Dirt, Ice, and Turf!

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Noelle

Hey everybody! I’m back, and this time, with sports! This past semester I’ve gone to baseball, hockey, and lacrosse (my personal favorites).

Starting off strong with baseball, you can never get tired of baseball sunsets, especially when they’re night games. There’s something about the atmosphere of a baseball game that makes me feel at home. I grew up in a baseball family (go St. Louis Cardinals!), so of course I had to watch baseball here! I also took this as another chance to practice my photography through the Avion! Photography is quickly becoming one of my favorite hobbies. Anyways, here are some baseball pictures!

The fast-paced environment of hockey is so fun to end your week with. I’ve always been a big hockey fan (go St. Louis Blues! Can you tell where I’ve grown up?), so I was excited to see what the games were going to look like. It’s definitely chilly in the arena, so make sure to bring a jacket! You’re able to sit above the hockey rink in stands on the second floor, or you could stand around the outside of the hockey rink on the first floor. My personal favorite spot is around the hockey rink. I have to stand on a bench to truly see into the rink (curse my 5″2 height), but I make the most of it. All-in-all, hockey is a sport that I try to go to every time there’s a home game.

Finally, lacrosse! I don’t think I’ve been to a sports game that was as fun as the men’s lacrosse game. They played music during the breaks, and they had a bean bag toss and hotdogs. Luckily, I know a little bit about lacrosse (thanks to my little sister, Gabby, who plays lacrosse!). Not to mention, the refreshing morning air is my favorite way to start the day. In the future, I’m also going to take this as an opportunity to practice my photography. This is a picture of my best friend and I at the lacrosse game!

That’s all folks! Thank you for coming along with me through my favorite sports. As I said before, here’s my quote for this week!

What if it all works out?

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Navigating a Busy Schedule

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
Lately my schedule has been packed, and between classes, assignments, and club responsibilities, it feels like there’s always something that needs my attention. Even so, I’ve been learning how to navigate the busy days without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Balancing School and Club Life
Working on club projects has been one of the most rewarding parts of my schedule, but it definitely takes planning. Whether it’s meetings, events, or behind-the-scenes work, fitting everything in means being more intentional with my time and energy.

Staying Organized (Most of the Time)
I’ve learned that staying organized doesn’t mean having everything perfectly planned out—it just means knowing what needs to get done next. Writing things down, setting reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps has made busy days feel more manageable.

Finding Small Moments to Recharge
On days when everything feels nonstop, taking short breaks has been key. Even a few minutes to reset, grab coffee, or step outside helps me come back to my work feeling more focused and less stressed.

Final Thoughts
Navigating a busy schedule while staying involved in clubs isn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it. Being busy with things I enjoy makes the long days feel more purposeful, and I’m learning a lot along the way.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

A Day at Magic Kingdom!

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Dominic

Happy February everyone! It’s certainly been an unusually cold few weeks in Daytona. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the warmth to return like we had just a few weeks ago. On our super warm Sunday, I had the chance to go to the Magic Kingdom for a day trip! Now, sit back and come along as I tell you about my magical day:

My day started bright and early at 7 AM, as I left Daytona Beach in the dense early morning fog to beat the I-4 traffic. I was able to get parked and onto one of the Ferry Boats right as the park opened at 9 AM, and meet my family from New Jersey that was visiting for the week.

In our day at the park, we were able to ride most of the rides, including the tea cups, It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo, and more! It was my nephew’s first time at Disney World, so we also took him to meet Mickey Mouse and the Winnie the Pooh characters at lunch, and watched the afternoon parade!

Overall, it was a magical January day with perfect weather! The proximity to the theme parks is one of the perks of Embry-Riddle. I find myself at the parks or Disney Springs at least a few times a semester, even if it’s just for an afternoon to evening. Students and faculty can get discounted theme park tickets for Disney, Universal, Sea World, and more at the ICI Center! Have you been to the parks at all?

Cold Weather in Daytona Beach

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
Cold weather in Daytona Beach is always a little surprising. One day it feels like summer, and the next everyone is reaching for hoodies and long pants. While I’m definitely more of a warm weather person, I have to admit that the colder days here have their own kind of charm.

What “Cold” Really Means Here
In Daytona, cold doesn’t usually last long, which honestly makes it more tolerable. Anything under 65 degrees feels like a big deal, but it’s usually gone before you know it. The sun is still out, the sky is still blue, but if you’re anything like me you will still be bundled up. In my opinion anything below 65 degrees calls for thick hoodies and a good pair of comfy sweatpants.

The Fun Side of Cold Days
Even though I prefer the heat, cold days give a good excuse to slow down. Cozy outfits finally make sense, hot coffee feels extra comforting, and evenings are perfect for movie nights or baking something warm. I recently made a batch of strawberry white chocolate cookies, and they were absolutely amazing. I’ll include the recipe at the bottom.

Campus During Cold Weather
Campus feels different when it’s cold. People move a little slower, everything feels a bit more relaxed, and staying awake in class feels a little bit harder. I highly recommend the yellow Red Bull. It is a lifesaver for those early morning classes. If you are not an energy drink person a hot tea or coffee still does the trick!

Making the Most of It
Since cold weather doesn’t stick around long in Daytona, I try to enjoy it while it’s here. It’s a nice break from the usual heat and a reminder to appreciate the little seasonal changes when they happen. Even if I am appreciating it from the comfort of my dorm, it is still nice to pause and think about things. It is just a cozy, and peaceful time of year.

Final Thoughts
Cold weather in Daytona Beach may not be my favorite, but it’s still enjoyable in its own way. Between cozy moments and cooler evenings, it adds a small change of pace before the warmth returns.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Cookie Recipe:

1 box of strawberry cake mix

2 large eggs

1/3 cup of oil

1 cup of chocolate chips(white or milk chocolate)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl mix all ingredients except for the chocolate chips together. Once the ingredients are evenly combined fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop two tablespoon balls of dough onto parchment paper and bake for 8-11 minutes depending on how you prefer your cookies. I baked mine for 8 and they came out soft and gooey. Then let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

Balancing School and Me-Time

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Noelle

Hi everybody! I’m Noelle, and I’m so excited to join the team. More importantly, I’m excited to share my life at Riddle as a freshman. I think I’ll be able to give a different perspective, especially since I’m living on campus and I’m a part of some amazing clubs!

Starting off strong, and what I think is the most important, is your school to me time balance. My first semester at college was a busy one. I joined a lot of clubs, and I thought I could do it all. Homework assignment after homework assignment, I thought I would never break my cycle. I was losing my passion for my hobbies, and my days started to feel shorter. I realized that something needed to change when my answer to the question, “What’ve you been up to?” was always, “Eat, sleep, homework.”

Make time for yourself!

My first semester taught me that I wanted to live a comfortable life at Riddle. And that started with prioritizing “me time“. For my own definition, me time is when you set aside time to focus on your own body, mind, and overall well-being. It could be 30 minutes out of your day to take a walk, an hour to read a book, whatever your idea of “me time” could be. Lately, I’ve found comfort in the gym, reading, and photography. I was nervous about going to the gym at first, but you just have to do it, and then that fear will go away. I’ve always been into reading, but I never gave myself time to read. This semester, I’ve gotten through half of a book that I was putting off! Photography was something new to me, but through the Avion, I’ve had a couple really cool opportunities to practice and get better.

Here are some of the photos I took from the Rolex 24 (January 24th-25th)! It was my first time really working with a camera, and I had a lot of fun learning the different angles. I stayed 27 hours, and I slept at the speedway. I was unprepared for how cold it was going to be, so if you want to try that, bring a blanket! But truthfully, I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world, and I will definitely be going to more races in the future. It was also a time for me to relax from schoolwork and other responsibilities.

Be smart when planning out your days

I don’t know about you, but a good day-to-day schedule is what gets me through the months. Having a schedule everyday allows me to block out time for my allocated me time. That way, I can still get my studying in, but I’m using my time wisely. I have breaks between my classes, so after my earliest class, that’s my time to go to the gym. Before bed, I block out time to read some of my book. Giving yourself time during the day to get your work done will save you from the nights of endless red bulls and random scribbles on whiteboards. Trust me, it’s not always the best choice. Sleep should be another priority, because the mid-day naps WILL hit you hard if you don’t get enough sleep. Can’t wake up early? Don’t pick morning classes, because they might just be the bane of your existence. Can wake up early? Then pick those morning classes and get them done early.

Living comfortably

When you start to prioritize your mind and body, that’s when you truly begin to live comfortably. Good routines will start to sprout from building good habits. Consistency might sound overwhelming (it certainly was for me), but it’s just part of the process. Make time for your forgotten hobbies, because it can become your peace in a new environment, like college.

Going forward with the blog, I want to leave a favorite quote of mine at the end!

“Slow down, you’re doing fine,” (“Vienna” by Billy Joel)

Catch you on the flip side,

Noelle 🌪️

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
This week I took a trip to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, and it ended up being such a nice change of pace. I love days that get me out of my routine and outside for a bit, and this was the perfect way to do that.

Walking the Grounds
When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was how calm everything felt. The lighthouse itself is beautiful, but the surrounding grounds made the experience even better. Walking around and learning about the history made it feel more intentional instead of just a quick stop for pictures. There’s something really grounding about places with so much history. It made me slow down and actually be present, which isn’t always easy to do.

The Climb Up
Climbing the lighthouse was definitely a workout, but it was so worth it. Step by step, I got more excited to reach the top. By the time I made it up there, I was a little tired but completely distracted by the view.
Seeing the ocean, the inlet, and everything below was honestly incredible. It was one of those views that makes you stop talking and just take it all in.

Why This Trip Meant So Much
What I loved most about this visit was how simple it was. There was no rush, no strict plan, just enjoying the experience as it came. It reminded me that you don’t need a big trip or a packed itinerary to feel refreshed. Sometimes getting out of town for a few hours is enough to reset your mindset.

Final Thoughts
Visiting the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse was such a peaceful break from everyday life. Between the history, the climb, and the view at the top, it’s definitely something I’d recommend if you’re looking for a low stress adventure.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

Pastries and Science Museums

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
This past weekend I took a little trip to Miami, and it ended up being such a fun change of pace. I love trips that feel productive but still relaxing, and this one was the perfect mix of exploring, learning, and of course, good food.

A Stop at Maman
I started the day at Maman, a French bakery and café that honestly felt like stepping into a Pinterest board. The atmosphere was cozy and calm, which was a nice contrast to the busy city around it. I grabbed a coffee and a pastry and took a moment to slow down and enjoy the morning.
It was the perfect way to start the day. There’s something about sitting with a warm drink and good food that instantly puts you in a better mood. If you’re ever in Miami and want a cute spot to grab breakfast or coffee, this one is definitely worth it.

Exploring the Frost Museum of Science
After breakfast, I headed to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and I was honestly impressed by how much there was to see. This isn’t one of those museums you rush through. There are multiple floors with interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and even a planetarium.
I really enjoyed how hands on everything was. I could easily spend hours walking around and still feel like there was more to see. It reminded me why I enjoy museums so much. They make learning fun without it feeling like school.

P.S.: Here is one of the many cat statues they have outside the museum. They were from all over the world, and so fun to look at!

Why I Loved This Trip
What I liked most about this day was how balanced it felt. I wasn’t rushing from place to place, but I also wasn’t just sitting around all day. It was a good reminder that short trips don’t have to be packed to be meaningful.
Getting out of town for even just a day helped me reset and come back feeling refreshed. Sometimes that’s all you need.

Final Thoughts
This Miami trip was such a nice break from routine. Between the cozy bakery stop and spending the afternoon exploring the science museum, it was the perfect mix of relaxing and interesting. If you’re looking for a fun, low stress way to spend a day in Miami, I’d definitely recommend something like this.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

My Favorite Places on Campus

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Grace

Being a senior at Embry-Riddle means juggling a demanding academic schedule with campus involvement and everyday life. With so much going on, the places I spend my time on campus really matter. In this blog, I’m highlighting my favorite locations on campus and how each one fits into my busy routine, whether I need to be productive, relax, or just take a break.

Location #1: Outside Deck of AMS Building

My number one spot on campus is the outdoor balcony of the AMS building. With the busy life of an Embry-Riddle senior, having a place that can serve multiple purposes is essential, and this location does exactly that. The AMS building features two levels of outdoor balconies where you can eat lunch, study for exams, or simply relax and spend time with friends between classes.

During the Daytona 500, I love joining the crowd to watch the Thunderbirds practice over the Daytona Beach Airport. It’s truly impressive to see the skill and precision the team brings every year. In the evenings, the view of the flight line and airport is paired with beautiful Florida sunsets, creating a setting that never gets old. No matter how many times I visit, it remains a place I can always appreciate.

One of my favorite memories from this spot was watching my boyfriend come in and land after passing his commercial checkride. I may have not been in the plane but I was supporting from as close as I could get.

Location #2: Benches Down Legacy Walk

If you’ve been on campus before, you may have noticed the many benches along Legacy Walk. Many of them have tables, making them perfect spots to eat lunch, chat with friends, or catch up between classes. The steady flow of students passing by and the shade from the trees make it feel lively but not overwhelming. When it’s not super hot outside (cause I am a red head and the sun is not my friend lol), I love sitting out here to do homework or relax with a good book—it’s a nice break from the classroom and a reminder to slow down during a busy day.

A lot of times you even get the chance to see the campus squirrels running up the palm trees and playing with each other.

Location #3: Student Leadership Suite & Avion Office

When I really need to lock in and get work done, I usually head to the Student Leadership Suite. It’s a quieter space that helps me focus, and it’s conveniently close to Starbucks for those much-needed coffee runs. The computer lab nearby also makes it easy to print assignments or handle last-minute class needs without having to go far. For design projects or when I want a more collaborative environment, I like spending time in the Avion office. It’s a great place to work on creative tasks, bounce ideas off the team, or just hang out with fellow Avion members while getting things done.

These are my three favorite places on campus to hang out. College life can sometimes feel like the same routine day in and day out, so it’s important to switch things up and find spots where you can take a much-needed break. Whether it’s a place to relax, focus, or connect with friends, having go-to locations makes campus feel more like home. What are some of your favorite spots on campus?

Talk soon,

Grace H. 🙂

First Week of the New Semester

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Dominic

Welcome to the Spring semester everyone! We’re back in the Florida warmth (kind of) and ready to take on a new semester as we go throughout our Riddle experience. This spring semester is especially significant for me because it is my first semester as a senior, and will be my last spring semester before I graduate in December (which is crazy to think that it’s already this year). But for now, here’s some of the highlights of the past week I spent settling back into the routine of the semester.

FDOC: The First Day of Class was on Wednesday but I really only had one class, Mass Media Law and Ethics. Still, it was nice getting to see all my friends, go back to work in the Weather Lab, and start planning out our first issue of The Avion for the semester. My other classes this semester include Advanced Broadcast Meteorology, Satellite and Radar Interpretation, Studies in Music, and Public Relations. I am really excited for all of my classes this semester, and I think it is a great group of classes where some will help build on each other.

Let’s Go to the Beach: The first Saturday of the semester brought temperatures that were in the low 80s, and I took the opportunity to go to the beach. After a winter break full of snow, it was great to finally be able to get in the sun for a bit and relax after a crazy first week of class. I drove up to Flagler Beach, my favorite beach in all of Central Florida. I also got breakfast and an amazing donut at a local coffee shop called Swillerbees. Overall, the day felt like a perfect Florida Saturday, and made me even more excited for the warm weather in the coming months.

Disney Day: On the first Sunday of the semester, I went to Disney to go visit my friend who is participating in the college program. Despite the rainy and overcast day, we still made the most of our time at Disney. We got lunch in Disney Springs, did some shopping, and then Monorail hopped between the different resorts! It was such a fun day to end the first weekend of the semester.

I hope your semester is off to a great start! Keep following along to see how all our blogger’s semesters are going over the next few months! 🙂

Winter Break in New Jersey

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Dominic

Happy New Year everyone! I can’t believe that it’s already 2026, and the start of the spring semester. I hope everyone had a restful and amazing break, whether you were back home or still in Daytona!

For winter break this year, I drove back to New Jersey, and was promptly greeted by freezing temperatures and multiple snow and ice storms during my three weeks at home. I definitely did not have shoveling snow on my winter break wish list, but it did provide some pretty views.

The snow also helped me get into the holiday spirit as I saw my friends and family.

After a crazy fall semester, it was nice to have a few weeks to relax

A couple days ago

My Life @ Riddle

Daytona Beach Edition

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