The Final Days of Summer

August always brings this nervous feeling as the start of the academic year approaches. The end of one season, and the start of another, August will always be a transition month in the life of a college student. Whether you are prepping for your first-year orientation, moving into your dorm or apartment, or even just packing the car to make the long drive to Daytona, August is always the start of a new chapter for all.

I am currently going into my third year as a student at Embry-Riddle, and every year has been the same for me. While I enjoy my summers, I also spend the months counting down the days until I can see my friends, go back to the clubs and organizations I am a part of, and begin classes again. Living over 1000 miles away from school makes summer and the school year feel like two completely different worlds. Once I am settled into my summer routine, the trip to Daytona suddenly starts to creep up on me with the excitement of a new chapter but the nervousness of what’s to come.

For example, this summer I have been planning the move into my new apartment, and I have been looking forward to all that it brings. I am also excited to move off campus and gain a new aspect of independence. However, I have gotten so used to living on campus that it will be a big change once I move in. I am ready to get out of my comfort zone though and start this new chapter.

If every year was the same, it would be pretty boring. Every year at Embry-Riddle will bring new people, hobbies, clubs, and more into your life that you would never have thought of. My life now is different than it was in the final days of summer August 2024. This summer has allowed me to reflect on the year that just passed and think about the year that is to come. While I still have a nervous feeling as I begin to pack, just as I have the past two years and probably will next August too, I am always grateful for the experiences I have at Embry-Riddle. No matter what is to come after the final days of summer, good or bad, I am ready to see what is in store!

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

Hi all!

I feel I haven’t posted in a very long time and for that I apologize. This summer flew by! Let me begin by catching you up on the end of my summer and then sharing some news about this year.

First things first, my internship ended on a very high note! I got to give the introduction speech to our internship closing ceremony. My mom traveled from Colorado to come explore San Francisco with me and tour SFO. We had a blast visiting Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Of course we visited In n’ Out and went to many of San Fran’s touristy areas. At the end of it all, I was very excited to head home for a week before returning for RA (Resident Adviser), SGA (Student Government Association), and O-Team training. You will understand once you go home for a break… Breaks = time to catch up on all your doctors appointments!

I came back three weeks before school began for RA, SGA, and Orientation Team training. These trainings were very fun because I got to see all my friends again! I also had the chance to slowly adjust back to living on campus and having a different type of busy schedule.

RA training with my old roommate, Delaney!

Orientation went amazing! This incoming class was so involved and eager to integrate into our Eagle family. I loved that all our events throughout Orientation Week were packed. It makes me happy to see that so many students were pushing themselves to go meet other new students. My residence hall wing is also fantastic! The residents are always asking questions about becoming involved and it is quite the social floor, which is not typical of the Honors LLC (Living Learning Community).

Working Orientation!

In other news, Chris came to visit this weekend! The agenda included Disney World Hollywood Studios, Tia Cori’s Tacos, Chicken Salad Chick, a photoshoot, car shopping, and Crazy Rich Asians at the nice local theater. We had such a great time that saying goodbye this morning was extra difficult. Long weekends are always great for friends and family to come, but it also makes me sad when they have to leave.

Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios

Driving around Daytona Beach eating all the yummy food!

My personal favorite – Tia Cori’s Tacos!

As for this semester’s courses, they are the most challenging yet. I have accepted that I am at the core of all my education. What I am learning now is very in-depth and difficult concepts, but I feel my focus in class will allow me to take this knowledge and apply it in interviews and on the job. I love having such professional professors who really know their stuff! For example, my Management of Operations and Production professor used to be quite high up in UPS. His knowledge makes the coursework even more applicable and understandable.

In honor of my last first day, here is my first first day!

While I am busier than ever, I am excited to share that my summer classes and high school credit have pushed my graduation to THIS MAY! I am beyond excited and the reality of it all hit yesterday when I received the email to apply for graduation. I feel that I am ready for this next step in life. I hope to show everyone through my career search and final semesters here at Embry-Riddle!

I will be going back to posting bi-weekly, so check back in soon! ~ Maddie