Good to be Back!

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Maybe it’s the countdown, but I feel more at home now than I ever have before here at Embry-Riddle. I had a successful start to my last semester and got approved for graduation! I just have to get through four more classes and I can cross the stage in May, but until then I’m going to enjoy every day leading up to it all!

Classes began last Wednesday, but thanks to all my classes being on Tuesdays and Thursdays I had an especially long weekend! I, of course, began it with a weekly Caribbean Students Association (CSA) meeting. It’s been cold in Daytona lately, so being around my loving islanders was warming by itself. Nothing beats the Caribbean beaches, though! CSA also unveiled their hand-painted crest today that will be hung in the Student Center. In addition to a plane, the student center is also decorated with crests from various clubs and organizations like the African Students Association.

The Caribbean Students Association and their new crest.

We continued the weekend with a cookout between the dorms with two grills for added warmth. For many of us, it was our first time seeing others since the break. It probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but at Riddle clubs become family and I was finally seeing my brothers and sisters after a month too long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Saturday night, I went to a “State of the Dream Address” at Bethune-Cookman University in honor of the great Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a truly moving

event that featured individuals in the community working to make a difference throughout Volusia County.  The most exciting part of the event was the keynote speaker – Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, author of several books including Tears We Cannot Stop and sociology professor at Georgetown University. He’s an amazing speaker, but to hear his words in person is a truly unique experience. He spoke of King, but he also spoke about race and prejudice in American today from multiple perspectives. He briefly discussed the trending #MeToo that addresses sexual assault and complicity. “[Rosa Parks] was a part of ‘Me Too’ before me too became popular.” The issues we face today are not new and it’s important that we acknowledge the voices that cried out years before.

Dr. Dyson also provided words of encouragement to his predominately undergraduate-oriented audience – “If you’ve prepared yourself, you can take advantage of

opportunity when it comes knocking on your door.” It’s important that we as students take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, but to also take of each other. We’re here together so why not make the best of it?

Needless to say, it was an amazing and eye-opening weekend. I was fortunate enough to spend it surrounded my family.

 

A Classic Project in Motion

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In this video we take a step back in time to appreciate the classic car that is the poster child for the American dream. Nothing screams America like a tire shredding ’68 Camaro with no mufflers. Steve’s classic ’68 Camaro is a work in progress. It was his first car at the age of 16 and he’s had it since. The next big step is to get the car painted gloss black, as you can see it has flat primer on it currently. Major props to builds like this that keep the culture moving forward. The heartbeat of America is alive and well, also it’s probably still faster than whatever you drive 50 years later.

The Final Countdown

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From late nights in the College of Business computer lab to early mornings in the library, Riddle has become a home away from home. I’ve laughed, cried, and have grown as a person. Friends have become family and clubs have become a day-to-day must. This, and so much more, has made my collegiate experience one worth remembering. Despite it all, I am counting down the days! As of today, I am 113 days away from graduation on May 7th and I couldn’t be more excited.

As I look back at last semester, I have to really take pride in my hard work. I attended the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals 41st Convention in Orlando.

ERAU OBAP members and myself take a picture with our advisor, Dr. Nancy Lawrence, and  fellow alumni.

I also got to present my own research in October at the The Popular Culture Association in the South and the American Culture Association in the South Conference. This was a huge milestone for me personally. I’ve never conducted research before, so to present among others in communication and literature was a huge honor.

PCAS/ACAS was hosted in Savannah, Georgia

I designed my first mission patch as well, through Space Tango for our payloads on SpaceX CRS- 13!

SpaceTango SpaceX CRS-13 took place in December and was the last customer launch of 2017.

I even got to utilize this research later on in Dr. Silverman’s Contemporary Issues in Science (HU 302). The final exam allowed students to communicate in an array of media including papers, videos, and even a painting. I’ve been too busy to paint in my free time, so I eagerly informed Dr. Silverman I would illustrate the findings of my research through a painting.

“Hush, Hair” is the result of a qualitative approach to my research “Hair Talks, but do we Listen?” that consisted of a 7-woman focus group in which participants shared their struggles, origins, and perception of their natural hair dialogues within the workplace.

All-in-all, I spent last semester experiencing new things, networking (as usual), and finding a way to bridge my interests with my work. I think we can find enjoyment in just about anything if we make it so. As this new year starts, I look forward to maintaining the same open mind in my new courses and throughout the infamous grad school/job hunt. Step-by-step, right?

⋆ Dani

Street Racing Made Safe

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STREET RACING MADE SAFE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES A SAFE AND LEGAL ALTERNATIVE TO ILLEGAL STREET RACING. Street Racing Made Safe offers the only solution to illegal street racing through education and simulation. At the events they simulate every option of street racing in a controlled environment. SRMS controls everything and give standards to that which street racing has never had. At SRMS events you have the option to do DIG racing and Roll Racing with different MPH options. I had a great time at SRMS and if you ever feel the need to street race, don’t! There is a safe and legal option at a track near you that simulates the street racing experience without the danger or legal consequences!

The Next Chapter

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Hello There,

While talking to my dad yesterday, he asked “how does it feel?” I really did not have an answer to that question as I have been busy wrapping everything up school-wise and finalizing the next chapter of my life.

With graduation being about 72 hours away, I guess I would say that it feels surreal. It is kind of hard to believe that I arrived at Riddle just over three years ago, and now, I have achieved the goal of attending college (to get a degree) and will be entering the workforce next month.

The last month-and-a-half feels like a blur; classes kept me very busy; I was trying to finalize the job search; and just trying to enjoy my last few weeks as a college student.

One thing that I learned about the job search is that it is not easy, but I really enjoyed the experience. I say it is not easy because you always have to be “on” in which you are finding what you want to apply for, juggling lots of communications to set up interviews, actually being interviewed, and taking care of lots of follow-up details. I was always making sure that my communication with prospective employers was friendly, error free, and that I was flexible enough to schedule interviews. (A special shoutout to all the folks in Career Services who are pros at this and give great advice!)

In September/October, I was busy applying to a few positions that interested me. I was then lucky to have several phone interviews to see if I would make it to the next round of interviews. In early November, I had several in-person interviews in which I traveled to the headquarters of a few companies for multiple in person interviews.

Going to the headquarters and having the in-person interviews was by far my favorite part; while yes they were interviews, they did allow me to network and just have great conversations about the working world.

Finally, right after Thanksgiving, I started receiving job offers, and the decision of where I would end up after college became extremely difficult.

I remember back to 2014 when it was time to officially commit to college, it was a simple decision–Embry-Riddle. I knew this is where I wanted to go as I could take my passion for aviation and combine it with a good business background to get an Aviation Business degree! However, determining where I would end up post-graduation was difficult in that there were lots of factors to consider and there were really great offers available.

While I have kept it is a secret for the last few blog posts, I am excited to finally say that I will be going back to the Delta Air Lines Network Planning department full-time! I am very much excited for the opportunity, but I am looking forward to having some time off to travel, relax, and get ready for the next chapter over the next few weeks.

End of semester is almost here!

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Hello everyone!

I hope you’re well and had a great Thanksgiving Break! I went to New Hampshire with my boyfriend, Brent, to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. It was really fun. I went Black Friday shopping with his mum and some of her friends. We started at 1:30 am and didn’t end until 12:30 pm!!! We got really good deals. One of things I bought was  Keurig, and I’m super excited to use it soon!

We also had a Holiday Party on November 30th for Women’s Ambassador Program, where we decorated cookies. We all wore ugly Christmas sweaters and listened to carols to get in the Christmas spirit! It was a lot of fun, especially since it was my first time baking cookies AND decorating them!!!

 

I hope you all finish up this semester strong. Winter break is almost here! Good luck in everything!

Until next time,

Maryam

Student Model Highlight

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Hello everyone!

I hope you’re well! I apologize for being away for a bit. Classes are hectic since professors are trying to wrap up the semester. Women’s Ambassador Program had a breast cancer awareness fundraiser during the Embry Riddle’s Women Volleyball game held on November 3rd. We raised a lot of money and are hoping to create a lot of awareness among our eagles!

The following week, I was offered to be a student model where the Marketing Department of Riddle is working on filming current students who are willing to share their experiences with prospective students.  Some of the questions asked were about my major, involvement on campus, internships and why I chose ERAU. It was super fun, and I got to share about my experiences at Riddle so far.

I hope you all have a fantastic week!

Until next time,

Maryam

Less Than One Month Till Graduation

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Hello There,

It is officially 28 days until graduation, but only 10 of those are class days (not including exam days)! It’s crazy how only two presentations and five tests lie between my and obtaining my degree. Plus, my University 101 class that I was a peer mentor finished so now I have a lot of free time on my hands!

University 101 is a class that just about all first-year students take (typically during their first semester). However, Aeronautical Science, Aviation Business, and Business students take a different version of the class. It might seem like it is not a fun or exciting class, but it is definitely an important one to take.

Throughout the semester, a variety of Embry-Riddle staff members come into the class as guest speakers to talk about the services their departments provide (ranging from Financial Aid to Campus Safety). In addition to that, there are several modules that go over Embry-Riddle’s policies and procedures, including on academic integrity, diversity, etc. Plus, we talk about fun stuff like the Industry/Career Expo, as well as campus involvement.

We also discuss and work on the Academic Study Plans which is where students take their academic requirements and plan out their best estimate of when they will take certain classes. Now, it is not set in stone, but it is a good way for First-Year Students to be made aware of what is ahead of them and plan for success.

The past week has been quite busy as I have been “on the road.” More on why I have been traveling a lot soon, but as I write this, I’m beginning my third trip in a week as I’m headed back to Houston for Thanksgiving.

One thing I am thankful for this Thanksgiving is a fun and memorable three-and-a-half years at Embry-Riddle!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jack

Simply Clean 9: Destination Daytona

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It’s that time of year again to gather all car enthusiasts to one location for a special day of meeting new people, showing off your ride and helping out those in need. Put on by Air Lift Performance, BC Racing North America and BC Forged NA at Destination Daytona, an amazing venue that houses restaurants, bars, a hotel and much more! This event produced generous amount of donations from show participants over the last 5 years, over 3,000+ lbs of hygiene/non perishable food items were collected to help the homeless. The donations were given to Pathways To Care “a not-for-profit assisted living facility which provides recuperative care to homeless men & women recovering from an acute illness of injury”. It was an amazing car show for a good cause. Hope to see some more ERAU students there next year!