected garage and get checked in and ready. I would definitely recommend buying a garage pass before an event because they were sold out on the day of the concert. Once we got to the venue, we were able to walk right through security, over a pedestrian bridge and have our tickets scanned.
Our view of the main stage from our seats!
Next, we bought our concert merch and found our seats. We were up in section 208, but we had a perfect view of the stage. We were able to see Tate performing on the main stage and on her acoustic stage, and had great views of it all. She opened the show with her song “Miss Possessive” and continued the show with some of her biggest hits including “greedy”, “Sports Car”, “you broke me first” and “It’s ok I’m ok”. The crowd was ecstatic throughout the night and Tate did not disappoint at all.
Tate McRae performing on the acoustic stage!
Leaving the show was super easy from the parking garage, as it takes you right out on to I-4 and back to Daytona Beach. Overall, this was such a fun experience and a night that I will never forget (especially since I got almost the whole thing on video). I would definitely go to another concert at the Kia Center in the future, and cannot wait until Tate McRae comes back in the future!
Have you ever been to a concert at the Kia Center or somewhere else in Orlando? Let me know in the comments below.
This week I thought I’d talk about some of the misconceptions I had about college before I got here. I remember being so excited to start my university adventures in the summer of 2024 and thinking I was so prepared. Sure, I had everything packed and ready to go, but I was still unprepared for all the experiences I was about to have.
After making it through my first year here at Riddle, I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned that I wish I had known beforehand.
1. How to Actually Study In high school, I never really struggled with tests. So, naturally, I thought college exams wouldn’t be much different. Boy, was I wrong. University exams are tougher — longer, worded differently, and they carry way more weight on your final grade. My first few didn’t go so well. I went from straight A’s in high school to straight C’s in college. That was my wake-up call. Eventually, I discovered flashcards and tactile learning. Reading textbook chapters alone just wasn’t cutting it for me. In my University 101 class, we learned about different learning styles, and I took a quiz that revealed I learn best through hands-on methods. Rewriting my notes into flashcards seemed like a hassle at first, but it worked — my grades went up, and I walked into exams with way more confidence. ✨ Pro tip: Take one of those learning style quizzes. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. It’s Okay to Fail I used to think that getting anything less than an A or B was unacceptable. But here’s the truth: sometimes you give your best effort, and it still isn’t enough for the grade you hoped for. And that’s okay. Older friends warned me with the classic “C’s get degrees” line, and I thought they were crazy. Fast forward a year later, and suddenly I was celebrating 75s on exams. Here’s what I learned: don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be perfect. Use your professor’s office hours, ask for help when you need it, and remind yourself that nobody has it all figured out. You’ll get through it.
3. The Importance of a Creative Outlet When I first got here, I noticed I was losing the creativity I once had. I’d been heavily involved in theater and arts throughout high school, and I missed that part of myself. That’s when I found UnReel Media. This club gave me a space to keep growing as an actress, not only on stage but also on camera. Recently, I even started writing my own short film (stay tuned for updates 👀). If you can’t find a club that fits your passion, start your own. Chances are, other people are looking for the same thing. Clubs also help you meet upperclassmen who can share advice from their own experiences.
4. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out When I arrived at Riddle, I planned on being an engineer. Spoiler: that didn’t last long. Switching into Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) was terrifying because I didn’t know anything at first. But I slowly adjusted, and eventually it started to feel like the right place for me. Even now, I’ve changed my mind a dozen times about what I want to do with my degree — and that’s normal. Take a deep breath, explore your options, and remember: the world is your oyster.
5. Bonus: AMS Labs Will Humble You 🔧🪚 Let me tell you, labs will test your patience. In one of my first labs (AMS 117: Tools and Materials), I had to cut aluminum with a hacksaw. I was so nervous. I wasted three pieces of practice metal before I finally managed to cut out my multigage. Thankfully, with guidance from my professor and TA, I got through it. More recently, a friend and I were tasked with removing the spinner from an aircraft during a 100-hour inspection project. Taking it off? Easy. Getting it back on? A nightmare. After two hours, three professors, and lots of grease, it still wasn’t attached. We walked out covered in dust, shaking our heads — but laughing, too. That’s the true mechanic experience.
Final Thoughts At the end of the day, college is a great experience. You’ll grow, be challenged, and discover more about yourself than you expected. Just remember to have fun, give it your best, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Until next time, Olivia Strickland ✈️
As the semester kicks into full gear with classes, group projects, and clubs there have been a lot of cool things happening on and around campus. This past weekend I got to participate in an incredible event that helped inspire the next generation of women in aviation. I couldn’t have done it without this very special group of women.
At the Daytona Beach campus, I’m an active member of the ERAU Women in Aviation Chapter. Our group includes young women from all corners of the aviation industry—ranging from pilots and mechanics to experts in aviation safety, human factors, and more. I’ve been involved with Women in Aviation even before enrolling at Embry-Riddle, and it has continued to be a meaningful part of my journey. Just this past weekend, our chapter volunteered at the Girls in Aviation Day event, hosted by the regional Women in Aviation chapter at SHELTAIR.
At the event, several vendors, flight schools, and organizations came together to show young girls and their families all that aviation has to offer. From the moment they arrived and received their goodie bags to the excitement of reaching the flight line and seeing the aircraft up close, it was clear they were experiencing their dreams taking flight.
This year, I worked the photo booth alongside one of the Flexjet captains. She was incredible to talk to and inspired so many girls by sharing her journey and career in aviation. Nearby, a face painting booth helped imaginations soar with creative designs and lots of glitter.
Here is a picture of me with one of my fellow Aerospace and Occupational students on the left and on my right is the ERAU Daytona Beach Chapter President.
Embry-Riddle was proudly represented with one of our own Cessna 172s. In addition, organizations like FLAP, Women in Aviation, the VR Lab, and the MakerSpace hosted engaging activities, giving the girls hands-on experiences and a glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of aviation.
Girls in Aviation Day was more than just an event—it was a reminder of why representation, mentorship, and community matter so much in this industry. Seeing the excitement on the girls’ faces and watching their curiosity grow into passion was incredibly rewarding.
I’m grateful to be part of a group like Women in Aviation that actively works to create opportunities and spark inspiration in future aviators. As I continue my journey at Embry-Riddle, I look forward to more opportunities like this to give back, connect, and help shape the future of aviation—one dream at a time.
Hey y’all! Welcome to my very first blog post. My name is Olivia, and I’m from Thomasville, Georgia. When I first came to Embry-Riddle in the Fall of 2024, I planned on pursuing engineering because of the school’s strong hands-on program. But after starting my first semester, I quickly realized that engineering just wasn’t for me.
That’s when I discovered the Aviation Maintenance Science program. At the time, I knew absolutely nothing about planes (and honestly wasn’t that interested in them). What drew me in was the incredible hands-on labs. From the moment I stepped into my first AMS class, I knew I had found my place. I was surrounded by like-minded people who shared their love for aviation with me, and now I truly understand the hype. More importantly, I’ve gained a family through aviation maintenance—something I’ll always be grateful for.
Tips & Tricks for Aviation Maintenance Students Leaning into that, I want to share some tips I’ve learned so far. While these are geared toward aviation maintenance, I think some of them apply to college life in general.
1. Don’t Buy Every Textbook Save your money! The syllabus may list multiple books, but most professors will tell you which ones you actually need. Always ask before dropping hundreds of dollars on materials you might never use.
2. You Don’t have to buy the Snap-On General Kit As a freshman, you don’t need to buy the full Snap-On kit right away. You can purchase the same tools at a hardware store for less, and you won’t use all of them during your first year anyway.
3. Get a Rolling Toolbox or Bag This is a game changer. Carrying heavy tools on your shoulders every day is exhausting, especially with how physically demanding the labs are. Rolling storage makes life so much easier. Pro tip: if you’re using the school lockers, be careful with the keypad—they’re easy to mess up.
4. Use Flash Cards Yes, Quizlet is convenient, but writing things down on index cards helps the information stick. Plus, there’s something satisfying about flipping a card over and getting the answer right. With so much memorization in the general courses, flash cards are a lifesaver.
5. Prep for Comp Exams the Smart Way Invest in ASA Prepware—it’ll help you get through the curveball questions the FAA likes to throw in. Also, don’t take your general comp exam until after your first semester of Airframe. A surprising amount of the content overlaps.
6. Prioritize Sleep & Self-Care The seven-point grading scale and demanding labs are no joke. As someone living with POTS (a chronic illness), I know firsthand how draining it can be. Sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition make a huge difference. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey—it goes by fast!
Final Thoughts I hope these tips help other aviation maintenance students—or really anyone navigating college. This program is challenging but so rewarding, and I’m grateful every day that I found my place here. Until next time! ✈️ — Olivia
This past weekend, I got to do something unforgettable to celebrate my 2-year anniversary — and it was nothing short of magical. If you couldn’t tell by the title… we took to the skies and flew to St. Pete!
I was a little nervous at first during the preflight as this was going to be my first time in a general aviation aircraft and I usually get motion sick on normal commercial airliners. Thankfully I was prepared with stuff just in case, and got very lucky that I felt perfect the entire flight.
We left Deland promptly that morning and flew two hours southwest down to St. Petersburg, FL. There were many beautiful clouds and sights along the way. I never realized how many bodies of water there were in Florida till we started flying over them.
We finally made it to Albert Whittled Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida, and were ready for something to eat. This airport is really special as it has a secret hidden gem. At the corner of the airport and at the end of one of the runways is a place called The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge. It is an aviation themed restaurant with views of the airport and gorgeous surrounding water. Once we got parked and filled up the airplane we headed inside for a delicious meal.
Since we got there so early I decided to get breakfast and man was it delicious. They have so many options it was hard to pick. If you get there around lunch time or dinner they had some amazing options on the menu that I can’t wait to go back and try.
While we were there I noticed a lot of fancy and very expensive speedboats heading down towards the docks. At first I thought that it was probably just a show. However 5 minutes of research made me realize that it was actually the Monster Energy St. Pete Powerboat P1 Grand Prix. Let me just say, some of those boats that were coming through were so big they were being towed in on 18-wheelers.
They weren’t racing when we tookoff to head home but you could see everyone getting ready and the helicopters getting set to takeoff and record the race from above. It was a really cool experience.
If you ever have the time to take a trip down to St. Petersburg, whether flying or driving, I highly recommend you give this place a visit.
With the semester in full swing, I wanted to take you all along for a day in my life as a student at Embry-Riddle. For those of you who don’t know me, I am a junior Communication major on the Broadcast Meteorology Track with a minor in Emergency Management. Outside of classes, I currently serve as the Managing Editor of the Avion, our school’s magazine and news source, and the Secretary of the American Meteorological Society chapter on campus. I also work in the weather lab and with the Virtual Communication Lab.
Tuesdays are my busy day on campus, where I have 4/5 of my classes this semester, an Avion meeting, and a shift in the weather lab.
8:00 AM – I arrived at campus at this time, parked in my garage spot, and quickly walked to COAS to start my day.
8:15 AM – I have three classes back to back starting at this time: Fundamentals of Emergency Management, Emergency Management Strategy/Policy, and Editing & Multimedia Production. In my first two classes, we discuss the different hazards and risks that disasters and emergencies can bring into our communities. In my third class, we have been discussing the fundamentals of copy editing and practicing these skills every class.
12:30 – For the next hour and a half, I have my lunch break of the day. On this particular day, I got Qdoba through the new GrubHub ordering system on campus. In this break, I also helped break down the table for The Avion at the RSO fair.
2:15 – At this time, I have my fourth and last class of the day: Crisis Communication. In this class, we have been discussing the PR fallout that crises can cause, and how to properly manage it. This class counts for both my major and my minor, and will be the last course I need to finish for my minor.
3:30 – Next up in my day is a quick shift in the weather lab. The weather lab is a tutor lab located in the College of Aviation where we provide assistance to students in the introductory weather classes. Besides being a great place to get weather help, it is also a quiet place to do your homework with great views for cloud watching.
5:00 – Today was the first Student Government Association (SGA) General Session of the semester. General Sessions are monthly meetings where the entire SGA convenes to hear updates from each branch and division, and vote on any bills that may pass. The Avion is a division of the SGA, and this is just one of the many ways that we contribute to the SGA and helping to improve the student experience on campus.
7:00 – My last meeting of the day was our weekly Avion meeting, which takes place in the Student Union Chamber. In our meetings, we provide updates on our operations over the week, provide coverage events for our members to get involved, and hold workshops. On this particular night, we did a photo training workshop, teaching all our members how to use our cameras.
9:00 – Finally, my day came to an end on campus. On this night it was down pouring, so my friends and I ran over to the parking garage with our umbrellas and got in our cars to head home.
While not every day is this busy, I try to make the most of my time on campus. I love being involved in so many activities and getting to learn more in all my classes. I hope this gave you a glimpse into one of the busiest days of the semester I will probably have. I will be sure to write more of these this semester! 🙂
If you follow my blog, you would have remembered I had a calendar full of plans this summer, including my wedding. Well, I am here to say everything panned out even better than I could have imagined. And to top it off, I graduate next May!
I married my husband in July, surrounded by so much love, support, and so many smiling faces. People traveled from many different states, counties, and even just up the road to come watch us get married. Our hearts were so full that day, and it was easily one of the best days of our lives.
Several connections and good friends that I made at Embry-Riddle I am still in contact with to this day and were even at our wedding. One of them is a team member from a research project that I led. Another is a family of a faculty member and told me our wedding was beautiful, and it felt like a “mini vacation.” My team member said it was a nice break away from her thesis. I am so glad I made these deep connections from my home away from home and alma mater.
Remember that “perfect princess wedding dress” I mentioned in my last blog post? Well, here it is!
It is a Maggie Sottero design and it is truly the dress of my dreams. I am proud to reintroduce myself as Mrs. Christine Sessions!
In addition to our wedding, we traveled to Hawaii for our honeymoon. Whoever told me “Hawaii is just like Florida” was so wrong! Hawaii is beautiful (not humid), mostly untouched by humans, and (something I did not know) possesses 11 out of 13 of the major biomes on the planet, all except tundra and desert. We went snorkeling, saw the Captain Cooke monument, swan under waterfalls, climbed mountains, and even got to see the Milky Way galaxy with our naked eyes.
It was a life-changing experience – not just seeing the galaxy, but coming to Hawaii. It put into perspective for me my own life, our life as a married couple, school, work, and even motivated me even more that I already am to help our planet and become a better person each day. The culture in Hawaii has opened my eyes and made me want to learn more about other regions. I came home that following week with a thirst for knowledge, a drive for change, and a fighting spirit to work on my business model idea and to start making the world a better place. Why can’t we all live like Hawaiians?
Of course after our spectacular wedding and Hawaiian vacation, I had to get right back to working on research. The annual SmallSat conference and our next big meeting for UNP was taking place in Salt Lake City at the beginning of August and I attended with some of my project team members. It was a beautiful city and great opportunity to network (as is any conference). Embry-Riddle had a booth where we presented our project and received valuable feedback from others. The architecture downtown was so different and the food was incredible.
I have traveled so much this year so far. I forgot how much I love flying. I am grateful for the opportunity to go on these trips and vacations, and so grateful to have views like this.
I didn’t forget to spend time enjoying the things I love too. Family, friends, nature, and having fun the weekends – all parts of a healthy and balanced life.
There are two new places that I recently discovered in Daytona Beach / Port Orange. Cousin Johnny’s Icecream Shop just opened – it is so simple, yet so good. This is really a quality over quantity, family-owned shop. This other place on beach side called Zugba Cafe has gluten-free options which I am always excited about. I had a breakfast sandwich on a house-made everything bagel that was gluten-free. The cost was a bit high, but it was one of the best breakfasts I had in a while. I love leaving helpful Google/Yelp reviews on places that I love. They are always seen by tourists that come to town!
I recently got the opportunity to speak at my old middle school on behalf of the Women in Aviation Daytona Beach chapter. I spoke about my journey—from middle school to graduate school—and about the world of aerospace and aviation.
What made the experience even more meaningful was returning to the same place that shaped me. Sitting in those classroom seats 13 years ago, I never imagined I’d one day come back to inspire the next generation, speaking to students who are now where I once was. It was surreal, and it awakened something in me that I didn’t even know was there.
A huge part of my story goes back to my time at Atlantic High School’s Academy of Technology Engineering Science and Aerospace (TESA). Being able to take ground school classes and fly drones while still in high school gave me a head start in aviation and shaped me into the person I am today. The professors and faculty I met through TESA not only inspired me then, but many of those connections have stayed with me and continue to support me to this very day.
I walked away with a newfound respect for educators and teachers—it truly takes an army to inspire and guide young minds, and it reminded me of the power of education to change lives. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to give back and hopefully spark curiosity in the students who might one day be the future of aerospace, aviation, and beyond. I am happy I had the chance to play even a small role in this process.
That’s all for now, believe it or not. Ciao for now until my next adventure!
Embry-Riddle offers a wide variety of degree programs where you are able to explore your passions and prepare for your future. Recently some programs have been going through a few changes. For example, my degree is changing in many ways.
In my bio you’ll see that I am majoring in Aerospace and Occupational Safety. I have a year left in this program and I have loved every moment. My classes have prepared me for careers in aviation safety as well as in the occupational and environmental safety field. Having this duality has opened a lot of doors for me when applying for internships. This summer I am working as a Safety and Environmental Intern at SeaWorld. Now I know you may be asking what does that have to do with aviation and the answer is ……… nothing, at least not directly. While I may be working with maintenance, rides, animal, and chemicals, this knowledge and principles of operation can still be applied to the aviation and aerospace industry. Next summer, I will be able to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from SeaWorld to my internship at GE Aerospace as an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Facilities, and Maintenance intern. So, while my current internship does not deal with aviation the knowledge I gained from it will help my next summer at my dream company.
I have gotten to do so many incredible things in this program. Here are a few of my favorites!
United MRO trip with ASACKDAB Airport DrillSafety and Environmental Internship at Seaworld Summer 2025
Starting in the fall of this year the program is changing gears. There will no longer be an occupational safety option for the undergraduate program. The degree will now be Aviation and Aerospace Safety. This new degree will be accredited by the AABI (Aviation Accreditation Board International) instead of the current ABET. Embry-Riddle’s goal with this change is to create a more evolved focus in the aviation safety industry. While this is an understandable change given Embry-Riddle is an aviation focused school it does still have effects. If you are interested in the occupational safety side of things you can do the occupational safety minor. I highly recommend doing this as it will open more opportunities for you.
This program has a lot of advantages over many other programs offered by Embry-Riddle. First, the program is super small. Most of the time there is only one or two sections for a class. I’ve never had more than 35 people in one of my safety courses. Since there is such a small class size you are able to talk to your professors more frequently if you have questions. I’ve never had to worry about scheduling time to meet with my professors because they are always available to help during office hours. Another great thing about this program is the career opportunities you will have.
Almost every major company out there has an EHS or safety program. Some of the companies that students in the program are working for are:
Delta
United
American Airlines
Gulfstream
Seaworld
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Atlas Air
NTSB
FAA
GE Aerospace
And this list could go on and on….
As you can see the opportunities are endless. Once you find the area that you enjoy the sky is the limit. Take every opportunity that you can.
During the summer there is a great opportunity to participate in the Safety in the Aegean Study Abroad Program. As of now there should be a trip for Summer 2026. Dr. Szathmary, one of the excellent safety professors at Embry-Riddle, teaches several courses on the trip. Even if you can’t make the study abroad trip, I highly recommend taking her in-person classes during the spring and fall.
If you have a passion for safety, investigation, and improving the future of the industry, I highly recommend the College of Aviation’s BS in Aviation and Aerospace Safety. This program allows you the flexibility to find where your passion lies and help create a better and more sustainable future.
The start of the fall semester is just around the corner. In just a few days every student will be back on campus walking, biking, skateboarding, and the occasional running around campus getting to classes and lunch. If you are new to campus your first week may seem a little intimidating and overwhelming and that’s okay. We were all there once too. Throughout my time at Embry-Riddle, I’ve come up with a few tips to help make that first day and week feel like a breeze.
Walk Your Schedule
Before my first day of classes I always “walk my schedule”. I go through a walk to each classroom in the order I would during a normal school day. This helps you get acquainted with where your classes are and the easiest way to get to the next one. If you are a new student, this will help you from being late on your first day.
Put Your Schedule in Your Phone
I would not survive without my phone. Not because of social media but because of my calendar. My calendar is my life……… seriously. My whole entire schedule for school, work, and social is in my calendar. I put my class schedule into my calendar with the location, title, and times. I have my color coded as well as all of the clubs I am a part of. Most of us have our phones on us 24/7 so this is a quick and resourceful method to keep track of your schedule without having to carry around a paper.
Plan Your Lunchtime
During lunchtime the Student Union can look a little chaotic. If you want Chick-fil-a I suggest going before 11 am and after 12:30 pm. That hour and a half in-between has a consistently long line. If you have the time to wait, go for it. However, if you only have 30-45 minutes in-between classes you most likely will not have time to wait. I personally bring lunch from home because I live off campus, do not have a meal plan, and it’s a lot cheaper. If you aren’t on a meal plan and want Starbucks, I recommend ordering ahead on the app so that by the time you get to the second floor of the union, it is ready for you.
Find a Quiet Place to Study
Hopefully you don’t have too much homework your first week of classes but there are a few professors who see the first week of classes as just another regular week and give homework on day one. If you would like to have a quieter environment to do homework I recommend the third floor of the union, the library, or to reserve a study room. These are some of the best places on campus that I have found that have reliable Wi-Fi and low noise levels.
Don’t Wait till the Last Minute
If you know you have an 8 am class do not wait till 7:45 to get up. Nobody wants to be rushed trying to get ready, eat breakfast and get to class. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to class so you can have a stress free week.
I hope these few tips help make your first week on campus a breeze. Just remember to take it step by step. You are going to do great things!
