Welcome to your mentoring project blog! We will be with you for the next few weeks, helping you guys if you have any questions and sparking discussion about your new and fascinating major!
Capstone Members:
Sarah Maginnis: I am an interdisciplinary studies student with major focuses in Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biological Sciences and a minor in Health Sciences. I am also a non-traditional student. I will be applying to UCF's Mental Health counseling masters program for the fall.
Raymond Fabris: My majors are Humanities and Psychology, with a minor in Education. I hope to be a Highschool teacher after I graduate and eventually a College Professor. I view myself as a game changer and am happy to have been in the IDS program, it's quite diverse and can help you in your desired profession.
Xzavian Clark: My areas of concentration are The Arts (Music - specifically), Behavioral/Social Sciences, and my minor is Health Sciences. I'm looking to go into the health field, but primarily through the form of Music Therapy.
Abraham Rivera: focus is in finance, paralegal law, and minor in sociology. Military member.
Getting
to know you: We want to get to know you guys a bit better and see what you think about your degree, it's okay to not fully understand it yet as it's a long complex journey and all the capstone kids still have questions about it as well.
Topic 1:
Who are you and what does an Interdisciplinary Studies degree mean to you?
Activity to be
Assigned: A brief Introduction - Tell us all about you in 200- 250 words (maybe more if you're persistent). We'll get to know your all about you throughout the first couple of
weeks, so feel free to be as creative as you want. “It’s all about you”.
Example Talking Points: Please answer these briefly (You can add any more if you'd like)
Who are you?
What are your areas / minors?
What are your goals after graduation? Graduate school, job
search, other?
Why did you choose an IDS degree?
How do you explain IDS to others?
What are the
advantages of an interdisciplinary education?
My name is Chance Martin and I'm an Interdisciplinary Studies student focusing on Computer and Behavioral Sciences. I am also minoring in Entrepreneurship. I plan to graduate after the fall 2012 semester and begin working. I currently have no desire to go to graduate school but I know that is likely to change in a year or two. If I went further with my education, I would probably go to law school with a focus on family law.
ReplyDeleteI chose an IDS degree because I do not like being limited. I cannot make a personal decision to save my life and this is the best compromise I could find. When others ask, I tell them that I could not choose one field and do not like to be limited in my education and future. I like IDS because it does provide the flexibility I enjoy in my programs.
As a person, I'm usually pretty relaxed. I tend to go with the flow and just let the world take me where it will. That being said, I'm definitely not opposed to stirring the pot and being the source of a little chaos here and there. I get bored easily and tend to think the world needs people who shake things up. I love music. I play bass and beatbox. My absolute goal in life is to be a music producer and eventually own and run a night club or two.
I really think that an IDS degree seems to really fit you. You seem to have many goals that cover all different sources of terrain, so to speak. If that is not interdisciplinary I do not, know what is. Very cool that you can beat-box, it is not easy ;-)! Since you seem really into music have you ever considered incorporating music into your behavioral sciences focus? These days so many people are looking for new ways to look at life and music is an excellent medium for that
DeleteBased on your blog post, you seem to have a "go with the flow" style personality. I can relate to this given I tend to have the same trait in certain areas of my life. You probably work well with others, have no fear of failure, and you have the ability to master many disciplines... yet sometimes you tend to put things off until the last minute and will often switch career paths quite often once you feel there is no challenge left in a certain field of study or work. Would you say that would be an accurate assesment?
DeleteMy husband is taking his LSAT's this Saturday and is going to pursue entertainment law. I find it crazy that you don't want to graduate anytime soon but know eventually you want to atend law school. Is that something you have always wanted to do? And I didn't even know their was a minor in Entrepenuership!!! What kinds of classes do you take for that? That sounds interesting. Best wishes with you endeavors!!!!
DeleteHello Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Keith Myers and I commute to UCF from Clermont where I live with my wife of 25 years, our three children, a blind beagle an iguana and one black and white pedigree Havana rabbit. My IDS majors are engineering and computational science my minor is in studio art. I finished all but one of my major requirements 20 years ago here at UCF. I have four classes left in art to finish my BS degree by this Christmas.
Over the past 20 years, I have been a model maker, a robot programmer, a portrait artist and I ran my own business. I have awards for custom motorcycle airbrushing and fine art pastels. I currently teach pastel classes at and on the board of directors of the South Lake Art League. I am also Vice President of the South Lake High Band Boosters. Most importantly, I have been a stay at home dad for the last 10 years.
My oldest son will begin college this fall and I felt this would be my last chance to get my degree. After talking to admissions, we agreed that the IDS program would be the best way to take advantage of my previous eclectic college career. I don't know if it was even possible to combine engineering and art into one degree 20 years ago.
My wife is a history teacher with a master in education. Most of our friends are in education and understand what I mean by Interdisciplinary Studies. To those who don't I explain my majors/minor to them and they usually nod in some semblance of understanding.
After this year, I think it would be fun to work in an art department at Disney/Universal or possibly teaching middle school math/art or both. I would love to develop a program that combines an art and science curriculum at the middle school level. I think the IDS degree will be a good fit with either goal.
I really love that you have come back to school to finish what you started. I think that all of your experiences in the workplace, art and school will make your IDS degree that much better, like an extension of you and what you can already do! You have a great opportunity to really pioneer anything you relate to, with all of your different facets. Say hello to your blind beagle for me ;-)He may be blind but I bet he never gets lost LOL, you can hear a beagle for miles around!
DeleteMy husband has been a stay-at-home Dad for three years and he loves it!!! He is going to miss those girls when he enters law school in the Fall! LOL.
DeleteCongrats to you for returning to school with a full load on your plate. I know how hard it is...trust me! I love how you are pursuing a career that you love. So many people don't get that opportunity! I was originally going to school to be a Pharmacist but after a 7 year break, I decided not only to go the easier route school wise, but I decided to go with my passion...working with kids. I have been a dance teacher most of my life and I know how important making an impact with children really is. I can't wait. Best of luck to you in your endeavors as well!
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ReplyDeleteMy name is Nadean Richards and I am currently a junior at UCF, even though this is my first semester here. My major is Interdisciplinary studies and my two areas of study include Behavioral and social science and life/biomedical science. My minor is Health science because after this bachelor’s degree I want to pursue nursing. My goals after graduating Is to get my bachelor’s of science of nursing degree while working in a healthcare facility part time. I actually had no idea about an IDS degree until I came to orientation and instead of wasting my credits from my previous school I used some towards this major. when the major was explained to me it sounded very interesting and that it could benefit me to try something different. I explain IDS to others as a combination of different studies together to form one degree. I also mention that I am doing sciences as well because I want to go into the medical field. Some advantages of an interdisciplinary education is that the person gets to learn a variety of different fields, earns a bachelors degree, and broadens there career area for jobs in the future. I look forward to expanding my education and learning new things that will benefit me in the future.
ReplyDeleteI also started as a junior, so it was nice to apply alot of your AA credits toward the degree. I also plan on getting a specialized degree after, so this definitely is a great degree to do that with.
DeleteThe IDS program is very powerful and you can use it in alot of different ways.
Nursing is an amazing career! Had I thought more about what I wanted to study, I would've taken time to take more health related classes as I am now. First semesters can be a little be intimidating and life changing, but you'll get the hang of it :)
DeleteHey Nadean, excellent choice in focuses if i do say so myself. ;-) We chose the exact same focuses and for the same reasons. I just wish i had known about it during orientation instead of two semesters in. you are ahead of the game. I think that for your goals that you have chosen very well, Keep your eyes open because their are always opportunities at UCF for what you want to do. Try to network and make a good impression on the teachers that are teaching your "nursing/medical" prerequisites. A lot of the professors are doctor or have doctorates and are more than willing to put in a good word and introduce you to other networks based on what you show them. Good luck in all of your endeavors! ;-)
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jaime Bralts. I am a senior at UCF, have been married for 8 years and have 2 beautiful daughters. I grew up in south Florida and was a former professional dancer. Now that I have children, I enjoy Zumba in my free time. I went to UF for my first degree and did nothing with it. After being in the career of event planning for 7 years my husband and I decided to go back to school.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started here at UCF, I was a Math Education major. I switched to an IDS major when I realized that I need to graduate sooner than planned because my husband will be entering law school this August. My areas of study are Computational Sciences and Health with a minor in Math Education.
I am taking the subject area exams next month to be certified to teach 5-12th grade Math. I have been volunteering at a local middle school in Seminole County and will hopefully be hired there as a full time Math teacher in August. I plan to start out as a middle school math teacher but eventually will move into high school and then I want to get a PhD and teach at a university and be their dance team coach.
As stated above, I chose an IDS major because I needed to graduate this summer because of my husband starting law school in August. We aren't sure where he will go to law school so if we have to move, I will already have my degree!
When I explain to my friends, family and those interested in my graduating, I tell them that an IDS major is one that you choose three areas of study to focus on. I have the opportunity to chose my profession between many areas of study, not just one.
I feel the advantages of an IDS degree range. For those students who get bored with one particular field, this major gives them the opportunity to take a plethora classes to enjoy. When a particular student is confused on what they want to do for a career in life, they can be an IDS major and really find what interests them. An IDS major also allows one to have a degree to better their position within a company, without studying one area of focus. I have really enjoyed this major and it will help me be a more well-rounded educator!
I have much respect for any parent/parents who go back to school. Being a parent myself, the challenge that you face going back, with a full life going on around you is significant. To have two parents doing it at once is amazing, I super inspired by your story. I think that an IDS degree is definitely to the nontraditional student’s advantage. You cannot buy experience, so to be able to use what you do have to your academic and professional advantage is a great opportunity and a blessing
DeleteIt is so nice to hear I'm not the only returning parent. Your current path sounds very similar to mine. My wife just finnished her masters in education and I could see myself eventually teaching art at a university. Reading your story has made me feel much better about the IDS path.
DeleteSerious props to you for coming back to school. And I would like to encourage you to keep pursuing the dance coach dream. From our interactions in class and the way you interact with people, I have no doubt that you can make it to that level. Keep it up. I'm pulling for you.
DeleteHello, hello, hello. My name is Ellen Moore and I am a sophomore here at UCF. You all know that people love to ask the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Well, ever since I can remember I have always respond with, "I want to change the world." And honestly, I wasn't joking. I have never seen myself having a normal job and that is why I was pretty nervous when I came to UCF. You all know the pressure of choosing the right major... I went undeclared my entire freshman year last year. I had heard the phrase 'Interdisciplinary Studies' on a few occasions but didn't know much about it. When this past fall term came around I knew I was running out of time. I went out on a limb, scheduled an appointment with an advisor, and declared my Interdisciplinary Studies major to the world.
ReplyDeleteI am very interested in communication and the process of learning and education soo my two focuses are Communication and Education with a minor in Leadership Studies.
When people ask me what my major is I tell them I have been given the opportunity to create my own and take every class that I have ever wanted to take. When it comes to career path, I still am very unsure. But, Jesus take the wheel... I'm not worried about it.
I'm stoked about this blog and it gives me one more reason to enjoy this major. Thanks for reading. Let the games begin.
I view myself as a game changer, so I get what you are saying. I am pursuing a career in public education, which can deserve a major overhaul. You can change the world in almost whatever job path you choose, especially with the knowledge IDS can give you.
DeleteTo change the world you must first begin with yourself. It seems that you began the IDS program to do just that. Communication is a great focus if your plans are to change the world. However, without a plan, the world is more likely to change you than you change it. With a plan in place you can combine your focuses to truly create the change in the world that you seek.
DeleteI think its great that you want to change the world and getting a degree is step one. Communication and education are good ways to start your change and make a difference in the world. IDS seems like the right path for you and goodluck to you in finding your passion.
DeleteHello, hello, hello! I juast wanted to tell you that I LOVE your description for your major that you explain to people. Who has not at one time or another wanted to create their own major. I think that is a really creqative way to explain all of your academic assets. Leadership and change go hand in hand, its is definitely a worthwile cause ;-)
ReplyDeleteI just want to thank you all that participated in this first weeks blog! It was a real pleasure to get to know all of you a little bit through your goals, dreams, hopes and aspirations. All of you seem to have a decent grasp of IDS and the components that makes yours individual to your specific talents and interests. I am rally excited to get to know more about you all and help in any way that I can. Hopefully if we have not heard from you yet we will, by tonight or next week! Until then I wish everyone a wonderful rest of your week ;-)
ReplyDeleteHello My name is Christian Lopez I am a few credits short of being a senior. I am of Colombian descent both my parents were born in Colombia so I guess that makes me a first generation Colombian American. I am very much in tune with my culture and wish to one day travel throughout Colombia. I am a true believer of the energy you put out there in the universe will be reciprocated so I try to always be positive. My areas of focus are hospitality and math with a minor in education. I choose IDS for two reasons: one, being I am trying to graduate as soon as possible and two, I can have options once I do graduate by utilizing my hospitality credits from previous schooling.
ReplyDeleteMy goal after graduation is to teach middle school mathematics. I also want to open a community center for inner city communities. I also want to be an entrepreneur in some kind of business not really sure what yet. Graduate school is an option but maybe later down the line.
I explain IDS by saying it’s a way for me to graduate faster because I can use credits from culinary school.
The advantage of interdisciplinary education is it gives you options and the ability to customize your education for your own goals.
You definitely have a plethora of different ideas that you would like to do and incorporate into your academic career.I like the desire to open up and inner city community center!
DeleteChoosing IDS as your major was a great idea for all of the things you plan on doing after you graduate!
DeleteColombia is a wonderful place, I am also first generation colombian and it's an awesome place. I am also trying to finish up as soon as possible, hospitality is a good place career, very good possibility of a job.
DeleteI’m Madelin Selzer, or Maddie. My two areas are Education and Business with a minor in Psychology. As far back as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a teacher. I come from a long line of teachers so I thought it was meant to be so I started out as an Education major but after working in retail, I’ve fallen in love with fashion and marketing and PR. And well, since I will never be able to choose between the two I decided to choose IDS where I can study both, because let’s get real; these days we don’t keep the same career forever. I definitely feel like I have an advantage with this major. I can do a little of this for now and later do a little of that and not have to go back to school for an entire new certificate.
ReplyDeleteWhen people ask me about my major I of course say Interdisciplinary Studies and then wait for the “Whaa?” before explaining that it’s basically two majors combined into one to give me more options when I graduate! :)
You are so right about not doing the same thing forever. My father-in-law retired at 60 with a nice retirement plan and thought he was set. Now he just turned 80 is extremely healthy and realizes he could easily have had a second career. I hope to keep going to 100 doing whatever keeps me interested.
DeleteI like how you have many career goals for yourself and this degree is one way to get there. as long as you enjoy what your doing you wont ever have to work a day in your life. I also wanted to give myself options and IDS gives the oppurtunity to study more than one area. Goodluck!!
DeleteIt's hard for people to double major in things when they're not sure of what they want to do after college. So many people don't keep the same careers forever, so IDS is a great option.
DeleteMy path into education is quite different from yours. I didn't have any teachers in my family in fact I didn't have many college graduates in my family. Now I have an uncle who is a teacher and he has inspired me into the teaching profession. I have always wanted to have an affect on this world and what better way to do it than by affecting one child at a time. Good luck with your travels.
DeleteI am also on the same page with you about not doing the same thing forever. Being well rounded and ready for new experiences is definitely an asset! Very Nice, I love the the two totally separate focuses and the reasons behind them
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ashley Smith. I am a sophomore are UCF with a major in interdisciplinary studies. My specific areas of study are physical sciences, life/biomedical sciences and a minor in business. After graduation, my goals are to attend Nova Dental School and become and orthodontist. I chose and IDS degree because I wanted to study all the sciences without being restricted to just bio classes or chem classes. When I explain IDS to others, I tell them how majoring in IDS gives you the opportunity to study different areas of study. The advantages of and interdisciplinary education is that fact that since you have knowledge in more than one area, you have a wider range of career paths you could take.
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ReplyDeleteMy name is Diego Sanchez and I’m an interdisciplinary student (obviously) with tracks in Art (film) and Education with a minor in Hospitality Management. I’m supposed to graduate in one year and I plan on entering the Navy. The Navy was a decision based on the fact that I wasn’t comfortable with the degree I chose, as much as I love it, and that I needed something that would allow me to make a good income as well as allow me the opportunity to travel and return to school later. I chose the IDS degree because I was originally slated to study film but I felt that the degree would take too long to finish with very little that I could get in return, sadly. I want to return to college after my stint in the military with some more ideas on what I want to do exactly with my life. In explaining IDS, I just say that I am studying both art and education or, in terms of job placement, “Communications” and education. The advantages of studying IDS include being able to adapt quicker to new information and using the information to broaden our horizon.
ReplyDeleteI know how it feels not knowing what you want to with your life. It has taken far too many years in getting my degree because I didn't know what I want to do with my life. Its definitely a challenge to know but getting an IDS degree helps with options later on. Good luck with your stint in the Navy, that is one job I never really wanted.
DeleteHey, serious props for the desire to go into the Navy. I am not super familiar with anyone who has been in the Navy but I do know I respect anyone who works for the country. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. I also appreciate your honesty. You do what you need to do.
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