Summer Issue 2025

Letter from the Editor Dear Eagles, Editor-in-Chief

Emilee Imler

Managing Editor

Dominic Popolo

Business Manager

Kaden McVerry

Design Editor

Grace Hamilton

News Editor

Samantha Garcia

Photo Editor

Brandon Badraoui

avioneditor@erau.edu

avionmanaging@erau.edu

avionbusiness@erau.edu

avioneditor@erau.edu

avionnews@erau.edu

avionphoto@erau.edu

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Contributors & Page Editors Akie Oleszewski Andrew Comparetta Andrew Zubyk Brandon Badraoui Brianne Weathers Dominic Popolo Emilee Imler Grace Hamilton

Horace Huntsberry Kaden McVerry Lucy Jeffreys Rui Harrison Samantha Garcia Dr. Szathmary TNG Exec Board WIKD Exec Board

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advisor

Indira Diaz Associate Director of Student Government

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SGA Executive Board President

Ander Turueno Garcia

Vice President

Giovanni Zayas

Treasurer

Marcus Lopez

Chief Justice

Ryan Croasdell

EIC, The Avion

Emilee Imler

GM, WIKD 102.5

Nathaniel Wrobel

Chairperson, TNG

Sabrina Osick

sgapres@erau.edu sgavpres@erau.edu sgatres@erau.edu sgachfj@erau.edu avioneditor@erau.edu dbgmwikd@erau.edu dbtngchr@erau.edu

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Want to see more from The Avion or learn more about our services we provide to all students? Scan the QR Code and visit our website!

PAGE 2 | CONTRIBUTORS

Welcome to The Avion! For those of you who may not know us, we’re a proud division of the SGA and have been serving the Embry-Riddle community as a fully student-run, accredited news source since 1969.

My name is Emilee Imler, and I’m honored to serve as this year’s Editor-in-Chief. I’m a senior from Virginia studying mechanical engineering with a focus in biomedical systems. I joined The Avion two years ago as distribution manager, then served as business manager, and now have the privilege of leading this incredible team.

When I first came to ERAU, I struggled to find a place where I truly felt I belonged. Joining The Avion changed that. Since becoming a part of this organization, I’ve had the chance to interview NASA astronauts and university leaders. I’ve sat trackside at the Rolex 24 as a photographer with friends, walked the streets of New Orleans with fellow Avion members, and celebrated alongside them as we brought home three national awards. I’ve captured air shows, promo shoots, and moments I’ll never forget. However above all, I’ve found a supportive community and lifelong friendships that have shaped my college experience.

Whether this is your first time picking up The Avion or you’re a longtime reader, I hope you enjoy this issue and find something new or meaningful within its pages.

Have a safe and happy rest of your summer, Eagles! I can’t wait to see everyone back on campus soon.

With pride, Emilee Imler Editor-in-Chief, The Avion

FEATURES 07

ORIENTATION TEAM

12

EPIC UNIVERSE

20

INTERNSHIPS

See all the preparations that are underway as Orientation Team gears up for another amazing Fall Orientation.

Get a first look at the Orlando-area’s newest theme park, fearuring five themed lands to classic characters you know and love.

Learn about some of the amazing internship journies our very own Avion staff are embarking on this summer.

FRONT COVER: Emilee Imler @emileeimlerphoto

BACK COVER: Emilee Imler @emileeimlerphoto

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 within 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 magazine 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.

FEATURES | PAGE 3

CURRENT CURRENTEVENTS EVENTS

WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST The conflict between Israel and Iran reached a boiling point in mid-June after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States attacked the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites in Iran on June 21. This attack came just days after Trump had said he would decide whether to intervene in the conflict “within the next two weeks” in hopes that diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program would continue. Just days later, on June 23, President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Truth Social, stating that it was the end to what he called the “12 DAY WAR”. As of this writing, the ceasefire remains in effect between the two countries.

THE WHITE HOUSE

RECORD HEAT ACROSS THE COUNTRY A heatwave that shattered records and brought heat indexes into the triple digits for much of the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast occurred between June 23 and June 27, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Watches, and Extreme Heat Warnings for the affected areas. This heat, caused by a strong upperlevel ridge, affected approximately 160 million people, according to the National Weather Service. This heatwave comes after nearly 600 National Weather Service employees were laid off in federal workforce cuts earlier this year, according to The New York Times.

PAGE 4 | CURRENT EVENTS

NOAA/NWS

WORDS and DESIGN: DOMINIC POPOLO/ Managing Editor

TRUMP AND MUSK FEUD Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who had served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), departed from the Trump Administration after a disagreement over the President’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the House of Representatives on May 22. Musk characterized the bill as a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill [which] is a disgusting abomination.” Musk continued to attack the President on X, with one post claiming that Trump “is in the Epstein files.” This dispute led to Trump threatening to terminate Musk’s government contracts. The feud between the two eventually ended, with Musk posting that some of his posts about the President “went too far” and deleting them.

THE WHITE HOUSE

MINNESOTA LAWMAKER SHOOTINGS Former Democratic Minnesota State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed in their home early June 14 in what Gov. Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination.”

Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their home a combined 17 times, according to The BBC. The suspect in the shootings, Vance Boelter, was arrested by law enforcement after a two-day search and has been charged at both the federal and state levels for the shootings. At the time of this writing, Sen. Hoffman was still recovering in the hospital in stable condition, while Mrs. Hoffman had been released, according to a statement from the family. Hortman and her husband laid in state at the State Capitol on June 27 before a private funeral ceremony.

MN HOUSE OF REPS

MN STATE SENATE

CURRENT EVENTS | PAGE 5

Meet the Executive Board Name: Emilee Imler

Name: Dominic Popolo

Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA

Hometown: Warren, NJ Major: Communications/ Broadcast Meteorology

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Emergency Management

Year: Senior

Editor-In-Chief

About Me: I love coffee!

If you do too (or just need a quick break), The Avion office in the SLS is always open!

Year: Junior Managing Editor

Name: Grace Hamilton

Name: Samantha Garcia

Hometown: Pensacola, FL

Hometown: Staten Island, NY

Major: Aerospace and Occupational Safety

Design Editor

Photo Editor 6 |EXEC BOARD

About Me: I love reality tv, feel free to stop by the office to talk about it!!!

Major: Communications

Minors: Aeronautical Studies, Human Factors, and Aviation Law

Minor: Entrepreneurship

Year: Senior

About me: I’m a Graphic Design Intern at West Volusia Beacon Newspaper!

About me: I love graphic design and I’m excited to bring a fresh look to The Avion and grow our style.

Year: Senior

News Editor

Name: Brandon Badraoui

Name: Kaden McVerry

Hometown: Ormond Beach, FL

Hometown: Pinehurst, NC

Major: Software Engineering

Major: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Year: Junior

Year: Sophomore

About Me: I currently work as a professional motorsports photographer with INDYCAR and IMSA racing series.

About me: I run a drone services business in which I conduct aerial photography, videography, and inspections.

Business Manager

The Mighty Mighty O-Team WORDS and DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor

LUCY JEFFREYS

W

hen you first move to campus there are so many emotions flying around. It’s a time full of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and maybe a little bit of anxiety.

Those first few days of getting settled, finding your room, meeting your roommates, and figuring out how to use your meal plans can seem like a lot.

But thankfully there is a team of students ready to help you. These dancing and chanting eagles are known as your ERAU Orientation Team.

This team of students is here to help make the transition into college a breeze and get you the help you need. The O-Team ambassadors are the first set of smiling and welcoming faces you see as you drive through the check in during the morning or walk into the union in the afternoon. During the first week of college the team helps put on and manage a series of events to help you meet and engage with fellow new students. There will be options available for those who want a quieter environment and those who want to be all in the social circle.

Lucy Jefferys, one of the four Orientation Team Specialists, is helping run the summer orientations with a few ambassadors who are still in town for the summer. As Lucy summed up the Summer A orientation, she concluded that, “Summer A orientation went well! Although it is usually one of our slower and more laid-back orientations, we still had so much fun introducing new students to our wonderful campus. It was also a super good opportunity to get to bond as a team. I am so excited to keep making bonds with my fellow o-teamers this upcoming fall orientation and I hope to make things fun for everyone! It’s my last year working the ERAU Orientation Team and I can already tell that it is going to be the most memorable year yet.”

at Embry-Riddle. Before you know it, the eagletastic check-in and orientation week will be here.

Both captains for this year’s Orientation Team are excited for what’s to come. Ally Ramey, a co-captain, is “extremely excited to welcome the incoming class of 2029!

Our team has been diligently training and working hard to make this Orientation Week the best one yet. We are getting ready to look to the sky and see our new freshman fly.”

Alongside he Eeman Abid, our other co-captain, regarded that , “Orientation week is always such a great time. We have students coming from all over the world to begin their academic journeys and take a step into the world of aviation and aerospace. We are so incredibly excited for Fall and cannot wait to meet the Class of 2029!”

As the Orientation Team gears up for a week of excitement, start packing your bags and snacks because the start of fall semester is only 10 weeks away!

The Orientation Team is busy preparing for Fall Orientation and is excited to help the next group of future eagles feel at home O-TEAM | PAGE 7

POCONO L

ONG POND, Pa. — Tucked into the hills of central Pennsylvania lies the storied, three-turn Pocono Raceway, a uniquely shaped track that presents distinct challenges to drivers who tackle the famed “Tricky Triangle.”

went on to win the stage, while drivers like Brad Keselowski and Carson Hocevar pitted before the stage’s conclusion, shuffling the front of the field heading into Stage 2.

Keselowski led the field to green to begin Stage 2, while Hamlin restarted 10th following Among the major pit stops. The greenstorylines entering the flag run was short-lived, Great American 400 was however, as Riley Herbst Denny Hamlin’s return to brought out the caution competition after missing after blowing a tire and the Mexico City race hitting the wall in Turn 1. for the birth of his son.

The time off didn’t slow On the restart, Keselowski Hamlin, who earned the again paced the field, but pole for Sunday’s race in trouble quickly followed a triumphant comeback. when Bubba Wallace lost his brakes entering Persistent morning rain Turn 2. All three 23XI delayed the race by about Racing cars experienced two hours, but after the tire and brake issues cell dissipated and with throughout the day, with excellent work from the Tyler Reddick ultimately track crew, the green retiring to the garage flag waved at 4:30 p.m. during the second stage.

Starting from the pole, Hamlin dominated the first stage, with only minor pressure from outside front-row starter Chris Buescher. Hamlin

PAGE 8 | POCONO RACE

Keselowski’s day took a turn when he mistakenly entered a closed pit road, drawing a penalty and handing the lead to Alex

THE GREAT AMERICAN GETAWAY 400

PAGE BY: Andrew Comparetta / Staff Photographer

Bowman. Yet another roughly half a lap short. caution came at Lap 75, this time for Michael As Hamlin and Ryan McDowell, the third Blaney began closing in, it brake failure of the race. looked like Briscoe might come up just shy. But he A multi-car incident managed to stretch the fuel involving Kyle Busch, to the end, scoring his first Christopher Bell and career victory for Joe Gibbs others triggered one more Racing and clinching a spot caution before the end in the NASCAR Playoffs. of Stage 2. Chase Briscoe emerged as the stage “I think some of that winner amid the chaos. is probably why I’ve not savored the moment as The final stage went much, because I truthfully caution-free for its did not think I was going first half, with Briscoe to win,” Briscoe said maintaining the lead in his post-race press through a prolonged conference. “I’m still in green-flag run. Pit stops shock, truthfully. It’s still cycled through, and a bold not hit me just because I call by Keselowski briefly fully expected to run out of put him back out front. fuel. I didn’t know our fuel However, that strategy situation. I knew we were unraveled when Shane van probably going to be short.”

Gisbergen spun, bringing out a late-race caution.

The Great American 400 drew fans from across the On the final restart, Northeast, and NASCAR Briscoe regained the lead. delivered a memorable But his victory was far from show. With an electric certain. During his green- atmosphere and a thrilling flag stop, the crew hadn’t finish, racegoers were fueled the car long enough, treated to a phenomenal and crew chief James weekend of racing in Small calculated they were central Pennsylvania.

POCONO RACE | PAGE 9

New Federal Policies Affect Students WORDS & DESIGN: Emilee Imler / Editor-in-Chief

Federal Aid Overhaul: What Students Need to Know Annie Spratt/Unsplash

K E/Unsplash

Tensions Rise for International Students Under New Visa Rules

T

he Trump administration is pushing forward a sweeping reform of federal student aid programs through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” If passed, the bill would raise the annual credit requirement for aid from 24 to 30, meaning students would have to stay enrolled full-time or close to it to stay eligible. Part-time students or those balancing school with work or family responsibilities could lose access to grants they rely on.

The proposal also eliminates subsidized federal loans and Direct PLUS loans, both of which have been critical tools for low and middle-income families. Without them, many students might be forced to take out private loans with higher interest rates and fewer protections.

In addition, the bill replaces all current income-driven repayment plans with a single Repayment Assistance Plan, or RAP. Under RAP, borrowers would pay between 1% and 10% of their adjusted gross income each month, with payments tailored to earnings, but the cap would be stricter than current options.

Higher education advocates and financial aid experts warn that these changes could increase student debt and make college less accessible. For now, the bill is working its way through Congress, but if you’re receiving aid or considering graduate school, it’s something to keep an eye on.

F

or international students studying in the U.S., the pressure is rising. Under recent changes to immigration enforcement, student visa applicants must now submit five years of social media history. Officials say this is to screen for security threats, but critics worry it could lead to students being denied visas over political opinions or harmless online posts.

While the full extent of the impact is still unclear, more students are reporting sudden visa denials or status revocations. Some are facing travel restrictions, while others are fighting in court to stay in the country and continue their studies.

In a widely watched case, the Department of Homeland Security tried to revoke Harvard University’s certification to host international students. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the action, but the lawsuit is ongoing and could set a precedent for other schools.

Many international students say the new policies have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety, with travel, internships, and even study abroad plans.

Financial Aid Office

386-226-6300

International Student & Scholar Services

386-226-6579 10 | FEDERAL POLICIES CHANGE

dbfinaid@erau.edu

dbiss@erau.edu

WORDS: TNG EXEC | Correspondent DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor

TNG MOVIE | PAGE 11

Epic Universe is Here WORDS: Samantha Garcia | News Editor DESIGN and ART: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor

U

niversal Orlando’s newest park, Epic Universe, opened in May 2025 and is quickly becoming the go-to destination for anyone thrill-seeking who’s looking for something new, immersive, and worth the road trip. Located just 20 minutes from the original Universal parks, this fourth gate is packed with five uniquely themed lands, each full of nextlevel rides, entertainment and elaborate atmosphere.

At the heart of the park is Celestial Park, a dreamy entryway that blends futuristic elements with gorgeous garden aspects alongside roller coaster thrills. The standout here is Stardust Racers, a highspeed dual-track coaster that launches riders into space-like twists and turns. It’s sleek, fast, and often one of the shorter waits if you head there early.

Gamers and Nintendo fans will instantly gravitate to Super Nintendo World, where guests can step inside their beloved video games from their childhood. The Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is a 4D augmented reality ride that throws you into a chaotic, intera tive race through Bowser’s castle. There’s also the newly added Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster, which features simulated track jumps and sudden turns that make it feel like a live-action game.

For horror lovers, Dark Universe is one of the most cinematic areas in the park. Set in Darkmoor Village, where Victoria Frankenstein, the greatgreat granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein, who assembles monsters that eventually escape and wreak havoc. Based on Universal’s monster franchise, the headlining attractions are Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf, with themed dining and roaming monster characters throughout the area The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic offers a magical experience with its Parisian architecture and spell casting nooks. Guests begin in 1920s Paris, then travel via the “Métro-Floo” to the British Ministry in the 1990s for the “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” ride. The flagship ride, Harry Potter PAGE 12 | EPIC UNIVERSE

and the Battle of Ministry, uses trackless technology and large-scale practical effects to bring wizard duels to life. It’s already pulling nearly four hour wait times.

Finally, for something a little more nostalgic and whimsical, Isle of Berk, inspired by How to Train Your Dragon is full of family-friendly coasters and. highly detailed theming. The land features over 30 animatronic dragons throughout the park, including 3 untethered robot dragons and 17 dragon species represented across the park. There are countless coasters, including Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Dragon Racer’s Rally, but the biggest draw in the land might be the Toothless meet-and-greet.

Pro tips: Shade is limited, so bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, wear proper attire, and don’t underestimate the Florida heat, especially with ride lines averaging over 60 minutes. There’s also plenty of unique food and drink options throughout the park and character interactions. Even if you don’t hit every ride, just exploring each land is worth it.

“In every sketch there’s a spark of something new. Brining these creations to life with animation is where dreams start to become reality.”

- Grace Hamilton, Design Editor

EPIC UNIVERSE | PAGE 13

PAGE 14 | EDITORS GUIDE

EDITORS GUIDE | PAGE 15

WORDS: WIKD Exec | Correspondent DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor PAGE 16 | SUMMER PLAYLIST

ERAU Club Baseball

Makes Historic Nationals Debut WORDS: Samantha Garcia | News Editor DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor

While ERAU fell short of advancing deep into the World Series bracket, their performance was a culmination of months of growth, grit and standout talent. Several ERAU players earned AllRegion honors of their standout performances during the season. Outfielder Alijah Haynes and their starting pitcher Joseph Raleigh were named to the First Team, while fellow starters Drew Sullivan and Jack Cronan, the president of the team, earned Second Team recognition. David Sobeck, the teams first baseman and Colin McLagan who contributed both as a shortstop and pitcher, were selected to the Third Team.

T

Rui Harrison

he Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Club Baseball team closed out its 2025 season with a landmark appearance and ranked fourth in the NCBA Division IIWorld Series, marking the program’s first ever trip to the national stage following a dominant run through the Dixie South Conference.

The Eagles finished the season with an overall record of 20-8 and a conference best 13-2 mark, going 11-6 at home and 9-2 on the road. The team scored a total of 186 runs while holding opponents to 81 runs and maintained momentum through playoffs en route to securing a spot in the final eight teams in the country.

Robert (treasury). Faculty advisor Sean Zellers coaches the team.

Though the Eagles finished the World Series with two losses, their season was historic and sets a new bar for Embry-Riddle club teams. With their major accomplishments nevertheless, ERAU Club Baseball is well-positioned for another title run in 2026.

For full stats, schedules, and roster details visit the NBCA Division II site, https://div2.clubbaseball.org.

Haynes led the team in batting average, hitting .500, and also name Player of the Week after going 8-for12 in a three-game series against UCF, including a perfect 5-for-5 game. On the mound, Raleigh posted a team-best 2.36 ERA and recorded 43 strikeouts across five wins.

Sullivan and Cronan followed closely with35and14strikeouts,respectively.

McLagan, also a dual threat, earned Pitcher of the Week honors for throwing a complete-game shutout with 12 strikeouts. He also contributed significantly at the plate, finishing second in team batting average at .260 and leading ERAU with. 12 RBIs.

Rui Harrison

The team’s leadership included Cronan as president, Nicholas Hilbert (vice president), William Carrier (secretary) and Russell BASEBALL NATIONALS | PAGE 17

Dr. Szathmary

Dr. Szathmary

Summer Study Abroad

WORDS and DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor These programs created unforgettable experiences.

A

fter a busy semster of classes, exams, projects and due dates its time for some relaxation.

Thousands of Embry-Riddle eagles fly the nest and head home for the summer to visit family and friends. A few of our fellow eagles have decided to take an adventure abroad this summer.

The Office of Study Abroad and Global Engagement (SAGE) manages all of the study abroad and international exchange programs. No matter what campus you are located at there are many opportunites for you to join in. Many students go to various countries for vacation but these students went for something extra special.

Alongside memories these students are eligible for membership into the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society.

Safety in the Aegean While sailding across the Aegean Sea and island hopping all around the islands of Greece the handful of students particating in the Safety in the Aegean program witnesses histroic architecture, beautiful blue seas, and so many much more.

Between the weeks of sailing these students were able to visit Aegean Airlines headquaters and receive a behind the scenes tour of thier facilities, creating a once in a lifetime experience.

SAGE offered two unique opportunities this summer: Safety in the Aegean and Project GO in Moracco, Taiwan, and all across Europe. The students in these programs were able to expericne immersive in-person classes in various locations all across the globe.

PAGE 18 | STUDY ABROAD

Dr. Szathmary

So, you may be asking what were some of the highlights from the program?

Morocco with the University of Arizona’s Project Go program.

Culture, adventure, memories, friendships, new languages, and lots of laughter: are all words that come to mind.

From his experience, “Project GO is an incredible opportunity for anyone who is fortunate enough to be selected. While the program is very intensive, I have learned more here and felt more rewarded than anything I have ever done before.

For any ROTC students who are wondering what to do with their summer, I can’t reccommend this opportunity enough.”

Dr. Szathmary, one of safety professors who sailed across greece with the students had many incredible things to say about the trip and some of the favoirte places:

The knowledge gained from attending this program beneifts ROTC students around the globe and helps prepare them for the future.

“ Favorite places? That’s easy! TheIsland of Milos, handsdown! Riding a quoad all over and seeing that incredible blue water after every turn., wow. Of Cources, Athens is simply amazing. You can see the Acropolis from just about everywhere! Hard to pick just one “best part....”. I think teaching from some of the location we found oursleves in, like a cafe patio up on a hillside. Our week with Aegean Airlines was really outstanding! Seeing all the “behind the scenes” stuff you never see, and flying the simulator was so much fun. I can’t wait to go back next summer!

Project Global Officer (GO) Progect GO is an incredible opportunity offered to ROTC students across all branches where they are able to study critical languages such as Russian, Arabic, Marndarin Chinese, Swahili, and even Korean.

Horace Huntsberry

A huge congratulations to the 12 eagles who recived scholarships out of the 215 scholarships offered. Students attending this program have learned valuable lessons and have become deeply immersed in various cultures and languages.

Horace Huntsberry

This year tweleve Embry-Riddle students across the various campuses were awarded scholarships to attend Project GO this summer. Three riddle students are spending time with the University of Maryland’s Project GO program studying Arabic in Morocco.

Four students are studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan, and three with be studiyng Russion in Estonia with the University of Pittsburgs Project Go program.

Horace Huntsberry is one of the Navy ROTC students from the Daytona Beach Campus is studying Arabic in The Office of Study Abroad and Global Engagement offers programs from spring to winter givng students and faculty multiple opportunites to pursue knowlege and experience in a a unique way.

If you are interested in a study abroad or exchange program contact the office by email at: goglobal.erau.edu or go visit the office in person on the first floor of New Res 3. For easy access you can use the entrance across from boundless.

STUDY ABROAD | PAGE 19

From the Inside Out: Our Team Talks Internships WORDS and DESIGN: Grace Hamilton | Design Editor

Members of the Avion share what its really like doing an internships and give advice to students looking for an internship opportunity.

Brianne Weathers Communication / Broadcast Meterology | Junior Q: Where are you interning at?

A: Bascom Communications Group in Tallahassee, FL as a Summer Intern.

Q:What kind of projects/tasks do you work on?

A: I help them collect news articles and mentions in the media to send out to their clients. Some of the clients include big companies, universities, and politicians. I also assist with side projects such as PR strategies, website, and social media.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?

A: Be open to learn and believe in yourslef. You are there for a reason!

Q: What is your favorite part about the internship?

A: This may sound silly but my favorite part is completing the list of client’s news reports every day. It’s satisfying to know your team has completed a task and all of the clients have received it.

Grace Hamilton Aerospace and Occupational Safety | Senior Q: Where are you interning at?

A: SeaWorld Orlando as a Safety and Environmental Specialist. I also work over at Aquatica and Discovery Cove.

Q:What kind of projects/tasks do you work on?

A: I get to work with a wide range of fields such as ride maintenance, high reach, fall protection, hazardous waste disposal, eyewash maintenance, SPCC, and environmental/safety inspections. My latest project has PAGE 20 |INTERNSHIP SEASON

been creating a new platfrom to track all of our training.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?

A: Don’t give up! When looking for your internship apply, apply, apply. Even if you don’t think you fit every criterion just give it a shot because you never know what will happen. Take the leap and see how far you soar.

Q: What has been your favorite part about the internship?

A: Knowing I’m making an im-

pact. During my time so far, I’ve come to realize just how many little details go into chemical and environmental safety that I never even thought of.

Andrew Zubyk Software Engineering | Masters Q: Where are you interning at?

A: NASK in Fairfax, VA as a Software Engineering Intern.

Q: What kind of projects/tasks do you work on?

A: Working to develop configuration settings for applications utilized by the company and its customers.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?

A: My advice would be to apply

yourself in anything you can.

Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something as honesty is best for a company, they are there to help you learn and progress, making yourself a better employee and person overall.

Q: What is your favorite part about the internship?

A: My favorite part is the culture of the company with how helpful everyone is to make sure everyone has what they need and encouraging a healthy work environment.

Akie Oleszewski Aerospace and Occupational Safety | Senior Q: Where are you interning at?

A: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as an intern for Soar Together Family Education Program.

Q: What kind of projects/tasks do you work?

A: I am working on the preparation and the running of NASM’s in person and virtual family days, which occur once a month, as well as learning what it takes to work in a museum.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting an internship?

A: Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. If something that hasn’t happened that needs to happen, speak up. No one knows what you need better than yourself.

Q: What is your favorite part about the internship?

A: Having an excuse to be in my favorite Smithsonian Museum

Finding an internship is a journey that most Embry-Riddle eagles find themselves on after freshman year. There are even some programs on campus that require you to have an internship to even graduate. It takes a lot of patience and persistant to get an internship. To help make yourself standout keep your resume and LinkedIn updated, be involved in your clubs, and network with your fellow eagles and professors. These connections will last you a lifetime.

INTERNSHIP SEASON | PAGE 21

Puzzles Word Snake

Each word connects to the next by starting with the last letter of the previous word. Use the blanks and letter clues below to figure out the full chain of 6 summer-themed words!

ecmrieac

PAGE 22 | PUZZLES

Word Scramble

noedalem

AVION | PAGE 23

for students, by students.