I get so many compliments on my column in the Flight Follower, the ERAU Flight Department's official newsletter. I've been told that "Michelle's Corner" is the first thing most people read upon receiving the paper. So, for everyone who enjoys my monthly griping, I've posted my column online. Enjoy.
I didn't offer a counter argument because after I thought about it, he was right. The majority of Embry-Riddle flight students haven't flown in "the real world." Often, students confuse Embry-Riddle policy with Terminal and Federal Regulations.
A funny, but true example are the students that assume that all airports operate by ERAU procedures. I heard a story about one beginning student flying into Vero Beach on a particularly gusty day. The student asked the tower what their "P.Q." was. The maneuvering altitude restrictions and abbreviated ERAU call signs are other items commonly misinterpreted.
On every training flight, students are required to carry the ERAU Operations Manual. Most students memorize these pages, but really don't understand where these operating procedures come from or how they differ from "real world" flying. Naive students become very sheltered by flying solely in our training environment.
My airline captain comrade was probably more close to the truth than he realized. At first, I was offended that he had the audacity to speak as such. Then I realized that I have, at times, fit the mold of the average Embry-Riddle flight student.
So I close by saying this: ERAU is a great school which offers exceptional training opportunities. However, gaining flight time off campus may help some people realize that the rest of the world doesn't conform to our procedures. Even if a pilot spends his or her training years exclusively at Embry-Riddle, he or she should seek a better understanding of how things are done in the real world.
Praise is the best way to reward your students for doing a good job. Instead of focusing on what he or she did wrong, start your de-brief by staying what the student did right. Students, especially good students, need to know that their efforts are appreciated. Tell them when you notice an improvement.
Most good students are very hard on themselves. When the only feedback they receive is negative, students are more likely to become discouraged. This will incur a declination in performance.
Praise is important. It not only boosts self-esteem, but also pushes people to work harder. Before you say, "see ya later," to your students, tell them they did a "good job."
I received some good advice a couple weeks ago. I think everyone should hear it too, because I see a lot of my peers in my same situation. I was telling one of our administrators that if I took summer classes this and next summer, I could graduate at the end of next summer.
He looked at me and asked, "Michelle, how old are you?" I told him and he was amazed. He said to me, What's your hurry to graduate?" I thought about it and realized he was right. I have no reason to hurry.
I have a theory as to why I was in such a hurry: I see other people, especially the seniors, rushing to graduate. This is why my message is aimed mostly at the upper-classmen (and women). We are role models and need to tell underclassmen to enjoy their time here.
Then this mentor said something that hit home. "Michelle," he said, "your college years are the best ones in your life. You should enjoy them while you can." I remember what my mother said to me when I was eight and how much I should have listened to her. This time, I'm going to take the advice and slow down. I urge everyone to do the same.
The first is that one could easily get stressed out from the monotony of their lives. This isn't as bad as my second point, but maintaining a healthy social life is important to one's well being. Now, I must clarify, that I'm not implying that one should go out and get drunk every night. A happy medium between your friends and schoolwork is what I suggest.
The second and most important reason to get out of the house is because of my favorite cliche, "It's not what you know, but who you know." It is important to familiarize yourself with people in the industry and let them get to know you. These are your future employers and colleagues. As Aesop has shown us, fear decreases with familiarity, so talk to these people often.
Joining a club or volunteering is a great way to get to know people. Not only do you make contacts from within the group, but also each member may know influential people outside the group. Several people attain positions through "a friend of a friend."
So, now that you are inspired by my article, go to the Student Activities Office and find out about one of the several organizations on campus. You may be a straight 'A' hard-working student, but nobody will know if you don't get out and tell people.
It turned out that the applicant was a student at ERAU. This guy couldn't even get a job washing dishes.
At any job-interview seminar, the lecturers will tell you that looks are everything. You are how you dress, no matter what the occasion. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for expressive attire. Unfortunately, our society is built on appearance-based first impressions. I'm not saying that one needs to wear a designer suit everyday, but I think that flourescent hair is a little extreme for first impressions.
Also, you may not always meet a potential employer during a job interview. Many times, landing an ideal job is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Needless to say, if you don't make a good first impression, you essentially just gave the job to someone else.
On this note, I would like to thank the people who have too many holes in their face to drink without leaking. I would like to thank all the people who have green hair. I extend sincere gratitude to all the people who use foul language in places of business. Thank you all very much, because essentially, my chances of getting your ideal job has increased.
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