Avion Orientation Issue Spring 2023

Orientation Issue • Spring 2023

Hello & Welcome

My name is Savanna Sheahan, and I'm the President of the Student Government Association. I want to give you all a warm welcome to the Embry-Riddle Community. I am a master’s student pursuing an Accelerated Master’s in Business with an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.

I decided to come to Embry-Riddle in the Fall of 2018 to pursue my passion for soccer on the Women’s Team. Yet, during my time, I’ve seen all the wonderful opportunities this university offers. We have incredible professors that push their students to be the best, we provide aid and tutoring to ensure quality education, and we do our very best to grow as a community. Check out the Activities Fair to see all the clubs on campus, attend that sports game, and fawn over our flight line! This campus has completely transformed into a space that sets us apart as pioneers in technology and innovation.

You are entering a chapter in your lives where innovation meets creativity meets growth. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides incredible opportunities for your personal career development, involvement on campus, and an enjoyable yet challenging college experience. Are you ready to step up to the challenge? As student body leaders, our job is to enhance student life at ERAU by providing services, events, and representation while providing a means for students to address issues with the administration. We have a wealth of information we can provide you with on all aspects of campus life. I welcome you to visit us in the Student Leadership Suite on the second floor of the Mori Hosseini Student Union to grab some free coffee and candy or to chat!

As a Student Government Association, these are our top five values: community, creativity, professionalism, integrity, and growth.

I have always been told; everything is what you make of it. Do what you enjoy, work hard at it, and here, you can find others who will support and share these experiences with you.

So, I challenge you. What is your legacy?

Savanna Sheahan President, Student Government Association Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Master's in Business

Rajan Khanna / The Avion

Advice From Upperclassmen

“Your college years are truly one of a kind. It’s important to make the best of them. That is why the most important tool to have under your belt during college is organization and consistency. Buy a planner, plan, and stick to it. This means make a routine. Make some time to apply to scholarships, have your study/ homework time, time with your friends/significant other, and most importantly some ‘you’ time.

Your mental health is important in college. Try not to overwhelm yourself and jump to conclusions. Make sure you have some time to do the things you love and try to relax. Remind yourself that life may be overwhelming, but you will eventually get through it. You will get through your exams, your group project will work out on presentation day, and you can get that degree! Your college years may feel like a rollercoaster, but it’s a thrill like no other. Enjoy the ride!”

Danielle Van Pelt Broadcast Communication Junior

“Embry-Riddle. You chose a place where your niche passions in aviation, technology, and arts can be realized. Here are a few key ways to make the most of your time here:

Get involved in more than one thing. ERAU has so many opportunities for you to explore. Try not to get so bogged down by classes or work to get out there and find them. It’s okay to be multi-dimensional. Get off campus. We live in ERAU, but it’s not a college town nor a big school. It’s healthy to go out and explore Daytona Beach. Read more of this issue to find the hidden gems in the Daytona area. Take the time to rest. It is okay to not go out, or just sleep in. After all, how are you going to ace the next check ride or exam if you are brimming with stress or falling asleep in class?”

Sarah Ames Aerospace Engineering Senior

“The spring semester always seems tamer in comparison to the rush of the fall semester. The lines seem shorter, and people are more in their routines, coming back from the previous semester. The spring always seems to come with a sense of new possibilities as we resettle into the rhythm of campus life.

It may sound like a broken record; however, going out and engaging in this community can change your overall experience. It is often said that your first semester is where you get into the swing of college life, and the following semester is where you get involved. In my story, when I came into Embry-Riddle, it was in the middle of the pandemic; however, getting involved at the start of my second year led to many opportunities that I never thought possible. My encouragement for you is to put yourself out there. You never know who you might meet or what you might get involved with!”

Andrew Harker Aviation Business Administration Senior

“One of the most important things to do on campus is making sure you have some form of an outlet for creativity. I major in engineering, as does much of the Embry-Riddle community. As engineers, we take a lot of classes focused on logical thinking with very little focus or time allotted for creative thought.

Having a hobby or something creative to do is a great way to keep yourself motivated and energized throughout the semester. I personally have found photography to be a good outlet. I try to take a little time each week to walk on the beach or around town, and relax and take some pictures. Whether you enjoy drawing, writing, or another hobby I highly suggest you find something to put a little bit of free time into.”

Kyle Navarro Aerospace Engineering Senior

“Walt Disney’s phrase “moving forward” is a rule I have followed throughout my journey at Embry-Riddle. There will be times when you will doubt yourself, re-evaluate your decisions, and wonder if you still want to pursue this goal. This response is perfectly normal, and does not mean you are not good enough to succeed.

Your success at Embry-Riddle is fully up to your ambition. Utilize the multitude of support systems ERAU has in place to help you grow, whether it’s the tutoring lab or a professor’s office hours. While a professor may seem intimidating, they want you to succeed as much as you do, and speaking to them outside of class can offer the best aid in any situation. Make sure to ask for help as soon as needed, not at the end of the semester.

Another important phrase, especially in a small industry such as aviation, is that sometimes it is about who you know rather than what you know. Make as many connections as possible while at Embry-Riddle. Those connections could help you land your dream career, provide valuable insight into what you may be doing, or open the right doors of opportunity. This rule applies to your peers, guest speakers, and professors. Remember, your professors have worked in the field you are pursuing and may have contacts in the area you are looking for.

My last piece of advice is to be engaged. Something is always going on at ERAU. From clubs to guest speakers, there is always a way to be engaged on campus. I quickly became involved in student government and student organizations during the time pursuing my undergraduate degree. Not only was my involvement on campus one of the most memorable moments, but being able to put my campus involvement on my resume has opened so many doors for me that my degree alone would not have.

While you keep moving forward, ask for help when you need it, seek to be an engaged student, and remember to have fun and cherish the memories you make during this time. This period in your life will be one of the most memorable moments. It will include friendships that will last longer than the wait time at Starbucks, so enjoy these moments because the next thing you know, you will be walking across that stage at the Ocean Center, wondering how the years flew by so fast.”

Randon Senn MBA in Aviation Management Graduate Student

GETTING INVOLVED

How to Navigate Joining a Club or other Organization

Do you sometimes feel that your whole day is spent going to class and returning to your dorm room? Would you like to meet a group of people with the same hobbies and interests as you? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, I have one word for you: clubs.

Extracurricular activities such as clubs are a great way to better your college experience. But with Embry-Riddle being home to so many different clubs - over 200 - how do you know which one you should join?

To decide, you should ask yourself: “What do I want to get out of the club”? If you wish to join a group of students who share the same hobbies as you, I recommend one of our many interest-based clubs, such as Anything Goes Anime, the Dancing Eagles, Model UN, and many more. In these clubs, you get to relax and spend

time cultivating your hobbies with people who love to spend their free time the same way you do.

You may be interested in joining a more competitive club. Two possible options are the Historical European Martial Arts Club (HEMA), where members practice swordsmanship and compete against other schools, or the Paintball Club, where students hone and train their shooting skills to win various paintball tournaments.

You may prefer something that could boost your academic skills. If you are an engineer, there are many options, such as the Robotics Association at Embry-Riddle (RAER), Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL), and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). If you are a pilot, you could join the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach

Eagles Flight Team (EFT). You can find a club that matches any of your interests here on campus, and if you can’t find one, you could easily start one yourself.

You may ask yourself, “If there are so many choices, how should I pick?” I recommend going on ERNIE and logging into CampusGroups. There, you can find descriptions, meeting times, and anything else you need to know for every club at Embry-Riddle.

But if you prefer a more human approach, I highly recommend the Activities Fair on Friday, Feb. 3. On that day, almost every club at Embry-Riddle will be hosting a booth, so if you stop by, you get to meet the clubs and the people who make them great in the first place.

Article by Salim Roig, Senior Reporter

Page 6 Margaret Dotson / The Avion

Stanlie Cerda-Cruz / The Avion Margaret Dotson / The Avion

Surviving as an International Student

Welcome to Embry-Riddle!

I hope that you will have a great semester ahead.

To all the incoming freshmen, coming to a new country/place on your own can be a daunting experience, and you may have many questions about settling into your new home. We, as the International Student Organization (ISO), are here for you.

The International Student Organization is the place where strangers shall become friends and friends become family. A place that enriches your experience by sharing international cultures through fun and learning activities on and off campus.

Mission Statement:

• Share international culture through a variety of cultural

activities and promote global awareness of the campus community.

• To provide a supportive environment for newly arrived international students and to provide peer support to international friends.

• We strive to provide the social and transitional support that all international students need while at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

What does ISO do:

• We plan activities and provide guidance and resources to international students.

• We strive best to bring together the culture and diversity on campus.

• We love to organize cultural events and opportunities for everyone on campus.

• We build a supportive environment for international students by providing mentorship.

Let’s build it together!

Scan the QR code to join the community on CampusGroups and follow us on Instagram @erau.iso to stay updated.

Article by Divyeshwari Vansadia, President, ISO

Photo Courtesy / Connor McShane

Exploring Your Home: Daytona Beach and Beyond!

Jacob Rainerson Staff Reporter

New semester, new you! Whether you have lived in Daytona Beach for a few months or maybe even a few years, there are always new ways to explore the place we all call home. One of the best ways to get the full “college experience” is to have fun and head OFF campus.

Most people are jealous when you tell them you attend college in Florida, and for good reason! Use this article as a guide to ensure you fully experience all that the east-central Florida coast has to offer.

Ponce Inlet

Located about 30 minutes south of campus, Ponce Inlet holds something for everyone! Climb to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse and take a tour of the historic property afterwards. Visit Lighthouse Point Park and stroll down to the end of the jetty for some cool wave action, and great fishing! When you are done with that, head over to Hidden Treasure Bar and Grill for some great food and views of the New Smyrna Beach air traffic pattern.

One Hour to Saint Augustine!

Have you fully explored what Daytona Beach has to offer? Head up I-95 to Saint Augustine! A city for history nerds, restaurant enthusiasts, or aquatic admirers, Saint Augustine has something for everyone. Explore Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an old Spanish fort circa 1695. Head over to Historic Downtown and you can find every kind of restaurant you would ever imagine. Visit Anastasia State Park, rent a kayak and watch the sunset to finish off your day.

One Daytona

A short drive from campus, One Daytona has something for almost anyone. Dine at Rock Bottom Brewery, 4-Rivers Smokehouse, or Tianos for some Italian flare. Study or just relax at Copperline Coffee and Café! Fill your sugar cravings at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, and Donnie’s Donuts. One Daytona also boasts an arcade and a movie theater for those rainy spring days.

New Smyrna Beach

If you don’t want to drive hours to Orlando or Saint Augustine, New Smyrna Beach is a more localized option for those who want to explore somewhere new! Smyrna Dunes Park has miles of walking trails for you, your friends, and even your four legged friends as the park is pet friendly. After you hike around and hit the beach, you can stroll through town to Panheads Pizza for homemade gnocchi and great pizza.

Take a stroll down Beach Street right here in Daytona Beach, and you will find many shops and restaurants. One stands out as an affordable and tasty option for students: Tia Coris Tacos. More than a taco restaurant, Tia Coris serves everything from amazing burritos, snazzy quesadillas, and delicious cocktails for those of age.

If you are looking for something unique, The Dancing Avocado Kitchen provides avocado loving people a great and in-expensive meal, along with a unique atmosphere and outdoor dining.

Fire on the Beach!

Unknown to many residents of Volusia County, fires ARE allowed and even encouraged at the beach! You may bring your own self-contained fire pit provided it is not sea-turtle nesting season and enjoy a fire on those cool spring evenings. Be sure to check volusia.org for more information on rules and regulations regarding fires on the beach, but this is a great option to enjoy the beach after sunset!

All photos courtesy Jacob Rainerson / The Avion Page

Study Spots to Consider & Avoid

Your Guide to Getting Things Done

Alisa Tiselska Copy Editor

Let’s be honest, studying can be tedious and not fun, to say the least. Luckily, our beautiful campus has many unique and cozy study spots. I hope that this list of study locations will boost your motivation and be helpful to you, whether you’ve been here for a few weeks or even a few years.

Student Leadership Suite (SLS)

Located on the second floor of the Mori Hosseini Student Union, and open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, the SLS welcomes all returning and new students. Not only is it a cozy location with tables and couches, but it gives you a chance to learn more about the Student Government Association’s (SGA) branches and divisions, whose offices are located in the SLS. Study, make friends with the SGA student leaders, and enjoy the (mostly) quiet environment.

Did I mention that the SGA provides free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the SLS? The Suite has a coffee machine and plenty of beverages to choose from. Does that sound good? Well, it gets better. Most of the time, the front desk has free candy. In February, they usually have little red-heart shaped chocolate.

Study Room 103 in the Student Union

In my opinion, room 103 is the most spacious study room on campus. Located on the first floor of the SU, it can fit up to 12 people and includes two outlets, a TV, and a whiteboard. Perfect for

group study sessions or individual work, this room has a beautiful view of the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS).

I would warn you that this place could get loud during peak hours (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). Consider bringing your headphones if you plan on being there.

Pro tip: don’t forget to reserve this room and other study rooms in advance! You don’t want to get kicked out in the middle of your study session. You can reserve study rooms by scanning the QR code in each room or by navigating to the SchedulER tool in ERNIE.

Study Carrels at the Hunt Library

My third choice is perfect for those who prefer studying alone. Everyone has those days when your social batteries are dead and you need some “you-time.” What’s better than an individual cubicle overlooking the COAS, the Wright Flyers Statue, or Legacy Walk? This location is quiet, cozy, and private. These study carrels/cubicles are located on the third and fourth floors of the SU, in the Hunt Library.

Although the Student Union is an ideal solution for individual or group cram sessions, there are several places you should consider avoiding using if you plan on being productive.

Food Court Booths

Although the booths on the first floor of the Student Union are great for chatting with friends or having lunch, they are terrible for studying. Located at the heart of the food court, this place can get very chaotic and loud. You will probably run into everyone you know and it may be difficult to get any work done. This is coming from personal experience; trust me, you don’t want to waste your time there. Either hangout with your friends at the booths, or find a different place to study. See my top three list of study spots above!

Study Room 347 in the Hunt Library: “The Arctic”

This study room is located at the library. Why would I avoid it? No matter what you do, it’s freezing there, and for some reason, you can’t change the room temperature at all. One time, I had to attend an online Zoom meeting there, and I think I got a terrible cold immediately after. The room reminds me of the Arctic Ocean. Of course, if you come from a cold country and you feel homesick, check this room out. In all seriousness, the room itself is good, but the temperature can ruin the experience.

I hope you found this list useful. Studying shouldn’t suck. Have a successful semester and don’t forget to find your perfect study spot.

Dylan Kowlessar / The Avion

Dylan Kowlessar / The Avion

Daryl LaBello / Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Q: How long do I have to submit an appeal?

A: Up to 10 days past the issuance of the citation

Q: How long does it take for the Student Court to process an appeal?

A: It takes the Student Court between 3-5 business days to process an appeal

Questions?

Chief Justice: sgachfj@erau.edu Student Court: dbstucrt@erau.edu

JerryZhong/TheAvion

FEEL THE THUNDER

RajanKhanna/TheAvion

JOIN THE AVION

MEETINGS

TUESDAYS

AT 7:00 PM

SU 210

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