Avion Issue 7 Spring 2021 by The Avion

Spring 2021 Issue 7

A Chat with Quinn XCII Dylan Kowlessar Staff Reporter

The entertainment and programming division of the SGA, Touch-n-Go Productions (TNG), is famous for its events throughout the year. In the past, TNG has brought several artists to campus such as Gabriel Iglesias, Rachel Platten, and AJR. Although COVID-19 changed the look and feel of their annual big event, that did not stop TNG from enlisting Michigan-born Quinn XCII featuring We The Kings for their spring concert. Last week, The Avion was afforded the opportunity to interview Quinn XCII as he prepared for his virtual show for the Embry-Riddle community. Quinn XCII began by telling the story of his journey as a student at Michigan State University studying advertising, and eventually building up enough courage to release his first EP – Change of Scenery – in 2015. After a few months of feeling the response from this EP, Quinn started collaborating with artist Ayokay, leading up to the release of his official full-length debut – The Story of Us – in 2017 with Columbia Records. In his favor, the album cracked the Top 30 of the Billboard Top R&B Albums charts. As the interview progressed, Quinn, whose birthname is Mikael Temrowski, shared some advice and lessons he learned while growing as an artist. Most significantly, he stressed the importance and benefits of experimenting with different genres, styles, and lyrics. Even though his first EP was released in 2015, Quinn was experimenting with other music before that. Additionally, Quinn expressed the value of evaluating yourself, which is a key takeaway for anyone, not just in the music industry. He talked about not rushing into the future but rather focusing on current quality, thinking about ways to improve, and then putting your best foot forward. This was usually achieved by “stepping away” once releasing a song, and continuously quality checking oneself. With the onset of COVID-19, Quinn decided to use the opportunity to spend time with family and continue the process of self-evaluation. Following an international tour in 2020, Quinn returned home and appreciated the time to slow down and reflect. Quinn XCII’s interview ended with an appeal to college students to not be stressed over not having a plan. Relating on a personal level, Quinn was unsure of his career, whether in advertising or not, right up until senior year of college. He believes that there is too much emphasis on having rigid plans, and instead wants students to enjoy the college experience and “figure it out as they go.” Page X

Image Courtesy/ Quinn XCII

Representing Our Home Countries Dylan Kowlessar Staff Reporter

Moving to a new country to pursue your studies may seem like the adventure of a lifetime for some. The thrill, opportunity, and pure excitement are often enough to help students make the key decision about the next step in their educational careers. For international students, though, not many anticipate the degree of homesickness they may encounter while studying outside of home. Whether they miss the food, people, climate, or sheer atmosphere of back home, homesickness, especially if you’re alone, can be detrimental in more ways than one.

Luckily, student organizations such as the Caribbean Students’ Association (CSA) help to alleviate this stress and hope to connect students with international roots while studying at Embry-Riddle. From March 3 to March 5, CSA hosted a few days of activities and events to boost student morale and remind students that their culture is still represented at ERAU. Beginning on March 3, CSA embarked on a movie night in IC 101, playing the Caribbean-produced Bazodee, starring the Trinidadian and Soca artist Machel Montano. On Thursday, March 4, the cultural

Photo Courtesy/ Jamie Padarath

atmosphere continued with CSA’s General Board Meeting and students in cultural wear. Finally, this all culminated on Friday, March 5, with a flag parade along Voyager and Legacy Walk. CSA members and a few interested students waved flags of any country of their choice and proudly marched through the school campus together with a unified sense of pride and cultural respect. Accompanied by traditional Caribbean drum music, “tassa,” the invigorating atmosphere was taken to the Student Union, where the flags were placed on display over the next

few weeks. The Caribbean Students Association’s goal of making international students feel “at home” was undeniably accomplished in just these few days of events. Anyone interested in joining CSA or participating in any of their activities are welcome to join their General Board Meetings on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Event Room D. A warm, open, and inviting atmosphere is always present in CSA as they strive to remind their members that they are “divided by water,” but “united by culture!”

Photo Courtesy/ Jamie Padarath

Spikeball Tournament Gerard J. Gregory III Correspondent 2020 was a year that we will all remember. Prolonged isolation and hundreds of thousands of deaths resulting from COVID-19 have left many feeling in despair and without any form of hope. When you constantly see what the “high school experience” should be like, only to have a worldwide pandemic uproot what we all once knew, it can be hard to ﬁnd the motivation necessary to persevere. Flight for Life is here to tell you that you are NOT alone and that you CAN follow your dreams.

Through the Flight for Life program, you can soar above the clouds and into your future. Whether or not you have ever considered a career in aviation, Flight for Life will give YOU the chance to ﬂy like an Eagle and see your true potential! On April 16, the Embry-Riddle Homeland Security Department proudly put on a community Spikeball and tie-dye event named “Flight for Life!” With so many impacted by the effects of prolonged isolation due to COVID-19, Embry-Riddle students felt it important to continue to

encourage community involvement among the student population at Embry-Riddle. Not only did students have the opportunity to play Spikeball or make tie-dye shirts, but they could also grab free pizza and snacks! Eligible students who participated will even have the opportunity to take ﬂight with a free ﬂight lesson! Under the leadership of Dr. Zorri, the students of HS110 worked hard to create an event that promoted engagement among their peers. Despite the strict protocols in place for COVID-19,

the students worked diligently to ensure they could put on an event that was safe and fun! The students organized into teams including research, advertising, public relations, and event staff to make this day possible. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was open to all students and faculty alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, but the ERAU Homeland Security Department is proud to have been able to create an event for the Embry-Riddle Community!

Malik Turner / The Avion

Beta Brewers Alyssa Lang Correspondent

Christian Muller / The Avion

On April 6, 2021, Phi Beta Lambda launched “Beta Brewers,” a mobile coffee cart. Before the pandemic, Phi Beta Lambda had a grand plan to launch a ﬂeet of coffee carts around campus for students who do not want to travel far or wait in long lines. Phi Beta Lambda then started getting a business plan put together. They entered their

idea in TREP Expo in 2019 and learned a lot from their experience. They had many obstacles to overcome, but ﬁnally, at the end of Fall 2019, it was approved and ready to be built. When it was time to build the full coffee cart, COVID-19 struck campus. In Fall 2020, Phi Beta Lambda had a rough start, but in Spring 2021, they hit the

Christian Muller / The Avion

ground running. Nick Sontra, Baylie Voorhees, and Alyssa Lang spent weekends building the cart. It took them about 12 hours to build, start to ﬁnish. They ran into more issues along the way, changing the vision of the original cart design. For the grand opening ceremony, they had President of Phi Beta Lambda ERAU Daytona Chapter Alyssa Lang, the College of Business Dean Gibson, and their club advisor Dr. Hinebaugh in attendance. They also had club members such as Nick Sontra, Baylie Voorhees, Kathleen Perry, Andrew Groom, Bryce Farnham, Matt Borucki, and Micheal Szczesniak attend the opening event. They sell Cuban coffee for $1.25 and pastries for 95 cents.

Phi Beta Lambda, or PBL, is a national business honors society that focuses on helping students prepare for the industry by giving them valuable skills while competing at various competitions. They meet every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in COB 127. Some of the things PBL has done this year are: raised over $400 for various charities, including Volusia Basket Brigade and March of Dimes, completed over 60 hours of community service, started their own podcast Jibberish, and had guest speakers including Dean Gibson and President of the SGA Jim Myers. For more information, visit on Campus Groups or email Alyssa Lang at langa7@my.erau.edu.

Christian Muller / The Avion

First Year in a Blur Andrea Gamble News Editor

Although I have been to college previously, as a transfer student who didn’t finish out my first year as a high school graduate, I am pleasantly surprised by my first full-year experience. I thought with doing so, I should share my experience and tips I have for anyone who needs it. I came to Embry-Riddle with a 2.3 GPA and 0 credits from my previous college, NCAT, with no hope that I would even get in. Now, as a finishing first-year student, I have a 4.0 GPA and have involved myself with many campus extracurriculars, including being the News Editor for The Avion, Team Captain’s Assistant for the Embry-Riddle Gymnastics Team, and will continue my involvement as an RA for the Fall 2021 semester with an ongoing research project in the near future. Some may know who I am from the O-Issue, which was the first issue produced for the Spring 2021 semester. If you know who I am, hello! Welcome back to my TedTalk. If not, welcome to my TedTalk. In the O-Issue, one of my main pieces of advice was to involve yourself in

as many extracurricular activities as possible and make the most of your time here at Riddle. I still stand behind my words; however, I will alter my tone. I encourage everyone to be involved in activities throughout campus during their time here. Nevertheless, please be sure not to bite off more than you can chew. Grades are always the first priority, and everything else should come second. I decided to be very involved while successfully maintaining my grades in the most efficient way possible, but I did struggle to balance the schoolwork, meetings, and my outside job at Flight Gymnastics Academy. This was a major learning stone that set me up for the next three years of my college career. I realized the most important factor during this process comes down to one thing: you. It is extremely hard to continue doing well in school and activities if you do not take time for yourself. Be sure to keep your hair done, eat when you need to, and get as much sleep as you need. Do the things that make you feel good about yourself so

that you can feel good about the things you are doing on the outside. My next tip is to make a name for yourself in the classroom. This is important when it is time for you to get your letters of recommendation or references for work. I am an introvert, so I understand the discomfort with speaking out. I especially have a soft voice, so it can be hard for others to hear me when it is time to answer a question; in fact, I have gotten used to the “huh” or “I couldn’t hear you” that comes from every professor’s mouth when I speak up. I am still working on my volume, but that will not stop me from speaking up. Most students in the classroom feel the same: why am I here, I am tired, or I have the answer, but I don’t know if I want to raise my hand and say it. Nike says it best: Just Do It! Whether you butcher the answer or come out on top, you now have done something that separates you from the rest of the students in the classroom. Continue to take the leap and watch the benefits come.  My last tip is to take advantage of all the school’s financial oppor-

tunities. Embry-Riddle is not getting any cheaper. On the other hand, there have been multiple scholarship opportunities through the school. During COVID, Riddle created an opportunity to give out financial support for those who needed the assistance. Boom, you just received some money for being alive. Riddle also partnered with JCPenney and created a way for students to receive clothes for interviews, research, or anything of the sorts. Even without getting money from the school, there are always free goodies given out at big events around campus. Please take advantage of these great resources and get the most out of what you are putting your money towards.

My first year was great. I have enjoyed every experience here at Riddle, and I hope the next three years are just as great and stressful as this one. I could make an entire book with tips I have for the students here on campus, but I hope you gained something from the ones provided. Thanks for reading!

WEAR YOUR MASK

2021 Airshow Season Kicks Off! The 2021 Airshow Season had a strong start, with two airshows occurring simultaneously on April 17-18. After a long break due to COVID-19, many airshow teams came back looking slightly different, and others stayed true to their traditional routines. The most significant change made was the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team upgrading from the old F-18 “Legacy” Hornets to the F-18 Super Hornets. Since NAS JAX Airshow was canceled due to COVID-19, Sun N’ Fun was the 2021 Airshow Season debut for the Blue Angels. It was also the first show they flew in the Super Hornets. The Blue Angels flew a great routine, and the new Super Hornets looked phenomenal. The Blue Angels also upgraded their beloved support aircraft “Fat Albert” from a C-130T to a C-130J. The C-130J is the latest model of the C-130 and a solid upgrade for the team. Along with the change in aircraft, the Blue Angels also debuted a new paint scheme on “Fat Albert.” The Blue Angels weren’t the only flight demonstration team to make significant upgrades. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds updated their flight routine for the first time in almost 50 years. The new flight routine aimed to cut out repetitive maneuvers, add new and engaging ones, and streamline the entire show. After seeing it in person at the 2021 Cocoa Beach Airshow, I believe that the changes improved the performance. New maneuvers include a “stinger break cross” and a “low bomb burst.” Both airshows featured performances by the C-17 Globemaster III, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and F-22 Raptor Demonstration teams. Cocoa Beach featured some rarely seen bombers as a B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer, and B-25 Mitchell, all performed for the space coast crowd. Sun N’ Fun had the “Class of 45” demonstration team fly a routine with their F4U Corsair and P-51 Mustang. A heritage flight was also performed at Sun N’ Fun with a P-51 Mustang, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and an F-22 Raptor. Both shows featured gravity-defying maneuvers by pilots flying Pitts Special biplanes with Sun N’ Fun featuring Patrick McAlee and Cocoa Beach Airshow featuring Mike Wiskus.

Korbin Martin Managing Editor

Malik Turner / The Avion

Christian Muller / The Avion

Malik Turner / The Avion

Korbin Martin / The Avion

Malik Turner / The Avion

Korbin Martin / The Avion

Malik Turner / The Avion

Korbin Martin / The Avion

Page X

Private Pilot (121) DANIEL ENRIQUE ACEVEDO TRAVERSO TIMOTHY RICHARD FALT RILEY JOSEPH HOYBACH TARIQ SAFAR S ALKHATHAMI LARRY ROBERT CRAIG YOOJIN LIM TAEYUN YOO JOHN BIONG RICAFORT DJORDJE TUROVIC SUNGHOON LEE ANDREW DAVID CHIARIELLO MATTHEW SERRANO HERNANDEZ WEONJOON PARK BRANDON ANTHONY PERRAS ANTHONY JOHN MEO BYUNGWOO KANG

Instrument Rating (221) SALIM MOHAMMED TAHER JUNG HO KIM JOSEPH ENTOINE ROUHANA JOSE BRIAN PEREZ CHUN TING ALEX FUNG YONG SEOK YOO ETHAN JOHN MATTESON KAI LE CALEB CHANG YU-JUI HUANG WILLIAM MICHAEL CALLAHAN III SEAN PATRICK CONSIDINE TROY ANDREW KOPEC PETER MATTHEW SCHNAPPAUF IV MIN GI JOO

ABIGAIL GRACE KIENAST NICHOLAS ALEXANDER ROBINSON ALI JUBRAN A ALQAHTANI

Commercial Pilot (321, 322, 324)

NATHAN MACLEOD REEDER ZACHARY JAMES WILKIE KEVIN PETER MULLEN TAEYOUNG LEE STEVEN JOHN VLAHAKIS

JAAN DERIC JIMENEZ NOAH WILLIAM AUSTIN EMILY ALEXIS DIAL COLIN JAMES ABOODY WON HEE LEE CONNOR JACK KELLY JARRETT SCOTT ENGLISH NATHAN ALAN PRIBBLE CHRISTIAN YECHAN LEE MAKEDA LEKENYA DAWSON SUZANNE CAITLYN STEVENS BRENDAN THOMAS CALVERT DEREK JAMES COPPOLA HAYDEN THOMAS FOX DANIEL KIM YEN-TING LEE RANVIR ISRANI AIDAN FREDERICK RYAN MURRAY HYE JOON LEE

Commercial Single Engine Add-On (326)

Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On (323)

Flight Instructor Multi-Engine AddOn (460)

CHRISTIAN ALEXANDER AMATO EUGENE KIM MILES JC MCDONALD RYAN ALEXANDER RICHMOND BRENDA JULISSA GARCIA JOHN FRANCIS HOGAN

YI-FAN WU

OLIVER SAMUEL DELGADO SCHWARTZ

Flight Instructor Airplane (417A) BRYAN WILLIAM KRUK SATTAM ABDULAZIZ A BAKOLKA CAROLINE PATRICIA MCKEE

Flight Instructor Instrument (417I) GARRISON CLARK REYNOLDS ANDREW MARKHUS ANDRASKO RUBEN ANTONIO ROSA POLONIA ANDRES JULIAN PARRA SAMUEL CORDELL LAMA JONATHAN MICAH OCHIENG SIAYA

SPRING 2021 FLIGHT CERTIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATION

April 25 - May 1, 2021

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (Mar 21/Apr 20) Aries, you have a unique perspective, and sometimes you appear uninterested in the opinions of others. But this week it is best to be humble and accept other thoughts. TAURUS (Apr 21/May 21) Taurus, you routinely put caring for others ahead of caring for yourself. This compassion is commendable, but you can’t offer help if you aren’t in top form. GEMINI (May 22/Jun 21) Gemini, let others bring up issues with you rather than prying. Your willingness to lend an ear is well-known, and others will come to you on their own. CANCER (Jun 22/Jul 22) It may be tempting to slack off when supervisors are not looking, Cancer. However, a lack of discipline now may have a trickle-down effect in the future. Stay focused. LEO (Jul 23/Aug 23) You may not be sure if you should pursue

an opportunity that is before you, Leo. Consider your skills and talents and be honest with what you are capable of accomplishing. VIRGO (Aug 24/Sept 22) Virgo, even though it can be risky to express your true feelings, especially when you go against popular opinion, don’t shy away from being true to yourself. LIBRA (Sept 23/Oct 23) Your head is pushing you in a practical direction, Libra. Yet your heart wants you to go a different way. Try to ﬁnd a balance between both scenarios. SCORPIO (Oct 24/Nov 22) Scorpio, others are ready and willing to offer advice if they sense you need it. While you can be open to suggestions, don’t follow others’ dreams if they aren’t your own. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23/Dec 21) You may be conﬂicted about telling someone you need a little personal space, Sagittarius. But it’s not good to

suffer through situations that make you unhappy. CAPRICORN (Dec 22/Jan 20) Capricorn, even though you cannot please everyone, you can do what is necessary to make yourself happy. Make this your primary goal this week. AQUARIUS (Jan 21/Feb 18) Aquarius, people may misunderstand your intentions when you start a new project. You don’t have to please everyone right now. The end result will be met with positive responses. PISCES (Feb 19/Mar 20) Moving on from an emotional situation can be taxing, Pisces. But it may be necessary right now and could make you stronger in the long run. Finished all of the puzzles for this week? Be the ﬁrst to email us a picture of your solutions to business@theavion.com to get a prize!

Let’s Shine Some Light Abrielle “Abbey” Otero | Human Factors Graduate Student Carmen Van Ommen | Graduate Researcher Robert Smyers | Undergraduate Researcher Abbey, Carmen, and Rob are students studying Human Factors and are part of the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology. RUX investigates the usability and user experience of technology in our everyday world. This is a regular column that explores different technologies typically used by Embry-Riddle students.

Have you ever used a product and thought to yourself, “Wow, I love this product. It’s so easy to use”? The out-of-box experience (OOBE) is typically the first impression a product creates, such as the ease of setup and first-time use. A positive OOBE can be created with logical instructions for the end user. The OOBE team decided to test users’ out-of-box experience with a ring light. A ring light is a circular LED light with different light settings for different environments. The ring light connects to a tripod and has attachments for your phone. It is typically used by photographers, social media “influencers,” and people who spend a lot of time on conference calls. We chose to test this product because of its popularity and possible use with a wide range of users.

Our Out-of-Box Experience Process We recruited six participants for this study, five females and one male. Sessions lasted about one hour in length and were divided into three main sections: first impressions, unboxing, and setup and first use. During the first impressions section, participants looked at the ring light box, assessed its quality, what they thought would be inside, and how they would expect the setup of the ring light to go. In the unboxing phase, we had participants open the ring light box, take out its contents, assess the quality of the product, and describe it using five words from a list of adjectives. Lastly, for the setup and first use phase, we had participants set the ring light up. They were asked about

their success and confidence ratings regarding the setup of the ring light. Afterwards, we had each participant complete four tasks using the ring light and asked for their success and confidence ratings for each task. Throughout the whole session, we made sure to take notes on any points of delight or frustration, as well as any product changes participants suggested. Lastly, we asked participants

whether they would recommend the ring light to a friend and how they would store the ring light.

Results Our results showed most participants thought the packaging protected the components. One participant estimated the price to be $20 to $30 and stated the quality of the packaging met their expectations of that price

Image Courtesy/ Robert Smyers

On the Situation point. The box did a great job at depicting what was inside by including a picture of the assembled ring light. When asked what contents the box housed, almost all participants pointed to the picture and stated all of those pieces would be in the box. Many participants thought there would or should be organizational slots in the box so that the ring light components don’t rattle around while shipping. During setup, many participants struggled with the instructions, as they were not easy to understand and had multiple grammatical errors. Some parts were difficult to assemble or connect, specifically the tripod stand and the Bluetooth remote. The tripod stand had easily adjustable legs, but adjusting and locking the pole that holds up the ring light was not intuitive for users and would not hold in place, leading to the ring light falling multiple times. The Bluetooth remote was difficult for participants because the

instructions did not include the device’s name, leaving most to guess and hope for the best when pairing their phones. The setup phase had an average perceived success score of 8.7 and a confidence level of 7, both out of 10, where 10 is the highest. This means that although they believed they completed it correctly, they were not super confident in how they set up the ring light. One participant stated, “This seems like it should be so simple, but I am really struggling.”  After the setup and first use phase, participants got used to the ring light and thought it improved their picture quality. Half noted they liked the different lighting settings. Many reiterated, however, that the instructions were not clear and had room for improvement. Only one participant said they would definitely recommend the ring light to a friend, and only two guessed the price correctly. Most participants stated they wouldn’t dismantle

As the semester the item, but instead leave it in their house winds to an end, set up and ready to many of us are looking for jobs or internships use. for the summer. Since Recommendations so many things are remote these days, it is Packaging recom- likely that employers mendations include may request a video using the same ma- interview rather than terial to package dif- an in-person interview. ferent components, All participants said including foam or slot- that, in most cases, ted cardboard to se- the ring light improved cure items in place, the quality of their and bubble wrapping call. If you are looking the ring light head. for a little extra “pop” We suggest improv- during your interview, ing the instructions by consider investing in including more detail, supplemental lighting, both visually and ver- such as this ring light. bally. We also suggest It’s important to note, the Bluetooth remote though, that the ring name be clearly la- light can only do so beled on the instruc- much. If you are altional sheet. Lastly, ready in a very poor condition, for setup, we suggest lighting a small toolset be in- such as being backlit cluded with the ring by a bright window, light so that the tripod it’s possible that the could be fixed or bro- ring light may not be ken down into smaller as much help as you components. Overall, want it to be. Overall, both the packaging the most important and instructional con- part of setting up for tent need to be re- an interview is that you viewed as there were are well prepared, many grammatical er- well dressed, and exrors noted during our cited about helping the company you are sessions.  interviewing with!

What Does This Mean for You?

Plant Parenthood Gianna Castano Distribution Manager

It’s always upsetting to see your once bountiful consistently. Do not overwater though, as that leaves and flowers on your plants wilt, dry out, may cause diseases or drown the seed, preor become diseased. What’s even worse is venting it from germinating. attempting to grow your own plants from seeds and never have anything sprout. Tip: If the container you chose has Not to fear, here is a quick guide for holes in the bottom, place the conhow to successfully care for your tainer in a bowl of water and let plants from seed to sprout to the soil drink up as much wathe full-grown beauty they ter as it requires. deserve to be. Once your seeds Start with the Seed are planted, you will want to mainThat tiny bad boy tain moisture. Plasin your hand has the tic wrap or any other potential to become cover is good to create something beautiful that condensation. Remove the never previously existed, so cover once sprouts form or if bring it to life! First, you’ll want the soil is too wet. The soil must to get a container that is about 3 be warm (~78°F) to promote gerinches deep (like a yogurt cup, eggmination, and the container has to shells, plastic cups, or egg carton) and be exposed to enough sunlight. then select a nutrient-dense soil to give your future seed a better chance at gerWhen your seedlings need more space to minating. Use potting soil instead of gardenexpand their roots, transport them to a larger ing soil because potting soil allows for more air container. Be careful in doing this because your and water to flow through and be retained to seedling may not thrive if you are too rough. nourish the seed. Once roots form, the potting Leading up to transposing the seedling into ansoil allows for the roots to break through the soil other container, water the plant a little less and easily. I use compost soil since I have access to do not feed it as much if you choose to use ferit. Insert your finger into the dirt to create a hole tilizer so it can become better acclimated to and drop the seeds in. Cover them up and then outdoor conditions (if you plan to place it outdampen the dirt using a spray bottle and water side).

Linda Crampton/ Owlcation

Lacarabeis/ Free Stock Photos

Caring for a Full-Grown Plant I know that rush of endorphins plant lovers get when they buy the best plant out of the bunch…and then it perishes because it did not receive the proper care. But let’s not be pessimistic here. Some tips on picking out the best plants for your space: • Look for a good root system: Don’t be shy; gently pull the plant out (as long as it’s small) to see its roots. Healthy roots are characterized by being thick and lightly colored. • Analyze the quality of the foliage: If you can see through its leaves, its foliage is not as healthy. • Check for diseases: Common diseases or signs of pests are white dots, odd/bad odor, and sticky residue on leaves. • Think about your environment: Choose a plant based on how much sunlight you know it will get, the space it will be placed in, and how often you’ll be available to care for it. Once your prized possession is home, name it and have full blown conversations with it to promote rapid growth before your eyes. I’m kidding,

I’m kidding. You are going to want to treat your plant similarly to a seedling. That means ensuring that your potting soil is never dry, but also not sopping. When watering your plant, water it until the soil cannot drink in any more water and it begins to sort of puddle at the top, or use the method I mentioned earlier. Signs that your plant needs water include wilting, lightness of the plant, and crunchy, brown leaves. Signs your plant is overwatered include mushy leaves and heaviness of the plant. Again, make sure the pot has drainage holes and if not, drill them into the pot. Keep your plant near a light source (artificial or natural) and determine what species of plant you have so you can better cater to its specific needs. Benefits of Indoor Plants In general, they are mood boosters! They can purify the air you breathe (it’s 3rd-grade science) and actually reduce the noise and stress levels in your workplace! I swear growing plants is not as difficult as it may seem. As long as you do not neglect your plant altogether, it should stay pretty happy and work its magic. It puts a smile on my face whenever I see a new bud forming on my cacti or when my pothos begins to grow a new leaf. I can’t wait to see your collection grow! Some plants that require low maintenance are: • Pothos • Aloe • Jade Plant • Peace Plant • English Ivy • Asparagus Fern • Chinese Money • Orchid • Succulents and Plant cacti • Spider Plant Some plant-focused Instagram handles to follow: @tropicaloco @houseplantclub @epicgardening @plantcultivation

Linda Crampton/ Owlcation

Blinded by the Light: Kayla Taylor Correspondent

Kayla Taylor is a senior in the Astronomy/Astrophysics program in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is also heavily involved with the Embry-Riddle Observatory and have been conducting light pollution research with Observatory Director Dr. Ted von Hippel for several months.

In 2014, Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus proudly installed a $1 million 1-meter telescope on the roof of the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS). Six additional Takahashi telescopes, valued at approximately $200,000, joined the 1-m on the COAS veranda later that same year. The Observatory has since served as an opportunity for students to train on a research-grade telescope and for faculty to obtain publication-worthy data. With the opening of the Observatory, the Department of Physical Sciences’ “Astronomy Open House” nights soon grew in size and popularity, the telescope array being the highlight of these nights. For several years, telescope observations were relatively unobstructed by lights from the on-campus dormitories, but the Mori Hosseini Student Union quickly changed observing conditions. The sky now appears three times brighter in the vicinity of the Union, wiping faint objects from the night sky and forcing many observers to alter their research goals. Although the telescope Observatory was originally identified as a stakeholder during the Union construction, communication with the Department of Physical Sciences and the Observatory staff was unexpectedly stopped. Regrettably, FAA consultants verified that the lighting plan met certain requirements regarding Embry-Riddle’s proximity to the airport, but these requirements do not meet acceptable conditions needed for observational astronomers. “Our telescopes are now in a precarious situation. If the University isn’t careful, the light pollution issue can get out of hand and cause the Astronomy/Astrophysics program to suffer,” said Jack McDonald, Astronomy/Astrophysics senior and the President of the Amateur Astronomy Club. “Dark sky sites are difficult to find in the Daytona Beach area. Embry-Riddle’s campus is much safer for us to use as students, but we’ve now been driven off campus to observe. We can hardly observe Orion in the winter during our Open Houses because the constellation is often directly above the Union.” Photo Courtesy/ Jack McDonald Photo Courtesy/ Jack McDonald and Joseph Hammil

How Light Pollution is Affecting Our Telescopes Students, club members, and faculty now worry that future construction plans at Embry-Riddle will add to the light pollution on campus, effectively diminishing the telescopes’ abilities to collect data. After the Student Government Association announced the new parking garage, Dr. Ted von Hippel, Professor and Observatory Director, began working with students to spread awareness about the growing light pollution issue. “We have a tremendous opportunity with our Observatory, both for student education and for research. Right now, our technology is not the limit, rather the limit is the increasingly bright skies,” said Dr. von Hippel, reiterating Mr. McDonald’s concerns. Dr. von Hippel and his students explained there are a number of straightforward mitigation efforts that can reduce the effects of light pollution on campus. Downward-facing shields can be installed on the candlestick lights lining the sidewalks. Broad spectrum lightbulbs can be replaced with redder (cooler) ones. The Hunt Library faculty have graciously agreed to lower the shades in their offices when they are not in use; however, many offices remain illuminated throughout the night. These are simple yet effective ways to ease observing difficulties and help return the sky to its previously darker state. These mitigation efforts will support hundreds of current and future students in their educational endeavors at Embry-Riddle. While a lack of communication with the Department of Physical Sciences ultimately led to these problems, students and faculty are confident that proactive measures can remedy these concerns. Six additional Takahashi reflectors are scheduled to be installed on the COAS veranda later this year, adding another six reasons why light pollution on campus must be taken seriously. Embry-Riddle’s growing student population will only experience an impediment to their education if the University’s history of inadequate communication continues and contributes to the growing light pollution crisis.

Page X

Photo Courtesy/ Michelle Blake

LETTER

From the Editor

From the uncertainty of the pandemic to the abnormal transition back to normal, my oh my, what a ride it’s been. This academic year was like no other. There were students, faculty, and staff wearing masks across campus, all having conversations through Plexiglas, along with the sight of the 50% occupancy classrooms with chairs zipped-tied to the table and signs that say, “Do not sit.” Every obstacle that could bring separation and isolation (i.e., not seeing someone’s full face due to wearing face coverings) was met with community and connection. This academic year, we were able to learn inside the classroom, hold in-person group meetings, attend Skyline Social events, and even celebrate the tradition of Blue & Gold Week. Yes, this time was definitely unprecedented; however, it has made us resilient to constant change. As a class of 2021 graduating senior, I have seen this university change tremendously, especially since being that high school junior on an admissions tour and the student union then was only a field of grass. Being the current Editor-in-Chief of The Avion, a Housing & Residence Life Housing Ambassador, and a former Captain of The Orientation Team has only magnified those changes. Since Fall 2018, I have been able to help facilitate the beginning transition to college life for first-year students and then observe the middle of their careers as they experienced challenging classes and joined campus organizations. With seeing everyone else’s transition through college, this letter helps to mark the end of my time here as an undergraduate. In three words, my time at Embry-Riddle has taught me how to “Cope with Chaos.” On an educational level, classes are chaotic. There is constant work that can be done night after night. As one progresses from the breeze of the introduction 100/200 level courses to the night sweats of 400 level courses, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s also easy to second-guess if what you are working on is important, or if you will actually need to know this material in your future career. There are many nights of frustration and procrastination, and nights of fun as you can get creative with designing presentations or writing essays for HU 145: Themes in the Humanities. The lesson in this chaos is that a course is only difficult as long as you believe it’s difficult, which is simply a self-fulfilling prophecy. Creating study groups with your classmates/friends, reserving study rooms in the union for yourself, and treating yourself to dessert after not doing as bad as you thought are only a few coping methods.

Victoria Jordan/ The Avion

Joining and staying a part of organizations on campus is just asking for chaos, but the best kind. Whether a member of an RSO or a campus department student assistant, being a part of an organization brings a new challenge each day. I always considered that with each activity I do on campus, no day is predictable, which is both the best thing and worst thing on the planet. Not knowing who will walk in the ofﬁce or sit down and have a conservation with you over lunch. Not knowing that the people you have developed the best relationships and friendships with were once strangers that you met at a retreat. Organizations bring out the leader in you and transform you into a more evolved version of yourself. Lastly, life waits for no one, just like construction on this campus. The everyday chaotic nature of just existing isn’t one I would want to trade. As university life takes up four or more precious years for most, in that time, so much happens. Your family at home changes as they adapt to each day without you physically there with them. Friendships are different from the ones that existed at home. Instead of merely gaining friends by sitting next to them for one class and calling them a friend for that semester, college has made you work for that relationship. Those late nights working on projects with each other help you learn their quirks and understand their background. By the end of your time here, you know that there are people you want to support on their good days and their bad days and who would do the same thing for you without hesitation. The true friendships I’ve made here will always remain strong; for the ones who know who they are, thank you for keeping me sane… well, for the most part. I love you all! Time on the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach campus is unique. Everyone’s story can be vastly different but with huge similarities. It’s easy to get lost on this journey. However, once you ﬁnd your way to the end, you are unstoppable. I’ve been met with many hurdles along the way, but each obstacle, interference, and masquerader that was encountered has made me resilient for the future. My message for you is that with each task you start, you’ll be misunderstood and challenged. Know that you don’t have to please everyone right now, as the end result will be met with positive responses. Maya Angelou said it best, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Victoria Jordan Editor-in-Chief

Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Victoria Jordan

editor@theavion.com

Managing Editor Korbin Martin managing@theavion.com

News Editor Andrea Gamble

news@theavion.com

Interim Photo Editor Malik Turner photo@theavion.com

Business Manager Salim Roig business@theavion.com

@theavionnewspaper @The_Avion @TheAvion

Contributors

Photographers Reporters Jamie Padarath Malik Turner Christian Muller Korbin Martin Victoria Jordan

Gianna Castano Andrea Gamble Abrielle “Abby” Otero Carmen Van Ommen Gerard Gregory III Dylan Kowlessar Robert Smyers Alyssa Lang Kayla Taylor Korbin Martin Victoria Jordan

Staﬀ Advisor Jessica Murphy

Director of Student Leadership and Engagement

Page Editors

Cover Korbin Martin Victoria Jordan Campus Andrea Gamble Victoria Jordan Dylan Kowlessar Korbin Martin Salim Roig Aayush Shah Benjamin Jinkins Malik Turner Advertisements Victoria Jordan Puzzles & Games Victoria Jordan Copy Editor Marlena Purcell

Contact Information (386) 226-6049 theavion.com 1 Aerospace Blvd, SU 219 Daytona Beach, FL 32114

The Avion is produced bi-weekly during the spring term. The Avion is produced by a volunteer student staff. Student editors make all content, business and editorial decisions. The editorial opinions expressed in The Avion are solely the opinion of the undersigned writer(s), and not those of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Student Government Association, The Avion, or the student body. Letters appearing in The Avion are those of the writer, identified at the end of the letter. Opinions expressed in the “Student Government” and “Student Life” sections are those of the identified writer. Letters may be submitted to The Avion for publication, provided they are not lewd, obscene or libelous. Letter writers must confine themselves to less than 1200 words. Letters may be edited for brevity and formatted to newspaper guidelines. All letters must be signed. Names may be withheld at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The Avion is an open forum for student expression. The Avion is a division of the Student Government Association. The Avion is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The costs of this publication are paid by both the Student Government Association and through advertising fees. The Avion distributes one free copy per person. Additional copies are $0.69. Theft of newspapers is a crime, and is subject to prosecution and Embry-Riddle judicial action. This newspaper and its contents are protected by United States copyright law. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in print or electronically, without the expressed written consent of The Avion.

Victoria Jordan / The Avion