April 28, 2005
There's never any rest for the weary and the last week of classes certainly
doesn't deviate from that. Though it's been a rather boring and no-energy
kind of semester so far, these last two weeks have done nothing but rain
gobs of work, projects, studying, exams, homework, moving, travel issues,
etc. into a very small period of time. Unfortunately, few of these things
could have been taken care of earlier, as they're pertinent to these last
few weeks of school, such being Color Parade, finals, end of year evals
and other paperwork that cannot be done until things are near completion.
End-of-year stressors aside, it's been an interesting and fruitful year.
Though it didn't end as strong as I'd expected it to, there was a tremendous
amount of learning and growth throughout. For those looking to learn in
a brief moment the lessons I learned in a year, I would suggest the following:
- Be aware of your options. Constantly ask yourself, "What are my
possibilities for action at this moment?" Had I done so two years
ago, I probably would have worked and established myself in Daytona rather
than Orlando since I knew I was going to ERAU, but was still acting on
what were then empty, preconceived plans of action.
- Know what you're getting into. A lot of people don't like where they
end up in university, occupation, etc. simply because they didn't find
out what the place they were going to actually offered. Where college
is concerned, be sure you ask questions about lifestyle, academic breadth,
as well as get a sense of the overall cultural climate of the area. These
things are best done by spending some time at the universities you are
interested in. Be sure to do so on several 'normal days' and not just
an orientation or open house day when everything is geared for selling
the school and not showing what it's really about.
- Never quit. This speaks for itself. No body will believe you're truly
interested in something, not even yourself, if you give up without fighting
with all you've got.
- Be professional in everything you do. Don't read this as to say you can't
have fun, but when our country is rolling towards highly educated and
capable individuals and, more importantly, is cracking down on those who
refuse to do a job properly, you cannot afford to behave like a high school
freshman anymore. Aviation's not for everyone. We do need someone to flip
our burgers.
- Above all things, remember where you're from. Though you may go on to
do great things, make a name for yourself, and travel far from your home
both physically and mentally, your heritage is what got you where you
are. If you do not embrace and respect that heritage with personal humility
and do not pass along those values to the next generation, then expect
your glory to fade faster than it came to be.
On the verge of another major turning point in life, I wish all of you
the absolute best that life has to offer. Life is nothing more than a
fantastic adventure. So long as you control it and not let it control
you, expect the most from this journey.
To my friends and colleagues, I send my deepest appreciation for your
support and humor.
Namaste, and Onward + Upward,
David
April 14, 2005
It's incredible to think about how fast the weeks are just flying by
these days. I look at the calendar, realizing it's already 10 April, but
still feel like it's late evening from two months ago. With just three
weeks to go, it's definitely Crunch Time. As one of my old professors
once told me, "May is coming; get on the horse."
Our Navy unit just had its annual Dining In ceremony, a ceremony where
only those within the unit and a guest of honor are invited. It was a
fantastic opportunity to have fun with everyone, share a good many inside
jokes, poke fun at each other, and just enjoy a good meal and a great
evening. Though not much like what it was last year, it seems everyone
was very pleased with the event. My roommate and the Mr. Vice for the
event and myself got together to perform a heavily derivative skit about
our Staff Sergeant and another Sergeant in the unit, reminding the midshipmen
about the joys of Orientation. We took the ideas of Pablo Francisco's
skit on movie previews and presented a side-splitting rendition of our
own "Orientation: A Sergeant's Tale." The evening topped off
for many of us over 21 at the bar, discussing politics, sociology, philosophy
and the works. It was a tremendous experience for me, to finally have
that kind of stimulation at this school. I miss it dearly, and to find
we have such fantastic thinkers both in the Unit Staff and the Battalion
itself is deeply inspiring. It was so stimulating that my roommate and
I are postulating the formation of a discussion group to meet twice a
month, just to give midshipmen the chance to do more of this discussion
and group learning than we have.
Color Guard is gearing up to present for a dedication ceremony of our
gymnasium to a former instructor at the school, Jamie Fletcher, a former
SEAL and aviator who died in an aviation accident about a year ago. Once
that's finished, it's just graduation and our commissioning ceremony for
those few that'll be around when we're done. Training will change dramatically,
where I will no longer take on the National Ensign position, giving our
Officer Candidate the opportunity to learn the position, as he'll need
it for presentations before and during the summer. Likewise, it'll be
time to start planning to whom I'll pass the torch onto. I've been put
up for a few positions within the unit, including Public Affairs Officer
and Color Guard commander for next semester. I don't know how likely I
am for any of them, but either way, I'll have to groom a replacement.
I have a few in mind who would do well, but as to their interest in the
position, I'm not certain. I'll likely have next semester or year to figure
and work that out.
Something along similar lines is something that's fast grown from a matter
of personal curiosity to immediate contention. I've always been chided
about being proper and living morally, and it's never really given me
much issue until the last few weeks. Until recently, there'd not much
been the necessity to really make such a lifestyle evident, but a friend
of mine spoke with a Captain from SOCOM and in a shared communication,
this captain particularly stressed the need for moral, mature leaders
throughout the military. I'd always come from the camp of understanding
that mature leaders were the residing norm in the military, but that email
and some issues I've discovered have forced the issue directly to my doorstep,
where I can no longer look at aberrations and write them off as "it
just happens like that." Unfortunately, at this time, I cannot go
into more detail about this issue, but for all those aspiring officers,
and even enlisted men who are reading this, the point is raised for one
primary issue. The military is full of interested, capable men and women.
There is no problem finding people who are capable of doing their jobs
and doing them well. At a time when the military is condensing and looking
only for the best, and especially as we move into an era where warfare
is falling under increasingly stringent criticism and attention, those
leaders who posses such qualities as discernment, self-control, dependability,
loyalty, deference, truthfulness, and above all humility have the edge
and the preference. It is a lack or immaturity of such things that cause
the disgraces we've found so many events, not the least of which the torture
of prisoners.
That's all for now. Many of you have been writing in with all sorts of
excellent questions about the school, your options, and life in general.
It's been great to converse with those of you who are willing to step
out and make your voice heard. Keep it up! Until next time:
Onward + Upward
March 31, 2005
Ahhh, the delightful refreshment that is Spring Break. While many students
have been off rejoicing in the much needed, a bit brief vacation of this
last week, I've found myself quietly tucked away in the recesses of Alabama
with a family friend. Nestled upon a collection of stones by a delightful
little river, dutifully toting Noam Chomsky in hand, I finally had the
chance to catch my breath and gather my wits.
With all the tumult of the past few months, really the only thing that
I could have done to save myself from outright crashing under my own mass
was to get away from everything and spend some solid time in tepid reflection.
Avoiding the masses and the mindless pandemonium typically associated
with the Spring Break phenomenon was primary to achieving that end. I
was fortunate enough to have a close friend who was near enough that the
trip was reasonable to make, while at the same time being far enough from
any excitement that might distract me from my interests. In the end, that
little creek did more than just give me a chance to completely compose
the proposal for a Rifle and Pistol Team, get ahead on planning my classes
and lecture in Vilnius, and tend to other loose ends. It provided me the
chance to realize where I've gone astray in the recent past. Normally
I would not care to divulge this on my posting here. I feel that deeply
personal matters are inappropriate in this context. However, it's probable
that someone might relate to my experience in some manner, and so it is
for that reason and hoping it may be of some instruction that I shall
diverge from my usual ideological separation.
As a bit of contextual background, after deciding Political Science and
the University of Northern Colorado weren't for me, I spent a good year
and a half teaching overseas and living on my own working there and in
Orlando. Through that time, I had a very solid chance to enhance my understanding
and experience in such ways as are not readily done in a university setting.
Much less so, I've found, as at a school as conceptually focused as Embry-Riddle.
All that development in turn formed the very energetic and lively character
I held at the beginning of my time in Daytona Beach.
The falling-out of this past semester, however, has led me to reflect
upon adaptation and the philosophy that environment, not so much genetics,
determines an individual's psyche. Provide a bacterium with an empty and
fruitful Petri dish, and it will flourish to capacity. Remove the nutrient,
and the specimen will struggle to expand. The latter being my current
state, it has been my own personal negligence that has done me in.
I'd known Riddle not to be a highly academic or provocative environment,
and being a creature that thrives with challenge and controversy, allowing
myself to fall into "just going through the motions" since winter
has been suicide. My greatest fault within that has been to allow myself
to fall in with the group I have been categorized instead of living up
to the group I am a part of, despite its absence.
It has been a tremendous struggle, even from the start, to easily accept
that I would have graduated this year had I maintained my original path.
Seeing many of my friends already preparing for graduate school, I kick
myself incessantly for having denied myself that. But I came here to do
something I wanted to do more than what I was doing at the time; for that
I am eternally grateful. Nevertheless, my self-induced misfortune should
not have swayed me into regressing to a former stage merely because of
the current environment. My friends are dear to me, no matter their place
in life, but to have gone from having been vastly better friends with
my elders (professors, employers, and others who live much further along
in life's course) than any person of my age group, to now living in constant
immersion with this youth, as well as in part being denied those I feel
closer to for fear of punishment for fraternization, it has thrown me
off-balance in all areas of life. Likewise, where I should be the mentor
and guide for these companions, I've denied them my experience and benefit
by adapting myself into being more of a chum of equal standing than trailblazing
as I did the semester prior.
Looking back, I'd have been more successful and freer in self and life
had I broken out of certain personal self-engrained predilections that
drove me to work in Orlando and rather would have established first in
Daytona, where I knew I would end up. But, such is life, learning from
the past to enhance the future. Fortunately life swings full-circle, and
here I am again, with the companion where this leg of my journey all began,
and I find myself pulling the pieces back together.
And not a moment too soon.
March 21, 2005
The time has finally come for mid-semester reflection and refreshment.
Mid-term examinations are done and over with after an intense
final two weeks of studies. After chalking off the first few weeks
to a significant drop in energy and drive, things have finally
picked back up and are well on their way to mimicking things last
semester. Not a moment too soon at that; the success of those
exams helped me to solidify that I am likely able to bring all
my grades back from borderline to acceptable with the few weeks
remaining.
Some of you have expressed a solid interest in the Navy ROTC
program, how it is structured and what it’s all about in recent
weeks, so I felt that this would be an excellent opportunity to
help spell things out as best I can in the hopes that many questions
can be answered outright. It should be added that if there are
any other questions or concerns, I am still more than happy to
address them or forward you to someone who’s better suited for
the job in question.
The Navy ROTC scholarship covers all tuition, $300 for books
per semester, your monthly stipend ($250 - $400 per month, depending
on class), and flight so long as it is a part of your major. This
also includes approved extra credit hours (the university charges
for more than 16 credit hours per semester). Housing is not covered,
but ERAU provides some sort of incentive scholarship for housing
- $3000 for the year is currently under review.
Life in the Unit basically consists of three mandatory PT sessions
per week (four morning and one afternoon are offered, Thursday
mornings mandatory for all). If you take things low-key, then
there's not much else but uniform day on Tuesday, plus Drill that
afternoon, the Naval Science classes, and any other extra activities
you may perform with the Unit - anything from Color Guard to lunches
with the Navy League to helping volunteer for certain events.
The more you can do to be active, the better off you'll be in
the long run. There’s a club for each of the warfare communities
(Aviation, Submarine, Surface, and Special Warfare), as well as
Color Guard and Drill Team, a budding Rifle and Pistol Team to
name a few.
Furthermore, should anyone have more questions or merely an interest
in reviewing the Unit’s Web site, I recommend looking towards
http://embryriddlenavymarinesrotc.org/ where you’ll find photos,
a wealth of information, as well as our semiannual newsletter,
Eagles and Anchors, for your pleasure and review.
Onward + Upward
March 3, 2005
Murphy's gone and done it again. Though he didn't screw us over royally, the
law of anything that can go wrong struck again. But as usual, the ERAU Joint
Color Guard pulled through and made a stellar performance on national television
for the Daytona 500. What ended up happening was that, after two solid weeks
of preparation to march out during the pre-game show, post for America the
Beautiful, then do some rearranging for presenting for the National Anthem,
we were told 20 minutes before actually going on that things had drastically
changed. The beliefs that we were to present for the National Anthem were trashed
and as it turns out, there were two organizing bodies preparing the pre-game
show, one for the pre-game festivities and the other solely for the honor guard.
These groups didn't coordinate ahead of time, so when we were hired by the
pre-game show organizers and given 4 minutes to get into position for the cameras
initially, the presence of the second honor guard for the national anthem required
us to remove ourselves from sight within the 2.5 minute commercial break and
skip our "big moment." An interesting run but definitely worth the
combined 8 seconds of faded pans across the group.
In other news, I finally got a fantastically refreshing taste of real university
life again with the presentation by Michael Adas, professor at Rutger's University
in New Jersey. Presenting on the "Fragile Giant" for the Honors Program's
last of their speakers series, Professor Adas touched rather in depth on the
technological influence on society, politics, international government and
relations, and had a key focus on the technology and architecture incorporated
in the World Trade Center towers and how that impacted both the events leading
up to 9/11, as well as the specifics of that date. This was particularly interesting
for me not only because of my interest in such fields as they pertain to international
politics and history, but also the professor's thoughts are helping to give
me some direction in my own scholastic pursuits outside of this place, particularly
so with my research for my upcoming lecture in Lithuania. I had the tremendous
opportunity to speak with Professor Adas just before and a while after his
presentation on the notion of his help, and to my elated joy, he's interested
in meeting with me privately over the coming months to work on just that.
Time is also coming along to start considering just what to do about housing
next year. One thing about living on campus, and it's sometimes hard to appreciate
unless you've lived on your own previously, is that being at school 24/7 not
only wears on your patience, but also your sanity. There is something to be
said for being able to take care of your own yard, do with your property as
you please, and remove yourself from the school environment for extended periods
and even at the cost of not being able to get out of bed, dressed, and into
class within 5 minutes. Though many enjoy the conveniences and accessibility
of having school completely around them, having lived on my own for two years,
both internationally and domestically, the chance to get to a computer lab
or anything on campus with little effort means nothing to me anymore. So the
long trek of house/apartment searching begins. Several buddies and I have begun
poking our nose around for places; some have even found things to settle on
right away (the waiting list for the senior's empty spots in May fill up very
fast).
And finally, a major point I feel the need to address is the importance of
finding the right fit in a school. Matching your particular interests and needs
to what a school offers should be one of the primary goals on your list. I
encourage all of you who are having trepidation over what school to attend,
or if you're wondering if Riddle is really right for you, to compose a list
of what's important to you and then find out what schools offer those things
and, just as importantly, to what extent. Riddle has many programs, but some
are underdeveloped. Some things are classified as minor but are actually major
organizations (i.e. the Ice Hockey Club actually being good enough to be a
varsity sport, though only classified as a club for the time being). Riddle
is fantastic at what it does and you're not number one for doing nothing. But
it is different than any university out there.
If you have any questions about the actuality of a particular program, please
know that all of us are more than willing to give you straightforward information
about your questions. Emails always open to specific questions. Just ask.
Onwards + Upwards
February 17, 2005
Speed Weeks have started here in Daytona and it's a busy fortnight of fumes,
physics, and practice. Spring has also come and gone - it lasted all of four
days and now Summer's definitely showing how badly she wants to be here.
The big news this time around is the performances of the Color Guard team
during Speed Weeks. After an exciting learning experience at the Tulane International
Drill and Color Guard Competition in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, where the
Color Guard performed phenomenally well given it was our first competition,
we were chosen to perform a week later for the Daytona 500 Qualifying rounds.
From that performance, some scouts picked us out and are now interested in
having us perform for the Daytona 500 itself (the Superbowl of racing, from
what people tell me). We have something of an interview this coming Saturday
to confirm our slot, and, if we continue our standard with some improvement,
your ERAU Joint ROTC Color Guard will be on national television for the presentation
of the colors this coming Sunday.
Otherwise, major things coming up are working with the races themselves (primary
money-maker for the Unit) and some mid-term tests in various classes. I'm also
gearing up for my lecturing at the IX International on the Science and Quality
of Life in Vilnius, Lithuania, continuing my now three year tradition of lecturing
as well as teaching English for a Student International Summer Workshop through
the former Universitas Studiorum Polona Vilnensis. It's a long string of preparation
for both classes and research/a lecture, but I'm hoping that the prospects
of this will help me re-find my focus and motivation that's been strangely
missing since mid-winter break. Perhaps one factor, be it an element or cause,
could be my recent alienation of classical studies and continuing my side-line
St. John's College education.
That's all for now; classes are classes are classes. This semester's no different
than others aside from the extra curriculars. Keep those questions and thoughts
coming. They help give a good sense of what all everyone's interested and give
me more ideas to write about. Find the email in prior posts.
Til then, all the best and best wishes to all.
Onward and upward,
David
February 3, 2005
It's been three weeks and still not a hurricane in sight. I think this is
going to be a great semester indeed.
On top of that, there's plenty of good news all around. My heritage project
for the Navy is finally drawing to a close, though somewhat it may be delayed.
It's now developed into something of a possible yearbook as well, but those
possibilities rest in future time and money that is currently unavailable.
This semester's classes seem to be ripe for posing a due and worthy challenge,
not so much from the material therein, but more so because of the need for
general time management. With my being groomed for recommendation as Color
Guard commander for next semester, nearly two hours per day have been devoted
to that alone, not to mention preparations for our upcoming Drill and Color
Guard competition at Tulane in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I was thankfully
also able to fill in a hole in the Drill Team's lineup, thereby allowing them
to perform with a full team and not be penalized. With that competition coming
up at the end of this week, there's not much time for ironing out creases,
but I know the teams will make due. Furthermore, my new roommate, a fellow
midshipman, is working out fantastically well; far more so than the last with
whom certain differences came to a rather unfortunate crossroads.
Despite tragic news that the Universitas Studiorum Polona Vilnensis, the Polish
university I teach at in Vilnius, Lithuania has been closed because of some
very questionably ethical legislation, the Student International Summer Workshop
will continue through the Polish House of Culture, once a part of the USPV.
There's also the request that I speak at their 9th International Conference
on the Science and Quality of Life with a topical focus on Nation and Security.
I delight at the opportunity after having been robbed of the chance by Air
France's blunderings this past summer, causing me to arrive after the last
conference where I was to speak. Hopefully, this might be an excellent way
to bring out my Navy potential abroad. Things are still going well and strong
with the young lady, much a pleasant distraction as she might be from other
things. And doubtlessly the most profound good news of all these past three
weeks has been the official announcement of my being awarded an NROTC scholarship
by the Captain himself. I now not only don't have to worry about the fact that
I can't pay tuition on my own for this semester, but will be able to stay here
for the rest of my tenure and begin flight training next semester.
There's also talk of getting a Rifle and Pistol Team under development, as
well as Bartending College, and taking part in Red Rope, a disaster relief/service
organization that's particularly intense physically and mentally but excellent
preparation for Special Warfare. I've really relaxed on my blogging at www.postalley.net
under my Far Side of the World postings, but with time I'll be able to get
back to all that and bring my literary side back to some more substantive writing,
rather than the endless editing I've been doing recently. Though for anyone
interested in reading my more personal thoughts and get in on some good idea
swapping, check the place out.
That's all the major news for now. Remember, questions are always welcome!
Though try and go through dzivnuska@gmail.com for now; ERAU Mail seems to have
taken a severe beating and hasn't worked properly since the semester started.
Anything sent since the beginning of the semester should likely be considered
irrevocably lost to cyber-nothingness.
Onward + Upward, David
January 20, 2005
Scratch one semester. Easy as it may have been, things are fast growing into
a busy world and busier times. I apologize for not being able to make this
a long posting, but things being what they are this semester, technology headaches
and all, there's simply no time in the week to commit the time I normally put
towards these musings.
To put the last month in summary, the coming semester is going to be a vacation
from my vacation. A mix of plenty of work and catching up with household chores/meeting
with people I've not seen in nearly two years added up very quickly. Fortunately
I was able to squeeze in a bit of time to edit and further progress on my Unit
Heritage project for the NROTC so that I wasn't too terribly back-logged once
things picked up here. Something that I've avoided mentioning for professional
reasons has been my personal life and relationships. However, I've received
so many inquiries that I feel I should make some mention of things, if not
just to tip the hat to the dear lady. Having little to no social network in
Florida, and not finding many of the qualities I look for in the region, I
was introduced to an international young lady from Princeton not long ago and
have very happily fallen upon good times with her. With the very solid possibility
of her transferring to ERAU, there are hopes of something developing from our
close association, but for now things are staying on very pleasant terms though
restricted care of the distance.
Where current events are concerned, most endeavors have proven highly successful.
My project for the Navy has gotten tremendous compliments and assistance from
the Unit Staff. With its nearing completion, my hands will be free to do more
important things, such as prepare for our major Color Guard performance for
the Tulane Drill Meet and getting together the logistics for a Rifle and Pistol
Team. Still working hard for that scholarship from the Navy as well. With any
luck, I will only have one year's worth of loans to pay off and will be able
to extend my class-taking ability in the coming years. Classes are predictably
harder this time around, having signed up for a swath of upper-level courses
in humanities and aeronautics. My schedule is hardly to my liking, spread across
the entire day for the entire week. This means I don't have the regular availability
I had last semester for mid-day activities or errands, but the chance to learn
time-management should be interesting.
That's all for now. Things are still fresh enough that I'm not quite sure
where the semester's going yet, but that should be resolved come a fortnight's
passing.
A resounding thanks to all those who have contacted me with your questions,
comments and suggestions so far. I really appreciate the feedback everyone's
giving me. Hopefully this is helping out a good many of you. All the best for
the coming semester!
Onward and upward, David
December 9, 2004
7th Inning Stretch! Well gang, semester's up. It's easy to say that this upcoming
break is more than welcome. I know on my side I'm eager to see home again;
it's been two years now since I've been back west. After spending Thanksgiving
some 400 miles from here and seeing the effects of that brief intermission,
winter should definitely bring about a good chance to refocus and remind myself
of my few, though important priorities.
This is the last week for classes, and the stress is beginning to show in
many of them. My Aeronautics Basics class is really beginning to cram in the
last bits of lesson that it can. Flight Physiology is likewise squeezing in
a third exam this week, just before finals - though that's mostly because most
of the other students need the points. Most all of my classes had some sort
of project due within the past week, including presentations and research projects.
I was able to knock out those quite easily thanks in part to my old political
science studies.
On the NROTC front, the Battalion just finished their physical examinations
for the semester and I, because of my bum knee (an academic injury, oddly enough),
will get to run out the last bits of stability in it on Wednesday during the
make-up run. We've also been preparing for our semester award ceremony, where
I hope to earn ribbons recognizing my participation in color guard, drill team,
and community service. Some of my friends secured awards for physical fitness
achievement, academic achievement, and even an exemplary overall service award.
I've also started a self-devised project that will catalogue the leadership
of the Unit for future reference and, more importantly, will give current midshipmen
the opportunity to learn about their current seniors and possibly be able to
draw some connection with them because of it. The idea came from my former
AFROTC Detachment at CSU/UNC. My associates and I have merely expanded the
task.
Otherwise, things are just in their usual wind-down phase, with added focus
on moving out of my room into another hall. Some buddies of mine and I are
working on fitting a room together for next semester in order to relieve us
all of certain roommate headaches and aid in our NROTC efforts, since we're
all working on the aforementioned project and some other postulated projects
together. Not too sure what all to throw in here. I know there's been some
mention about people wanting more "personal life" in this, so I again
invite you to write personally for such questions or even if there's anything
you care to know over the break. zivnu70f@erau.edu And, to the friend of my
friend at Colorado School of Mines, that means you too J!
Have a grand winter vacation everyone. Enjoy the snow, those of you who have
it. I know I will!
Onwards and upwards, David
November 25, 2004
Thanksgiving break is fast upon us, and the last two weeks have done well
in reminding me of the not-so-distant end of term. Classes and projects are
all gearing down for the end of the semester. Overall, it's a good time of
the year as it gives many of us the chance and motivation to refocus just before
grades are set and final.
Most classes that have a three test and final exam system are either taking
their final in-class test soon or already have. I know my last-minute physics
studies are accompanied by others' efforts to cram for calculus and the like.
Others are working on major term papers (here they usually top out at near
7 pages double-spaced) or projects. Most of all this is due before the Thanksgiving
holiday so that the break can be spent celebrating, relaxing, and prepping
for the final two-week stretch that's patiently waiting on our doorstep. Surprisingly
enough, the upcoming break also marks a point when certain classes come near
their end of teaching material. When most professors have been cramming intensely
all semester to catch up from the hurricanes, it's refreshing to have a few
blocks where we students are not as pressed to make up three weeks of missed
course time.
The last few weeks have been particularly busy for myself care of performances
with color guard, extra research efforts I've taken on, as well as having been
commissioned for additional projects to help out various organizations. And
I think I had my 21st birthday in there somewhere, but it's all been such a
blur that the only evidence of that has been the strange stockpile of my new
underage friends!
The color guard performance was a last-minute bit for a Marine Appreciation
Dinner sponsored by the local Navy League. The team pulled off the presentation
amazingly well for the 3 hour per day, 4 days of practice we had available
combined with an on-the-spot adapted presentation plan. Those few of us who
have remained through the semester are becoming quite dedicated and exhilarated
by our work and the practices are getting more fun now that we're comfortable
with each other and know what we're doing. Thankfully a second color guard
for the Quarterdeck Ball was unnecessary, or we'd never have left that practice
lot. The Quarterdeck Ball itself was fantastic. I got the opportunity to sit
next to one of my favorite upper class midshipmen, the Cadet Colonel of the
AFROTC Detachment, as well as converse briefly with the guest of honor, a former
Marine Colonel and aviator who helped me significantly by providing source
material for my upcoming editorial for the NROTC Newsletter. More than that,
I've noticed many of the new midshipmen have gotten closer, more comfortable,
and more cordial with the older midshipmen since the event, so it was a grand
success at building camaraderie. At the event, an upper class midshipman also
anointed me the new Unit Photographer, presumably just for the evening, though
knowing the trend my trigger finger will be used elsewhere frequently. It's
very reassuring and satisfying to know that my experience and know-how is able
to help out the Unit so much in so many different ways. Hopefully my abilities
can be put to very solid use throughout my career here.
Outside the assigned research papers, I've proposed an independent research
paper for my Flight Physiology class just to give me some further understanding
and direct analysis of the theories at hand. I would have liked to have done
similarly with other classes as well, however the thought of writing a brief
thesis paper for my classes only recently reformed in my head and these were
something I was fond of doing for political science back at the University
of Northern Colorado. In a further tip of the hat to the Navy side of things,
another research project, mostly for personal information, has centered on
High Lord Admiral Nelson, Admiral Spruance, and Colonel Bogdanos in something
of an attempt at understanding exceptional leadership in a variety of stances
and how motivating in the age of sail might apply to today's turbine engine
fleet.
Outside the aforementioned photographer job, I've also very excitedly been
given the go ahead to pursue a small project to form a record of the Unit and
Battalion staff's bios for both midshipmen and visitors to read and learn about
the leadership of the Unit. More than just a bit of material for guests to
become acquainted with the staff, it would allow the midshipmen to know from
what exceptional experience their superiors come, as well as form a record
of the Unit's history and heritage. What better time to start such an effort
than now, just before the last two years' staff depart.
On the home front, I've been running into a good many issues with my roommate
that are unlikely to be resolved lest both of us significantly change our basic
natures. As such, I've been keeping my eyes open for alternatives and it sounds
like, since I'm a transfer student, I have the option to move to an upperclassman
dorm. It's a very strong option since I'd have the chance to interact with
students more of my own age and maturity level. There's also the possibility
of moving into a rent-free house that's a very rare opportunity and might work
out better in the long run for a lot of reasons, not the least of which being
financial.
Probably best to leave things there for now. Thanks to everyone for reading,
especially those fellow midshipmen and classmates who'll never let me live
this down. Here's to yeh, lads! Onwards + upwards, David
November 11, 2004
Amazing how the weeks fly by these days. School's rolling to a close much
more quickly now, and everyone's starting to get the itches as normally happens
around this time of semester. Though we've just finished mid-terms, I can't
help but jump a little inside at the realization of how close the end of the
semester is. Studying is getting hard for some, mostly because people are very
easily losing their focus. Autumn is finally starting to show itself with the
shoulder of a cold front coming through. Sounds like we'll actually get to
break out our sweats at PT tomorrow morning! I'm still waiting on the leaves
to change color and the snow to comeÖ
As far as business goes, the past few weeks, the grind has definitely settled
in; days pass by fairly regularly and uniformly now. The only point of significance
to report on that front is that I will most likely be changing physics teachers
again. The replacement for my original professor (who is currently out on medical
leave) has proven to be more of a headache than initially expected. His teaching
style is heavily mathematical and assumptive. For anyone who hasn't taken physics
in the past, this class would be outright unintelligible. For those of us who
have but aren't dutifully enthralled in the world of mathematics, the class
is posing a greater challenge than should be reasonably expected. It seems
there is some reprieve by the chance to swap out to another class due to such
extenuating circumstances. This coming week will show whether or not if I'll
be successful in the transfer. Such a trifle aside, life has pretty well gone
on as is normal in these parts. The past 72 hours, however, pleasantly broke
the static flow of things.
This weekend was nothing shy of insane. Somewhere down the lines, it was deemed
worthwhile to have homecoming weekend, the semester open house and alumni weekend
all at the same time. Having worked and volunteered for several things throughout
the weekend, my extra day off as well as the majority of the regular weekend
time was spent busily tending to these functions. Most of my time was devoted
to NROTC functions such as concession set-up, a color guard performance for
the parade, and attending an awards ceremony, though I did also volunteer for
Admissions by assisting the Open House on Saturday morning and afternoon. There
were plenty of people running around campus all weekend for a slew of different
reasons, making it rather difficult to figure out what was going on. It was
a logistical nightmare for several organizations and, overall, had a sense
of being very confused in my perception. It's the first time something like
this has been done here, so we'll see if they do everything at once again.
The good news out of all of this is that I've discovered the new Honors program
here on campus, which is just in its second year of development, and received
some very poignant advice from the head of the Honors program. It seems they
chose the top 5% or so of all applicants for the program and, as it's so new,
have no current accommodation for students to fill in empty slots due to attrition.
There are thoughts in development of expanding the program a bit, but everything
is very much in the theory and initial testing stages. Teachers are trying
to understand how the program will affect their workings, what the classes
will consist of, and how to best accommodate these students' needs. Without
a doubt it sounds promising. I hope very much that I'll be able to jump into
the program at some point, but for now I'll be pursuing some independent research
proposals with some of the humanities professors and work out some old research
papers I wanted to pursue back at University of Northern Colorado, but didn't
have the chance to. The topics themselves will be limited to what knowledge
base is available here, and that seems to be significantly historical diplomatic
relations between the US and other geo-national entities. It's something to
start building off of though. Should be a fun ride.
October 28, 2004
The weeks just keep on getting crazier and crazier, and I'm loving every bit
of it. Midterms are over and done with. Fortunately they all went well for
me; nothing was out of the ordinary or unexpected in as much as the testing
was concerned. The only major problem has been a change in professors for my
physics class. The original instructor left on medical leave, and there're
been some problems with people adapting to the new teaching style. I've found
it personally difficult just because the teacher is explaining ideas that I
already know and have worked with in the past in ways that serve to only confuse
and stupefy me. My solution has been to work primarily out of the book for
the class instead, and only then integrate this knowledge into class in such
a way that the translation of what the instructor says reinforces what has
already been learned. With a test coming up on Friday, it should be interesting
to see just how effective my attempts have been with this.
My roommate has turned out to be cooler than I could ever have imagined. My
last several roommates both in and out of college have brought little more
than headache and frustration, but this time around I think things are finally
going well. We're both easy going and respectful towards each other; he keeps
the rest of the hall out of the room when I try to turn in early and I make
sure he stays out of trouble and remind him of certain moral guide posts. Basically,
we've both got each other's backs. (He's Tyler Shoemaker, and he approves this
message.) Outside that, my social life has similarly gone well. A good balance
of going out with friends; helping friends along in their classes, physical
training, and other endeavors; and the occasional party converse to studies
and ROTC-related activities has livened me up beyond what I was used to back
at UNC. One major thing I have noticed that is different from the UNC/CU Boulder/CSU
environment that I grew up around is that this school has a much more reserved
and conservative feel to it; there just isn't as much a free-living atmosphere
here as in Boulder, Ft. Collins, or Denver. Part of that is the gender gap:
most guys go out with specific intent towards finding the opposite gender rather
than being foot-loose and fancy free. It makes going out seem more of a contest
and more draining than it really should be if people went with the intent of
simply enjoying themselves. Although comparing this place to Boulder's couch-adorned
Hill and pedestrian night life might not be a fair relation.
NROTC is still going strong and well. With my PT scores, grades and successes
in the battalion continuing, I feel that I'm becoming more and more of an adequate
candidate for scholarship. Being an Aeronautical Science major, I'm at a disadvantage
because it's not considered by the Navy to be a pure tech field. However, if
I present myself competitively in all other areas, I should hopefully do well
against the Navy's decision board. I joined the Color Guard team some weeks
ago when it started up here. Four other members and myself just completed our
first performance for the local Navy League's Navy Birthday celebration. Despite
a good many mistakes on my part, the NROTC Unit's captain and several other
active and retired officers commended the entire team on an excellent performance.
As well as we did, however, things could not have come together as smoothly
would it not have been for our Color Guard Commander's excellent training and
dedication to make sure we were excellent in every step we took. It was because
of his work that we were able to go from complete novices to a proficient Color
Guard demonstration team in less than two weeks. Practices took up a goodly
amount of time, from one to three hours per day every day, but I feel as though
even that might not have been enough. I've begun to weigh the costs of some
other activities I've become a part of and will most likely elect to drop drill
team and SpecWar club simply because my focus has begun to wander from confidence
in my studies instead to worrying about what little time I have available for
anything. Needless to say, these things will still be around next semester
and even in following years. Right now my grades are paramount and what ever
other personal interests I may have must be laid aside for immediate successes
in the overall goal.
Been hearing from a few of you on questions about the school and otherwise.
I would like to thank all of you who have contacted me either through email
or through the discussion boards. There haven't been many so far, but I'm sure
that will change as the school year moves on and more students start looking
into colleges of interest. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns
ask any one of us or all of us and we'll be more than happy to help out. It's
a good group of people here; I've spotted out several of the other journal
writers (though they probably didn't notice) and know they're decent people.
Onwards + Upwards,
David
October 14, 2004
Welcome back everyone. Now that the journals are being posted and things are
under way, the rest should be good to go. Nature's decided to start playing
nice for a change, and out of her generosity, we've just completed our first
couple of full weeks of class. Overall, everything has moved on smoothly after
the tumult of the season; most classes are on accelerated syllabi and a very
few have resorted to extra days. Strange as it feels after only two weeks of
solid classes, we're all getting ready for mid-terms coming up. Next week I
will trudge through exams in all of my classes and tend to status reports,
then it should be business as usual thereafter. Classes have been easy so far,
and I don't expect much problem from these exams.
One point that I have personally revisited and have seen many other students
suffer from is overload. Something that freshmen love to do is to involve themselves
with as many highly demanding activities as they can, either because they like
to do all these things or because they misinterpret the external pressure to
'get involved.' In the end, this hoarding leads to low grades, no free time,
and overly grumpy individuals. It's important to remember when you get here,
as well as to plan for ahead of time, that you can't do everything in your
first year, nor should you try to. Plan to give at least a month's worth of
feeling things out and just getting used to the new environment before jumping
headlong into the half-dozen other extra curricular activities available beyond
the daily social life. Then, when you understand what's really out there and
what you have time for, there's not the issue of biting off more than you can
chew. You'll be here for four years. Spread things out and you'll have plenty
of time for everything you want to do.
NROTC has been treating me very well lately. I've noticed the regular physical
exercise in the mornings do wonders for an active mind, and the activities
and field trips we've done so far have helped make strong ties with my fellow
midshipmen. This past weekend, about 60 midshipmen, officer candidates and
the captain toured the USS Carney and helicopter squadron HSL-44 in Jacksonville.
A fantastic experience in and of itself, the tour gave many of us the chance
to see what surface and aviation warfare is about so that when the time comes
to decide on warfare designators, we'll have a good idea of what we really
want to do. It was also a nice excuse to show off the uniform for an extra
day during the week. More such excursions are on the way, including a visit
to an EOD (Special Warfare) group where it's been giddily rumored we'll be
able to catch them blow up a vessel of some sort. I am quite pleased with the
caliber of individuals involved with the battalion. There is certainly a deeply-rooted
drive in many of them, and that alone is very refreshing and inspiring to me,
as now I feel as though I'm in an environment where I can make good use of
my talents -- that is, once my schedule allows time to conduct the many projects
I wish to press forward with. It's a good bunch of people, all every willing
to help everyone else however they can. And that's the news from Lake Wobegon.
Looking forward to hearing from all of you on the discussion boards or email.
Onward + Upward
September 30, 2004
Warm greetings to all of you with mind and spirit ready to consider
the challenge and excitement of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
My name is David Kowzan Zivnuska and am currently enrolled as an Aeronautical
Science major. I come from a strong Polish heritage, although born and raised
in Lakewood, Colorado. Prior schooling includes successful completion of the
International Baccalaureate Programme, advanced studies in Political Science
at the University of Northern Colorado, and having filled summer teaching and
conference speaker positions at the Universitas Studiorum Polona Vilnensis
in Vilnius, Lithuania. For the past two years. I currently take part in the
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit on campus, the unit's color guard
team and am in fierce competition for the program's scholarship. Though an
AS major with minimal flight time, I will not intentionally fly for a least
the first semester, if not the year , because of financial constraints.
Through these posts, I will attempt to provide some picture of what opportunities,
resources and experiences may be available to you, should you choose to study
at Embry-Riddle. Considering most of the other journal writers will delve into
their personal lives and emotions, I shall endeavor to maintain a more experientially
informational account, since most of you might not feel things the same as
I. If more personal matters do interest you, my email is open to questions
of any nature, and I will attempt to review the discussion boards at least
once per week and respond appropriately.
Where initial thoughts are concerned, overall I have been pleased with the
services and considerations provided to me as a transfer student. The application
and orientation stages passed quite smoothly; even an alternate section in
Orientation was devoted to transfer students. NROTC provided a five-day orientation
session that proved incredibly beneficial to all prospective midshipmen in
respect to gaining an understanding of what is involved and required of aspiring
candidates. Orientation for the school itself primarily focused on paperwork,
etc. for incoming students, most of which can be completed during the ERAU
Open House and other events on campus beforehand. Having participated in all
the preliminary days, I found Orientation to be more free time than productive,
although some elements were useful (i.e. group meetings, etc.). I highly recommend
visiting the campus and meeting with the various directors, deans, and/or professors
who are related to your major or areas of interest and inquiry. Whether or
not their feedback is immediately beneficial, you will get a good understanding
of the school and what you will be dealing with in the future.
The first three days of classes this semester consisted of the usual introductions
and summaries of class plans. Each professor has their own particular strengths
and weaknesses that become evident early on, either through classroom contact
or reading works that they have authored. For specific issues relating to professors,
I would recommend visiting www.ratemyprofessor.com where you will be able to
read student reviews of each instructor. This proves very useful in class scheduling
as you may be inclined to learn more successfully under a certain instructional
style. Use this and pre-registration to your advantage. Also in regards to
scheduling, be mindful of available class times and schedule your days as efficiently
as possible. In my case, where I PT (Physical Training) with the Navy every
morning at 0600, I found it very advantageous to schedule all my classes in
close succession there after, granting me all afternoons from 1130 onward to
be class-free time. Since the afternoon is when most communities are active,
I am unhindered in any extra activities I choose. Many of you might be partial
to a late-starting day, and if you are one of these, I would advise considering
what you intend to involve yourself with and see if you can afford not having
a free afternoon/early evening. Mornings are usually spent sleeping by those
who follow this type of schedule.
As many of you may be aware, on the afternoon of the third day of class, Embry-Riddle's
Daytona Beach campus began evacuation procedures for the upcoming hurricane
Frances. Watching the University's fleet of aircraft evacuate at once not only
awed many of us watching the planes file out at 40-second intervals, but also
stood as testament to the level of the University's preparedness for emergency
situations. I agree with the College of Aviation's Dean, Dr. Tim Brady, that
all staff should be commended in how well the situation was handled. Even with
nearly three weeks gone without any class time, the professors and faculty
have arranged to maintain graduation and end-of-semester dates. Classes are
now more compacted, and some classes have required extra sessions, but overall
this is preferential to the possible alternatives.
Before departing, I would like to cordially invite you to pose any and all
questions you may have about the college experience, Embry-Riddle itself, the
ROTC programs, and so forth in any way that most comfortably suits your needs.
For the time being, the discussion boards are the most opportune locations.
Should more direct or personal communications become necessary, you may contact
me at zivnu70f@erau.edu, though I strongly request that you post on the discussion
board so that a single message thread can answer the questions of many all
at once.
To you, the next generation of collegiate students, be you an ERAU applicant
or no, I wish the best of luck and success on your journey. Take fullest advantage
of the resources presented to you, and perhaps one day your dreams will take
flight with the Eagles. Onward + Upward, David
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Name: David 