The End to an Incredible Chapter

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Jeffery

4 and a half years ago I took my first steps onto the campus of Embry-Riddle as a confused, excited, optimistic, and scared freshman. How would I fit in here? How am I going to survive without my parents? What would I do during my free time? What would I do without my high school friends? There were so many thoughts racing through my head that day. This was a huge first step for me. I left New Orleans, LA to follow my dreams of becoming an airline pilot one day. Fast forward to today (December 19, 2016) and boy have things changed since that exciting first day on August 20, 2012. I am now at the very end of my journey here. Another chapter in the story has been completed. Looking at myself in the mirror now I can’t even see that 18-year old freshman anymore. I was just a kid when I started here. I am now at the very early stages of my adulthood and I see things completely different at this stage of my life compared to then. It’s crazy to see just how much I’ve grown in the last 4 and a half years.

People always tell you that college is going to be one of the best times of your life. I didn’t quite believe that statement. Why you ask? Well to me I couldn’t imagine how all-nighters, stress-infused days worrying about grades, assignments, work, and bills would be one of the best times of my life. However, now as I look back at the journey that I have had at Riddle I can definitely say without a doubt that my time here has been not “one of” but “the” best time of my life. Prescott, Arizona has truly become my home and the friends that I have met here are no longer just friends; they are truly my family. Riddle has a great way of molding you into the person you were destined to become through the many challenges the curriculum places on you while you try to navigate through adulthood. If I had a dollar for every time I said I was ready to quit I would be on Forbes top billionaires list. As I begin walking back down memory lane, images of a solo flight direct from KPRC (Prescott) to Kingman and Lake Havasu and back to Prescott, experiencing the state of Arizona from a vantage point of about 10,000’ or more; taking in breath taking views of the red rocks of Sedona, the majestic snow covered San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, the city lights of Phoenix as they open up in the distance as we go from Arizona’s high country to the valley, traveling to 7 different beautiful life changing countries through study abroad programs, working in Embry-Riddles admissions department, administering tours as a campus ambassador to prospective students and their families just to name a few. With every great memory comes amazing people to share them with. My time here at riddle has also provided me with the great pleasure of meeting my “squad!” The most memorable experience that I’ve had here is having the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people known to mankind. Ok, that may be a bit dramatic but honestly this experience wouldn’t be nothing without the people that have been by my side from the very beginning. They have been the ones to take me to the ER at crazy hours of the night when I got sick. They are the ones that stayed up with me for hours helping me with an assignment that I chose to procrastinate on and waited the night before to finish. These are the people who put up with my craziness when even I lost patience with myself. They are the ones I’ve spent every long, drawn out, hot, and boring Prescott summers with and made it some of my most memorable summer breaks. They are the ones who invited me to their homes all across the United States for holiday breaks when it was too expensive for me to travel back home. They are the ones who most importantly have been there to hold me during some of life’s most challenging moments. They are the ones who have been their to wipe away my tears and help me back to my feet through some very challenging breakups. Embry-Riddle for me has been so much more than an Aeronautical University that has served as a pillar for my academic and professional success but it has become the foundation to my adulthood that has provided me a journey that I will forever remember.

As I begin flight planning for the next chapter in my life, I look back at ERAU in the rearview of my car. As I drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor to board a flight to Berlin, Germany I see all the memories flash through my head. It is a bittersweet feeling leaving behind the place that helped raise me into the person that looks back at me when I look in the mirror. Prescott, Arizona will always hold a special place in my heart because it has shown me the time of my life. Tears fill my eyes as riddle fades further and further into the distance, and I see the impeccably beautiful Arizona sunset fall beneath Granite Mountain as the city of Prescott begins to slowly quiet down reminding me exactly how and why

4 and a half years ago I walked onto the campus of Embry-Riddle a confused, excited, optimistic, and scared freshman. How would I fit in here? How am I going to survive without my parents? What would I do during my free time? What would I do without my high school friends? There were so many thoughts racing through my head that day. This was a huge first step for me. I left New Orleans, LA to follow my dreams of becoming an airline pilot one day. Fast forward to today (December 19, 2016) and boy have things changed since that exciting first day on August 20, 2012. I am now at the very end of my journey here. Another chapter in the story has been completed. Looking at myself in the mirror now I can’t even see that 18-year old freshman. I was just a kid when I started here. I am now at the very early stages of my adulthood now and I see things completely different now. It’s crazy to see just how much I’ve grown in the last 4 and a half years.

People always tell you that college is one of the best times of your life. I didn’t quite believe that statement. Why you ask? Well to me I couldn’t imagine how all-nighters, stress-infused days worrying about grades, assignments, work, and bills would be one of the best times of my life. However, now as I look back at the journey that I have had at Riddle I can definitely say without a doubt that my time here has been not “one of” but “the” best time of my life. Prescott, Arizona has truly become my home and the friends that I have met here are no longer just friends; they are truly my family. Riddle has a great way of molding you into the person you were destined to become through the many challenges the curriculum places on you while you try to navigate through adulthood. If I had a dollar for every time I said I was ready to quit I would be on Forbes top billionaires list. As I begin walking back down memory lane, images of a solo flight direct from KPRC (Prescott) to Kingman and Lake Havasu and back to Prescott, experiencing the state of Arizona from a vantage point of about 10,000’ or more; taking in breath taking views of the red rocks of Sedona, the majestic snow covered San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, the city lights of Phoenix as they open up in the distance as we go from Arizona’s high country to the valley, traveling to 7 different beautiful life changing countries through study abroad programs, working in Embry-Riddles admissions department, administering tours as a campus ambassador to prospective students and their families just to name a few. With every great memory comes amazing people to share them with. My time here at riddle has also provided me with the great pleasure of meeting my “squad!” The most memorable experience that I’ve had here is having the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people known to mankind. Ok, that may be a bit dramatic but honestly this experience wouldn’t be nothing without the people that have been by my side from the very beginning. They have been the ones to take me to the ER at crazy hours of the night when I got sick. They are the ones that stayed up with me for hours helping me with an assignment that I chose to procrastinate on and waited the night before to finish. These are the people who put up with my craziness when even I lost patience with myself. They are the ones I’ve spent every long, drawn out, hot, and boring Prescott summers with and made it some of my most memorable summer breaks. They are the ones who invited me to their homes all across the United States for holiday breaks when it was too expensive for me to travel back home. They are the ones who most importantly have been there to hold me during some of life’s most challenging moments. They are the ones who have been their wipe away my tears and help me back to my feet for very challenging breakups. Embry-Riddle for me has been so much more than an Aeronautical University that has served as a pillar for my academic and professional success but it has become the foundation to my adulthood that has provided me a journey that I will forever remember.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that an airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” -Henry Ford

Thanksgiving 1，354 miles from home

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Megan

Happy Holidays! Since Thanksgiving just past, and more holidays are quickly approaching, I thought I would talk about spending my second Thanksgiving 1,354 miles from home. Let me start-off by saying it is not as bad as you might think. Some people go home, some go to friends houses, and other stay out with friends, but a lot of people decide to stay in town because the break is short.

Last year for Thanksgiving, some of my friends who stayed in Prescott and I went to my grandparents in Tucson. This year my friends who stayed in town and I had a Friendsgiving. At Friendsgiving, we made dinner, played some games, laid on the floor, and fought like siblings. Just like any normal Thanksgiving. Eight of my closest friends gathered into a house and tried our hands at a family Thanksgiving (secret… it is harder than you think; thank your parents…ALOT!).

The day started with people in the kitchen while others watched the parade, then progressed into games around the appetizers, then dinner which made everyone so full they laid on the floor in a food coma, then we did dishes and had dessert.

Although it was not like Thanksgiving at home, it was one for the books. Our first Thanksgiving dinner made by ourselves, surrounded by people who love you, is one of the biggest blessings. So, if you are considering moving far away from home and know you won’t be able to go home for Thanksgiving, or other holidays, just know that you will not be alone. Other people will be in your boat and you will have friends to celebrate with. It makes a classic family holiday new again with a new family to celebrate with, many blessings to be thankful for, and possibly a new tradition formed.

College is what you make it, so make the most of it

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Megan

College looks different for everyone. Some people are at big schools others are at small, some are engineers while others are GSIS students, but we are all trying to optimize the time that we have in college. Whether we like it or not our undergraduate career is generally eight semesters, sometimes ten, but that is it, it basically boils down to 4-5 years. On the outside looking in, it seems like a long time, a lot of tests, and studying, and it is, but it is also so much more. College is a time to be yourself, grow, find out what you want to do with your life, and make it your own. School will always come first but college is much more than the lessons you learn in a fifty-minute class or on a homework assignment. It’s about the roommate conflicts, the late night coffee runs, and the spontaneous adventures to the dells at one in the morning. The long talks with new friends and letting go of old ones, learning to do your own laundry and time management, and everything in-between. But that is the beauty of it.

For me college is…

Friends who will always study with me

School spirit

Giving back

Adventure

Late night Walmart adventures

Early morning coffee runs

Longing to see friends back home while creating lifelong relationships here

Exploring the glorious world, we live in

And finding out what truly makes me happy

… What does college mean to you? And how are you/ will you make the most out of the short time you have here?

Study Places Anyone?

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Megan

Can you believe week six of school is already coming to a close? It seems like just yesterday freshman were moving in and it was syllabus week. Currently we are in the middle of mid-terms and it is a stressful time on campus. People are rushing about from class to class, studying, and working on those projects that are due in the coming weeks. But that is okay, there is only a week left in mid-term season and life on campus will be back to normal.

All the hours studying this semester have made me think about my three favorite places to study on campus, and I thought I would share them with you!

The Library study carols. You can find these on the bottom floor of the library in the very back. Usually you will find upperclassmen focusing on homework away from the world. This hidden gem has been relatively unfound by most of the campus, which adds to the beauty of it. PS. It’s the quietest place to study (don’t bring a friend or group to work with)

Upstairs in the Library: I am a person who does not like studying in my room, and the upstairs of the library is filled with desks and computers (even white board desks that have been a lifesaver while studying Mandarin this year). You will always find friends up there, which is fun. It has a tendency of getting loud and a tad distracting, but it has a great view of campus, which is a plus. PS. Bring headphones

GSIS Building: There is a lounge in the GSIS building with couches and tables for students to relax and study at. It is one of the newer buildings on campus and is normally pretty quit during the day (except when classes are transitioning). Perfect if you want to be left alone to study or do homework.

Everyone I have talked to has different places they prefer to study but these are my top picks. Hope these help you find your quiet place to study, and ace your mid-terms. I wish everyone brains as they continue through mid-term season, it will be over soon!

My Internship at McCarran International Airport

Posted on September 16, 2016 by #ERAUPrescott

by guest blogger Gleb A. Liashedko, Sophomore (class of 2019)
Aviation Business Administration (minor in Industrial Organizational Psychology)

This summer I interned at McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS is the 8th busiest airport in the nation and is the hub into Las Vegas. I was hired on as a “Management Intern” for the airport. My supervisor was the Assistant Director of Aviation for Airside Operations.

This experience has been an incredible look into the “behind the scenes of an airport.” Throughout the summer, I had a unique opportunity to shadow most of airport divisions. Every week was a different department and a different shift. My favorite divisions were: Airport Operations Coordinators, the Airport Control Center as well as LAS Ramp Control.

In addition to shadowing airport divisions, I also did a few projects for the airport:
• Holding Pads Refurbishment Project – I connected the resources together to come up with a plan on how the airport plans to replace asphalt holding pads to concrete. In the end made a presentation and timeline for the FAA, Airport Operations Coordinators, Airfield Maintenance as well as the contractors involved.
• Everbridge presentation to the airport director – Researched a new program that the Airport Control Center wants to utilize for their mass notification communication and created a presentation that was presented to the airport director.
• Assisted in the implementation of the airport-wide survey for nearly 1,400 employees. Also participated in physically conducing the survey.
• Conducted a Ramp Control Efficiency Study for the airport which provided written recommendations for the FAA as well as LAS Ramp Control to improve operations. Provided statistical data of the ramp control efficiency. Conducted this study with my Intern counterpart Adin Herzog.

How did I get selected?
I heard about the opportunity from Dr. Greenman from the Business Department. After I submitted my application, LAS immediately reached out to me to schedule an interview. I reached out to the Career Services (Judy Segner) who critiqued my resume and gave me great advice for the interview. The interview was conducted via Facetime. Interview went very well especially because two Embry-Riddle alumni were on the interview committee.

Did I apply any learning from ERAU?
There were a few moments during the summer where I thought to myself “Oh, I wish I would have paid more attention to this particular topic in class.” Every single class that I took my freshmen year had been applicable to the work that I did—especially excel. If I can recommend something for future interns,k it’s pay attention in your excel class, you’re going to use it one way or another.

I was able to apply my research skills on a few projects throughout the semester. The biggest project of the summer had been the McCarran International Airport Ramp Control Efficiency Study. I conducted the study with my intern counter-part Adin Herzog. I had the ability to interview personnel, collect data and provide recommendations to the airport from the conclusion of the report.

What was the best part?
Having the ability to shadow every division of the airport and get real hands on experience. From driving on the runway during rush hour at nation’s 8th busiest airport to painting taxiway lines at 4am in the morning to giving aircraft pushback and taxi instructions from Ramp Control Tower.

What surprised me?
There were a lot of things that surprised me during my experience. Seeing behind, the scenes of an airport is a very rare opportunity. What surprised me the most is the airport culture. It’s like one big family. Everyone takes care of each other. A good example of this was on my birthday this summer. The supervisors/managers of the division I was with (Airside Operations) had called an important afternoon meeting. Because of the urgency that was emphasized, I hurried to the meeting with my notepad and pen. As I walk into the meeting, the entire room starts singing the Happy Birthday song to me. I was really happily shocked by this. After they were done singing, the Airfield Manager said: “Gleb, our only agenda item for today is your birthday and the ice cream cake!” This was really touching moment. How the people that I’ve known for such a short time went out of their way to get me a custom cake and arrange this little meeting just for me.

How does having an internship enhance my college experience?
Since coming back to school, I am now paying attention more to what my professors are teaching. If the professor says that you will use the learning obtained in class in the industry, I guarantee you will! I can also relate many of the things I learned back into the classroom. Time management, deadlines as well as peer interactions are some of the things which are important both in school and in the workplace. You must be able to work in a team while taking an initiative to go above and beyond with your work. Meeting deadlines is huge, especially when time is money.

As I start my sophomore year of college I can appreciate the learning in the classroom. I know that at some point in my career, the things that I will learn in the classroom (event little things) will be applicable to what happens in the workplace.

This has truly been an incredible experience. I would choose this over summer fun in a heartbeat. Definitely one of the best summers yet.

Internship at Garmin

Posted on September 15, 2016 by #ERAUPrescott

by guest blogger Ryan Bishop, Senior in Engineering

“Hardware eventually breaks. Software eventually works.”

Many analogies can be drawn from the above quote, but I would like to describe what it means to me. I have spent seven out of the last thirteen years trying to improve my software before the hardware broke. A blue-collar worker sells his physical body a little at a time, while a white-collar engineer sells his knowledge. Having knowledge and experience in both fields now, I have a new respect for engineers and a new drive for my future. I have learned that engineering is much more about how you think than anything learned in the classroom.
As of the beginning of this internship at Garmin, it was my objective to understand the certification process, and the internal processes and programs used at Garmin AT. While the process to certify a product for aviation use is rather simple, the act of gaining the data to support certification claims is a complex process that necessitates a department of 40+ engineers to gain and maintain certification. This is an internal process up to the point of FAA demonstration that requires many tools to remain organized. To track the revision of documents, I had to learn and utilize StarTeam, then do the same with Requiem, as Garmin changed programs during my stay. Issues found during testing were logged in Aviation JIRA, a network-based program that allows for categorization, assignment, and tracking of workflow. In an effort to share the tribal knowledge among its employees, Garmin uses a wiki page, Confluence. Meetings occur on a regular basis to discuss, categorize, and assign tasks, at both high and low levels.
The culture and community is unlike any company I’ve worked for. It is very apparent that Garmin values its employees for much more than just their productivity. Office life is very lax, but also considerate and respectful. There is little daily oversight or feedback, but rather a quiet expectation to accomplish tasks efficiently and in harmony with those you work with for a given project. Although I was an hourly employee, my schedule was up to me. I was not expected to work any number of hours, as long as my work was completed on time. I did have bi-weekly meetings with my mentor to monitor progress and ensure that I was getting the most of my internship.
Beyond the technical knowledge and skills I gained at Garmin, I also learned many things about myself and my place in the engineering workplace. As an aircraft mechanic, I was not very involved in avionics and I never became a pilot. I felt so very out of place working at an avionics giant. Although we all love airplanes, we speak in different terms. From this I’ve learned that specialization is key. We also speak at much different volumes. I am loud, in more ways than one and I know this. From this I’ve learned that if you’re going to be loud, try to do so outside of the visual and audible spectrum, or at least make it of pleasant tone and color. It was a very valuable experience for me and I have a direction for my future.

Making Graphene Composites Thanks to URI

Posted on September 13, 2016 by #ERAUPrescott

I’m Trupti Mahendrakar from Bangalore, India. Exploring and innovating is my passion. I joined Riddle in Fall 2015. Since then till now, I was encouraged and motivated to do what I like. Professor’s here are so helpful. The entire institution makes me feel at home. My first semester here, I came up with an idea of making Graphene based composites. Later, I got to know that the University encourages and funds student researches through Ignite or Undergraduate Research Institute (URI). All I had to do was to find a Professor who can help me with my project and find a group of people who are interested. Thus, I started Alternate Composite Team (ACT).

Here’s a little information about Graphene. It is a new material discovered in 2004. It is known for its extraordinary chemical and physical properties. Also, it is an allotrope of carbon. Embry-Riddle made is possible for me to work on this amazing material and pursue my goal in making graphene based composites for aircrafts and rockets. To know more about my project, feel free to email me at mahendrt@my.erau.edu

Here are some pictures of me and my team working. It may not look fun but remember “Appearance can be deceptive.” So come on over and try it yourself.

Engineering skills!

Final product of the first part of ACT

So Long!!!!

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Cherie

I am officially signing off for good. It has been an awesome four years blogging for all of our readers out there but, its time to go!! I am happy to say that I have a job now, in the “real world” as the professors at ERAU like to call it.

As some of you know from my previous blogs I got my job through AFROTC, which I was involved in over the last 4 years at Riddle. It is a great program and if you are willing to give it a shot you can learn a lot about yourself while securing a future position in the Air Force. Not everyone makes it through but, boy does it feel good if you are one of the lucky ones who does!

With that said, Thanks again to everyone who read my blog, and to the amazing staff who help us bloggers post our stuff online! Now I get to go somewhere cool to do something fun!!!!! Bye 🙂 🙂

My Summer

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Carlos

Summer is a great time where free time is not scarce. However if you don’t plan it well it can become really boring after a couple of weeks.

My summer started in May right after I finished my hardest test, Themes and Humanities. An English class can be quite challenging. That day I came straight home and I fell sleep for about 12 hours until the next day. Some people go out dinner, others go out to party, others start driving back home, I just wanted to sleep. I was exhausted.

There were no classes, wrestling training ended, and no more waking up at 6 am almost every day! The release of pressure felt weird the first week, it felt almost like when buying a new pair of shoes. Soon, I realized that I didn’t know what to do with all the free time I had so, I called my parents looking for advice (I didn’t ask but I implied). “So, mom,” I said. “What are you and my dad going to do this Sunday?” She replied, “I don’t know son but we are going to find something to do that we love.” Wooo, it was mind blowing. Apparently, because I was so focused at school I had lost track of what I love to do. (It was kinda scary when it was hard to remember what I love to do)…

The following week I started getting back on what I love to do. For the first 4 weeks of summer I spent all my time reading, fishing, hiking, sleeping, going to the movies, morning runs, coming back to friends…

I was busy to hanging out, going to the lake to do nothing other than lay down at the shore, and I started playing chess again at the Prescott Public Library (By the way, those elder men know how play chess, I didn’t win one single game.) —-The remaining 2 months is a story for another time.

I realize that having fun and doing what you love is as important as getting good grades. I started thinking “How I could stop doing what I love to do?” I came to conclusion that there has to be a balance between college and time for yourself and this year as a sophomore, I am going to find this balance.

Move In Day = The First Step

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Megan

And just like that it is August, school starts in a little over a week, and freshman move in tomorrow! I remember move in day last year. Getting up before sunrise, flying down to Prescott, enduring a nerve wracking car ride from Phoenix, and being completely surprised when I was welcomed to campus with open arms from admissions, housing, and my suite-mates. This is an exciting time of year with so much change ahead and many firsts. Your first time moving away from home, your first time being responsible for yourself, and your first time living with roommates (that are not related to you). All these first can be overwhelming, exhilarating, and growing. I am pleased to say that your first, first starts tomorrow. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new adventure and I am so happy for you all.

With your adventure starting and your first, first in less than twenty-four hours I have some advice being a returning student who is excited for my second year of new experiences.

Everyone is nervous

We all start out knowing pretty much no one. Everyone is looking for someone to eat dinner with, hang out with, and walk to the Activity Center with. So step out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with a stranger, who knows that person might end up being your best friends

Breathe

Between all the people around, the excitement, and your long to do list, move in day can be stressful. However, enjoy the day. Spend time with your family before they leave. Get things that you know you will need like shampoo and conditioner, and really set up your life. Because once orientation starts you will be hitting the ground running with activities and classes soon to follow

Go to the orientation events

Some orientation events are mandatory while some are optional, but seriously go. One, it gets you out of your room, and two, you start talking to your classmates and get to know the campus. We are all a family here at Riddle and the people you meet at orientation you will see around campus and it’s fun to see a friendly face on the first day of class. And most of all they are funny bonding experiences!

If you have any questions ask your RA

Your RA (resident assistant) is here to help you. This year I will be an RA in Mingus (Hall 3 Floor 3, come say hi!) and I, as well as the other RAs on campus, truly want to be able to help the incoming students with any questions they might have. Whether that is “where is the dining hall,” “can I get my bed lowered,” or “am I allowed to have this.” It is much better to ask questions now then be confused for the time to come. There are no stupid questions!

Enjoy the day!

This one relates to point 2. You only have one freshman move in. So enjoy the little things. Enjoy the people jumping up to help you move your boxes up the stairs, how your parents want to make your room all nice, and how there is a buzz of excitement in the air. Move in day is like no other, and it is an experience you will remember forever.

I am very excited for you all to have your first, first as a college freshman. This year is going to be a wild ride, so hold on tight, run full steam ahead, and embrace everything that comes at you!