Where are the Monsoons?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Cherie

So apparently monsoon season in Prescott Arizona doesn’t start until July 🙁 Here I was really looking forward to all the rain and when I didnt see any of it I decided to do a little research…

Weather Patterns

As some of you may know we do have a Meteorology major offered at the Prescott Campus so I took it upon myself to ask a Meteorology student about what on earth is going on. This is what he told me 😀

Monsoons are a phenomenon that are triggered every year as a result of the Earth’s angle with the sun. So when the monsoons occur in Prescott the Earth is at a the steepest angle possible and is even farther from the sun than it is in the month of January.
So the question is this “If we are on Earth and we are farthest from the sun in July how is it that July is warmer than January?” Well, the Meteorologist in training told me that the temperature also has to do with the position the Earth holds in orbit around the sun. Yes we are farthest away from the sun at this time but, our continent is more in line with the rays of heat/sunlight during the summer months which is why it is still hotter in July than in January.

Sketch of the Angle between Earth and the Sun

Of course as an Engineer I really didn’t need to know all this but, its pretty interesting so I thought it would be nice to share 😀 If you have any comments or questions please respond below or if you would like to check out our Meteorology major just click here. Thanks for reading!!!

Summer Summer Summer

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Cherie

Summer over Willow Lake

This is my second week of summer courses here at Embry Riddle Prescott and so far I’ve really enjoyed it. I am only taking one class, Calculus 3, in a condensed six week period but, I have high hopes for how it will turn out 😀 I have taken a summer math course before but, not at Embry Riddle. I greatly enjoyed the experience as summer course are intense and crammed with information but at the same time they are very relaxed and fun.

At least that was the impression I gained from my first summer course in mathematics and hopefully this impression remains the same!! In addition to my class I am working in the Admissions department, so if you stop on by campus this summer you might see me or even get a campus tour from me.

Other than that not much has been going on here at Riddle except for moving into summer housing, attending campus barbeques, and chilling at our pool. The campus is a relaxed place over summer and it is extremely opportune time to come visit so that you, the potential student, can gauge the community that has developed on campus.

Everyone here is really nice and we would love to meet you here on campus sometime, so please come join us for some summer fun!!

Cash Flow For College Students

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Adam

Hello there readers, if you are a concerned college parent or student worried about having a little extra cash to spend on food or hobbies or just spending too much then you are reading the right blog. In this blog i will go over some great ways to earn money at a reasonable rate and some great college spending advice.

For a personal preference I enjoy working and having at least some spending cash or savings money so I saved up over the past summers but once school came around i hit a dead end, I was spending with not even little amounts of income (besides my parents that is). So once I realized how much I was spending on food and weekend activities I began to invest in looking for an on campus job at Embry-Riddle as well as learning to spend my money wisely. So here are some tips:

For spending:

1) When going to the grocery store make a list of all the things you need, that way you have a goal or else you will just be wandering around buying stuff and spending a bit more then you think.

2) Try to eat healthy, I know it sounds weird but the more you eat sugary junk food the more you will crave it and therefore the more you will spend on it so try to cut it back.

3) Next is the activity spending/shopping. Again making and using a list of the essentials or wants at least making a list in your head for the purpose you are shopping for is best. It will help keep your mind from wandering and spending cash left and right.

4) try to hold group events like if you want to go somewhere that takes gas money, if you have enough people going the cost can be very minimal.

Jobs in college:

1) If you are concerned about not having a job in school, well don’t worry you have plenty of on campus opportunities waiting for you. Schools are normally very open to students working on campus. Most of the time students will have time to work and go to school. (I am talking spending cash or travel money not a normal income that can pay your bills although there are some people who can do that.

2) From personal experience i would get by one or even a half semester before taking on the responsibilities of school and a job just to get the feel of your school work schedule, that is if you are new to school.

3) Summer/Seasonal employment opportunities! Take advantage of them. I gathered myself a large sum of money just from one summer of work and it didn’t take to much effort. Plus it looks good on a resume.

4) Lastly, Interns! Get involved, not all interns pay but if you find one that does they pay exceptionally well.

Thanks for reading, let me know of any questions.

New Job

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Cherie

Good afternoon everyone, today I would like to tell you about my new job in Embry-Riddle admissions. As you know, because its pretty obvious lol, I am a blogger but, I was recently hired to be a tour guide here on Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus. I am really excited about my new position because I love going to school in Arizona and I also like getting to meet new interesting people from all over the world.

Where are you visiting us from??

As a tour guide you get to meet all kinds of people, many are from other countries, veterans of the United States military, potential ROTC students, fresh high school graduates, and Embry-Riddle Worldwide students. With such a large variety of individuals seeking information it is very important that they receive an excellent welcome and gain a preliminary knowledge of the campus itself when they visit. We know that each individual will have a different campus experience but we try to make it as informative and fun as possible in order to reflect the culture that we have developed here in Prescott.

To ensure their familiarity with the campus we tour the most important places that are relevant to their major and allow the student to meet with admissions counselors and ROTC representatives if they so choose. In this manner the potential student may gain an understanding of the opportunities they will have to augment their education at the Prescott campus.

I think the part I enjoy most about being a tour guide is getting to meet all the different people and help them in any way I can. I get to share my experiences at the school as well as my thoughts on campus life, as so far everything has been really great for me. I have had my struggles with academics, friends, ROTC, and just life on my own in general but, overall I believe that my decision to attend the Embry-Riddle Prescott campus was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. At Embry-Riddle you get the freedom and the support you need to follow your desired career and even though it can be hard it has been the greatest time of my life.

I really encourage you to visit the campus and learn more about what Embry-Riddle Prescott has to offer you, I am sure that you will find a wonderful educational experience here!! If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit please follow the links below or contact us in admissions, thank you!!

To schedule a visit: http://prescott.erau.edu/admissions/schedule-visit/index.html

To talk with a Counselor online: http://prescott.erau.edu/admissions/chat/index.html

To take a virtual campus tour: http://prescott.erau.edu/admissions/virtual-campus-tour/

To give us a call: Phone: 928-777-6600 or toll-free 800-888-3728

ROTC Scholarships and Programs

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Cherie

Hello again, I am sure many students at one point or another have considered entering a branch of the military in order to help pay for educational costs. Reserve Officer Training Corps is certainly an excellent way to gain a degree and a career as an officer in a branch of the military services. ROTC is available on most campuses nationwide, not every campus will have every branch so you must choose a University depending on the branch you would like to enter.

Embry Riddle has two full ROTC detachments as well asan additional training program. These are Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and the Marine training called Platoon Leaders. Each of these programs can prepare you to follow a career in a military service and get you financial aid that will help you earn a degree. As some of our readers might know I am a sophomore cadet in the Air Force ROTC program.

Air Force ROTC

Competition for scholarships in Air Force ROTC can be difficult as a scholarship requires a good Physical Fitness score, a positive medical evaluation, a demonstration of leadership abilities through extracurricular activities and positions as well as letters of recommendation and at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. Other tests such as the SAT, ACT, AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) are taken into account when a student is being considered for a scholarship.

Army ROTC

There are two scholarships available, each can vary in type and the amount awarded.

The first one is the in high school scholarship which is awarded to a graduating high school senior who intends to enter ROTC at the University of their chose and the second is an in college scholarship that is awarded to cadets who have continually displayed outstanding performance in their time as a cadet. If you are interested in joining Air Force ROTC straight out of high school I highly recommend applying for the high school scholarship during the fall semester of your Senior year. This is actually how I was awarded my scholarship, it can be a lot of work but, the scholarship is an enormous help if you are attending a four year university.

Platoon Leaders

Whatever you chose to pursue in the future I wish you great luck but, if you are interested in one of the programs I discussed I would be happy to answer any questions you might have, so please comment!

Also check out the Embry Riddle Prescott campus website for more information on each program. Thank you!!!

Monsoons in the Dessert

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Cherie

Hello everyone, I have an interesting topic today, one that personally I was kind of shocked to discover…..there are summer monsoons in Prescott AZ!!!

When I first came to Riddle Prescott campus I thought, well its the dessert, dry, sunny, pretty, very different from California but, during my first week of Air Force ROTC (zero week) in the middle of August I discovered that Riddle’s Prescott campus can be anything but predictable. Don’t take this badly, what I mean by this is that the weather during the summer months can go from warm and sunny to windy and stormy within a matter of minutes. I highly advise a large umbrella and/or rain slickers and boots for the summer months.

I will be staying at Embry Riddle’s Prescott campus for a summer session in order to work toward a minor in mathematics, so I might have some helpful tips for you if you intend to attend the university over the monsoon season.

So far, I like the monsoons, to be complete honest they are fascinating. The clouds gather in various colors of white, blue, and gray then burst out into massive downpours that can last anywhere from 2 or 3 minutes to an hour or so. The campus literally transforms itself when it rains, if you have toured the Prescott campus you have probably seen the numerous bridges, and artfully designed drainage ditches throughout inner campus. Well, when a large downpour occurrs these turn into tiny raging rivers and carry the water straight through campus without harming any of the structures or students. The campus has been specifically designed to handle the varieties of climate that this gorgeous environment displays.

An example of the climate’s variety is shown below, this image is of the local Thumb Butte Landmark in Prescott AZ. The picture was taken just as a monsoon was rolling into the area.

Thumb Butte Monsoon

An example of how most Arizona institutions handle the weather is also included below:

Bridge over Rocky Monsoon Canal on Campus

Whether you enjoy a rainy summer or not I highly encourage potential students to make at least two visits to the campus in different seasons so that they can at least experience some of the various weather that is common in Prescott Arizona. As my summer here continues I will update you on the ways I employ to combat the weather and also the fun that results from living in this beautiful and diverse area 🙂

Freshmen Year in A Bottle

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Adam

Hey there reader, if you are an incoming freshmen or just curious what college life is about as a freshman, you are in luck. Throughout this blog i will go over the entirety of my freshmen year, tips and more.

So if you do not know so far I am a freshmen currently attending Embry-Riddle in Prescott, Az. I am involved in Air Force ROTC and hope to fly some day soon. First i will go over some FAQ and need to know stuff.

FAQ:

Q: Is college difficult? A: Yes & no. The biggest thing i see an issue with is time management, revolving your life around classes and study time. The first year is almost always set at a good pace for a freshmen to begin learning and taking on responsibilities, But it is still just as easy to be lazy.

Q: Do you have enough spare time? A: Yes, as a normal college student i have plenty of time, all most too much…that is as a freshmen so far…but I am involved in AFROTC, honor guard and have an on campus job. Yet i still manage to go to the gym and have a life.

Q: Should I worry about an internship as a freshmen? A: No, about your sophomore/junior year you should look into them.

Q: How is having a roommate? A: Awesome and sometimes irritating. Having a roommate is great, My roommate and I are now pretty close friends. But i have to say, after a whole year you really start to appreciate having a room to yourself.

Q: What Should I Bring to college? A: Necessities! The biggest pain I have right now is packing to go home because I brought to much stuff that I didn’t use.

I hope those Helped, if you have more feel free to ask.

One thing most people do not realize is the resources they have. Utilize them, things like the main office, admissions office, an RA, neighbors and your professors are there for you.

Now freshmen year was great, i have a lot of great memories from it. From Air Force ROTC events to meeting awesome new people and clubs. I definitely feel like i made the right choice coming to Embry-Riddle Prescott campus to start my career as an engineer, especially with the best Air force Det. in the U.S. I couldn’t have made a better choice.

From the late night study sessions to the late night kick backs, and the early morning PT

sessions to the finals, the years go by pretty quick so hopefully you too can make a good choice and start a great career.

Thanks for reading.

Eagle Cards…What are those??!!

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Cherie

So today I have picked a rather interesting topic to discuss with y’all, I’m sure most of our readers have heard us mention an Eagle card at some point or another and your curious about what we are referring to. Well, the Eagle card is an ID card and somewhat of a Debit card. It can be used to gain access to the dining hall, recreation facilities, and to do your laundry or buy some extra food. As i mentioned earlier it is also a way for the university to confirm your identity as a student.

The typical Eagle Card looks like this:

As a debit card it can hold three types of funds, Eagle Dollars, Dining Dollars, and Flight Dollars.

Eagle Dollars is money that you put onto the card. They can be used for buying snacks (when your dining dollars run out), doing laundry, sending mail, and in the campus copy center. There are two ways to get money on your card, put on yourself via blackboard or visit the eagle card office and they will assist you in manually putting money onto te card.

Dining Dollars are awesome, you will come to love them. Basically, its money that your meal plan gives you to spend on items that the dining hall, simply to go, WOW, and the Scholars Cafe sell. It is additional to your meal plan and can be used for items that the dining services don’t usually serve to students but offers in there convenience sales stock. For example, you want some candy to eat while seeing a movie, you can use your dinning dollars to purchase some 🙂

Candy Anyone?

A note about these though: you are only given a certain amount each semester anything you spend above that limit comes straight from your own pocket!!

Flight Dollars are a fund that you can use at the Flight line, you have to put this money onto your card just like you would with Eagle Dollars. I’m not entirely sure about the other details of the Flight Dollars so if you have any questions go ask Jason or Maddie, my fellow bloggers and student fliers!!!

Thanks for reading 🙂

Preparing for Finals

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Adam

So the end is near and final exams are approaching, its crunch time. Preparing for finals, is every college kids dread. There are good habits and bad habits that you may develop for studying. I will go over a few tips to avoid the bad habits. And some ways to keep yourself relaxed because the last thing you need to do is be stressed out. Here at Embry-Riddle Prescott campus there is plenty of tutoring available for all subjects personally i appreciate the small class size here.

So the end is near and final exams are approaching quickly. The stress is really hitting and its time to study. Some of the best ways to study are up to you’re personal preference but there are better ways to go abut it then others. All teachers are different so studying by doing practice problems and looking over previous test/quizzes, for classes such as physics and math, are a great way to understand how the teacher would like you to approach the problem. Also understanding the terms or ideas behind formulas is a great way to comprehend such problems.

Classes such as English and history are much different, but again looking over homework, quizzes and tests are great ways to prepare for these tests. If you want an insight on anything, going to tutoring and talking to previous students of a particular class or just talking to the teacher is a great idea. Understanding and comprehending what you are doing in class is the best way to do well on tests especially finals, that leaves less work for you to do in the end.

Using your resources is important to getting insights on a class or a future class, or time management.

Personally loosing motivation will happen, and one of the most important ways to do well in school is by staying motivated. Going out with friends and keeping up with hobbies is a personal favorite. Any way to stay active and healthy will also help. In Prescott, AZ there are plenty of outdoor activities, from intercollegiate sports to camping the movie theater.

The big idea is to get your mind off of school and whatever worries you have on weekends or when you have the time to, i speak this from personal experiences.

As long as you can remember to stay focused when you need to, you can survive.

Thanks for reading, hope it was a help.

Dining Options at Riddle

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Cherie

Hey there everybody. At our Preview day I heard a ton of questions about what Embry Riddle Prescott has to offer in the way of dining options for on campus students so I just thought it would be nice to discuss each one of these options with you!!

The Prescott campus has four dining options, the largest is Earharts Dining Hall, and then there’s, World of Wings (WOW), The Scholars Cafe, and finally a convenience store called Simply To Go. Ill talk about each one of these separately so you can get a better idea of what Prescott has to offer.

Earharts- The biggest dining facility on campus it is open all day until 9pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends. Earharts serves, vegan, vegetarian, and meatlovers as well as gluten free, soy, and low fat options. Earharts is the best place to go in order to get some variety in your food choices and also to satisfy any dining limitations you might have.

They will also allow you to take food out in Recyclable boxes so that you can store food in the refrigerator that is provided for you in the dorms. Seating in Earharts is never lacking as well, there are high barstool type tables, booths, outdoor dining patios, group dining and single dining accommodations.

If you should ever need any other special accomadations while dining at Earharts then tthe staff will promptly help you out. They are all very friendly and efficent, several of them are even college students at Riddle!

World of Wings- Everyone on campus calls the WOW, they are a more fast food style resutrant which serves food to order. They will most commonly have soup, fried chicken, chicken wings, wraps, hamburgers, salads, and a few interesting specials from time to time.

My personal favorites are the fried chicken tenders, hamburgers, and salads. They are excellent!!! WOW is a great option and it is open during the same hours as the dining hall, so if you want to change up your eating habits stop on by WOW for some good food!

The Scholars Cafe- This is located in the library and easily visible as you come in through the doors. The cafe serves Starbucks coffee and pastries during normal bushiness hours, the ladies who work there are really sweet and can make a killer Caramel Macchiato 🙂

They offer black coffee, fraps, Chai Tea, regular tea, specialty coffee drinks, and soy substitutions. The pastries they have are really delicious as well; these are scones, muffins, cookies, brownies, and dessert bars.

In another case they offer additional drinks and food to purchase such as sandwiches, salads, breakfast burritos, fruit and vegetables, energy drinks, bottled water, juices, and milk. I love the service that they provide, especially because it is located in the library for when we are up late doing our studies!

Simply To Go- A convenience store style arrangement, this allows you to use your dining dollars ($ that is on your Eagle card, you have a certain amount each semester that the school gives you to buy additional food).

In the store they offer breakfast foods, icecreams, energy drinks, protein bars, chips, drinks, shampoo, etc etc. So basically anything you could ever need when you are stuck on campus and don’t have a ride to go to walmart with.

Another really fun fact before I begin is that your Eagle Dollars (on your Eagle Card) can transfer to numerous restaurants in the town of Prescott so if you need to get off campus but don’t have any cash then utilize this awesome perk!!

Whatever your preferences are for dining Embry Riddle Prescott can take care of you!! We look forward to seeing you here on campus and we hope you will enjoy trying out our dining facilities.