Lions, tigers, and bears…Oh my! This past weekend I went to the Jacksonville Zoo with some of my friends and we saw lots of animals. I hadn’t been to a zoo for awhile, so I was excited to see some animals and leave Daytona for the day. The zoo was surprisingly large and was divided into sections—South America, Africa, and Asia. I got to see a giraffe up close and watch them being fed; they sure have long tongues. There were plenty of birds at the zoo! You could walk into a caged area and they would fly around you or land on your shoulder. I enjoyed the trip and seeing all the animals!

We are heading into the third week of school and I think I have gotten back into the groove of going to school, work, and studying. My classes are going well and I think it’s going to be a good semester. For undergrad classes, I have Airline Management, Social Responsibility and Ethics, and an Air Force class. Airline Management is going to be interesting, I think, because we get to learn about how the airlines make their schedules. We are still going over an introduction to the material, so we haven’t covered a specific topic in-depth, yet. In my Ethics class, we have to come up with a sustainability project that will have an impact on Embry-Riddle and my group is considering something to do with paper consumption. My two graduate classes are: Aviation Law and Insurance and Global Information and Technology. The Aviation Law and Insurance class is like the insurance class I took last semester, but I’m enjoying it more so this time. The class is divided into parts and we cover insurance with one professor in the beginning and then we cover law with another professor. I’m looking forward to the law part! Global Information and Technology is going to be the harder one of the two because technology confuses me most of the time. I had a similar class my sophomore year; however, I’m hoping that this time the material will be more understandable with a different book and professor. All in all, I’m enjoying each class and hope that this semester I won’t procrastinate so much (this always seems to be my goal)!

The weather has been up and down for the past week. Most days, the sun comes out and we have blue skies. However, we did have a big storm roll through the area and it brought a cold front along, which caused tornado warnings. I looked out my window and the rain was just pouring from the sky—thank goodness it didn’t last for too long! The other day it was warm enough for shorts and the next day I needed a sweatshirt…I hope it decides to get warm soon and just stay warm! My favorite place to go study when it is warm and sunny is the dock my apartment has over the lake. The view of the water just makes it feel so peaceful.

Daytona is starting to gear up for all the races at the racetrack and every time I turn on the radio I hear about a chance to win tickets to one race or another. I can’t get over how many people come to the area to watch the races! I’ve heard the airport has begun having meetings to discuss how they are going to deal with the increase in traffic. It’s interesting to see how businesses prepare for the influx of customers and it makes you realize how volatile the tourist industry is from year to year. I’m looking forward to the Daytona 500 because Tim McGraw is performing! Maybe, I’ll be lucky enough to work the infield and get to catch a glimpse of him. Well, time to go study and I think I’ll head out to the dock!

Until next time,

Kaleigh

What a busy first two weeks! I returned back to Embry-Riddle on January 12, and classes began the next morning. As I’ve written in past posts, this semester will be a challenge, as I am taking on six classes (18 credits). Only one of these classes, advanced computer systems, is business-major specific. The good part is, every class counts towards the degree.

From my experiences in studying and working within the business environment, it is imperative to have strong communication skills. The business administration degree requires students to take a humanities course, as well as a variety of communication courses. From my experiences so far, I’m leaning towards a minor in communication.

Last semester, and throughout winter break, I developed an interest in airline revenue management; a fancy name for ticket pricing. Selling seats, at different prices, to ensure maximum profit and a full plane sounds like a giant puzzle – the same goes for other interests of mine, like flight scheduling, or aircraft sales. The aviation industry is a multi-faceted, complex industry, faced with a variety of ever-changing external and internal factors – making it challenge; one of the reasons I’m fascinated and intrigued by it.

While the homework load is still fairly light, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time reading and blogging. Additionally, I drove around Daytona with a friend – just to explore and get-to-know the area better. I’m taking advantage while I can, since school will soon retake part of my weekend and life.

Last blog post I mentioned Florida’s frigid temperatures during winter break. Upon returning, temperatures began to rise (as they should) – it was 80 degrees F here at one point! It’s strange driving with the windows open in January, but I like it.

Lastly, I do not believe I have ever shared photos of my room. I live in the student village, commonly referred to as “the village,” at Adams hall. Here are a few pictures.

Until later,
Jonathan

This weekend was quite unusual and entertaining… I was amongst several students chosen to participate in Embry-Riddle’s Emerging Leaders Program. All of us were elected by our engineering professors to take part in the event. The retreat allowed for us to learn the variety of roles and responsibilities a leader possesses and explore the different behavioral relationships and styles from which leadership derives. Aside from leadership, we also defined our current goals and dreams along with solutions to the obstacles that we were likely to face.

I think I learned more about myself this week than I have since my freshmen year at RIT. I guess it is events like these that allow for self-reflection where normally you do not get asked such questions pertaining to your life dreams. It is interesting to share your thoughts with people and then realize how many similarities you share with one another. I can recall being at RIT, always talking about outer space and no one really acknowledged any remarks. But here at ERAU, I am surrounded by it and it sure is a fascinating feeling. I’m not quite sure how to put it into words. I am always imagining that ultimate day, the day when I am on the wings of a legacy heading towards the heavens. And now I start to think how fortunate I would be to share in that experience with a few of my colleagues who have the same desires.

Perhaps I’m getting deeper into my emotions than I expected to when I started writing this. Perhaps my mind is trying to simply state that I am in high spirits after a weekend filled with unyielding thoughts. I can recall two year’s back of only dreaming of such adventures. But here I am now actually living it.

Until next time, see you out there!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! A little late, but it’s always the thought that counts. I’m back in Daytona and even though it’s in the low 50s it feels like a heat wave. My plane arrived yesterday afternoon, so I’m still trying to get unpacked and ready for the semester. Today is the first day of classes, but my first class (Aviation Insurance and Law) isn’t until 5:30 p.m.; however, it does last for three hours. I will be sure to let you know all about my first graduate class in my next entry.

Look out grad school because here I come! The GMAT wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be and I didn’t have to stay for four hours. First, you have to write two essays after being given a prompt and that took about an hour. After that I took a break to clear my head and give my eyes a break from staring at a computer. Then, I did the math portion and then the qualitative portion. I think from start to finish it took about three hours. I was so happy when I answered the last question and got to leave! Overall, I did a pretty good job and I’m satisfied with my scores. My application has been submitted and I’m just waiting for my recommendation letters to be turned in, then the application packet will be complete.

Five days before I left home we had a snowstorm; it left about eight inches and thirty-five mile per hour winds that created some big drifts. This picture is of a storm we had just a few days before the big one. Very dreary skies and unbelievably cold! It was too cold to go cross-country skiing, but I did get to shovel our driveway several times. I love watching the snow fall and turn everything white, but I don’t like having to shovel it! I just hope that the Air Force doesn’t station me in North Dakota or South Dakota; if they do I’m definitely investing in a snow blower. Maybe next Christmas I will get to try cross-country skiing again.

One last thing I did over my break was remodel my mom’s bathroom with my aunt. We had a good time! My mom didn’t know that we were going to do it, so she was pleasantly surprised. The bathroom is really small and at some points I thought I was going to end up painting my aunt! After painting the walls, we tackled the floor and laid new tile. I learned all about the placement and cutting of tile, which might come in handy one day. Overall, I think it turned out really well!

Well, off to my first class! I think everything is going to start picking up in the next few weeks but for now I’m relaxing and still in vacation mode. In the next entry, I’ll let you know how this semester’s classes are shaping up.

Until next time,

Kaleigh

Yesterday it snowed a few inches, which was enough to cover the grass and allow me to try cross-country skiing for the first time!  I think I was down in the snow more than I was on the skis, but I had a great time!  My aunt bought the skis last year but we didn’t get a chance to use them because it never snowed again.  When I saw the snow start to fall, my sister and I both hoped it would be enough to let us try out the skis. The only thing I wish I could have changed was how cold it was—in the low 20s with crazy winds.  We couldn’t be outside for long because even with two pairs of gloves my fingers would start to freeze!  I can’t wait to try it again!

By the time I write my next journal entry, I will have taken the long awaited GMAT.  I’m scheduled to take it on January 6th and from what some of my friends have told me that it’s going to take about four hours .  I’ll be glad to have it done and over with!  I have to put the finishing touches on my essay for the graduate application and then I’ll just have to submit it and wait to hear back.

Over break, I’ve started working on a scrapbook for myself that begins when I was a freshman three years ago.  I’ve enjoyed looking back at the pictures and seeing how much things have changed (the new College of Business building) and how some of them have stayed the same (the Wright Flyer is still outside the Library).  I’m hoping to be caught up to the present by the time I go back to school.  I have two weeks left of my break, so I think it can be done!

Sometime this week or next week, I’m going to go shopping online for the textbooks that I’ll need next semester.  Then, I’ll have them shipped to Florida and they will be there in time for classes.  The weather forecast is saying that there is more snow to come later in the week…Yippee, another chance to hone my cross-country skiing skills!

Until next time,

Kaleigh

It’s a time for family, friends, and loved ones to get together and celebrate. It’s also a time of reflection and goal setting, as we move forward into the year 2010. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday.

During my first week of winter break, I did a lot of traveling. On the day following the official close date of the fall semester, I flew back to Philadelphia, where I was home for a mere day. Then I flew to Tucson, Arizona via a stop in Atlanta, which proved to be somewhat pointless, as it only added to the total trip time. In Tucson, I spent time with family, including my new niece.

After a few days in Arizona, I flew back to Philadelphia. In the past few months, I’ve flown on a total of 14 flights; more than I’ve ever flown in an entire year. Although my passion for the airline industry is endless, traveling is a hassle. Yet, after a full night’s rest (12 hours), I’m good to go.

After settling back at home, I’ve begun to work more vigorously on winter-break goals. I promised myself I’d study for the FAA private pilot’s written exam, and I’ve done so; though, not as much as I’d like.

Writing wise, I have picked up the pace. I have spent more time keeping up with the latest in aviation news, and I have added more blog posts to my blog at aviation-buzz.com, and my blog (entitled “JetCheck”) hosted by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (PI).

With New Year’s around the corner, it’s time for goal setting and reflection. It’s difficult to stick to a new year’s resolution, but unexpected events throughout the year come-up, and we adapt. Yet I encourage you to set a few short-term and long-term goals for the future; sticking to your goal can take you extraordinary places.

Wishing you a happy new year,

Jonathan

It’s official, I’m now an FAA Certified Private Pilot! I took my checkride on December 16th with FAA Designated Examiner Bob Raskey. The weather was Marginal VFR and not preferred, but I was driven and well-motivated to finally finish up the course. I made it my goal to finish Private Pilot before I came back home for winter break. After staying on campus for an extra week, while everyone else was already home, you can see why I was so eager.

Prior to my actual flight test, I took a practice checkride and soloed two times to practice maneuvers and to reassure that I was confident and prepared enough to take the test. The practice checkride was with another instructor and consisted of an oral exam and a flight test. Both of which are what make up an actual checkride.

The university provides housing to students during the days that classes are not in session but the flight line is still open. This time period is called “overflight,” and costs just 25 dollars per day.

Classes finished on December 3rd and all of my grades are finalized and available on the ERNIE portal. I feel I did very well for my first semester away from home and in a new setting all on my own.

As soon as it was all over, I booked a flight and headed home back to NY. I’m glad to be home for the Holidays, but I think the warm weather may have spoiled me.

Over and Out.

“Jack Frost nipping at your toes…” I’m back home in Illinois for Christmas break and boy has it been cold here! The temperature has dropped into the negatives if you factor in the wind chill. I’ve been wearing lots of layers—quite a shock to go from warm Florida to below freezing! However, I love being home and am enjoying my time immensely.

My cousins and I went to a museum that was all about Abraham Lincoln last weekend. I learned a lot about Lincoln and found out that as a President the public didn’t like him very much; however, that all changed the minute he died. The museum was pretty elaborate and told the history of Lincoln from the time he was a boy till the time that he died. They had two movies that were interactive and captivated the audience’s attention. Being with my cousins was a lot of fun and I’m glad I was able to be home in time to go see them.

My church had a talent show/concert and my sister sang two songs. A couple of days before the concert my sister suggested that we sing a song together. I’ve never sang in public before but she convinced me that we sounded really good together. Needless to say, I sang “Go Tell It on the Mountain” with her and had a good time.

Well, my finals went well and I think it was a successful semester. My favorite part is the moment when I’ve finished my last final and I can take a deep breath realizing that I’ve made it through another semester. Next semester, I’ll be graduating and I don’t think that it has really sunk in for me, yet. I’m only taking two undergraduate classes next semester and two masters classes. One nice thing about my upcoming schedule is that I have made it so I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Four day weekends are going to be nice—except, I have PT on Mondays and Fridays at 7am. Oh well!

Time to stop thinking about school stuff and think about Christmas! I think today I’m going to put some Christmas lights up outside, since we are having a heat wave with the temperature in the 40s!

Until next time,

Kaleigh