Hello Cornerstone students! We are very excited to begin our mentoring blog. We are going to use this first post as a time to get to know one another and ease into our blogging. Don’t forget to check back throughout the week to see if other students have posted questions or replies for you. Please include the following info in your first post:
• Who are you? What are your areas / minors?
• What year are you?
• How do you explain IDS to others?
• What are the advantages/disadvantages of an interdisciplinary education?
Please leave your replies as a comment to this post. Don’t forget to include your full name in your post so that you receive credit. When responding to other students, you may find it helpful to begin your response with, “@their name” so that it is easy to see who you are directing your question/comment to. We can’t wait to get to know each of you and are looking forward to our semester together!
Kelly J.
I am Kelly Jasen. I am so excited to finally be graduating in May! My concentrations are in Behavioral & Social Sciences and Health and I will have a minor in Aging Studies. When someone asks me what “Interdisciplinary Studies” is (which happens ALL the time), I explain it like so: “Instead of picking just one subject area like a traditional major, I split my studies into two subject areas and I have a minor.” I think that two major advantages of an Interdisciplinary degree is that it is great for students who are passionate about more than one subject area and it allows for flexibility in our job opportunities post-graduation. When I returned to school after a 7 year break, I thought I really wanted to work with the elderly. Since UCF does not offer a Bachelor’s in Gerontology or anything related, I felt this degree and combination of subject areas would benefit me the most. Just last week, I began a great new job which is not elder-related, but it does use my 2 areas of concentration. See why our flexible degree is so appealing?! :-) One disadvantage to choosing an IDS degree is that not many people know what it is. I have to explain the degree anytime someone asks me what I study at UCF and some people don’t think it’s a very “legitimate” degree. Hopefully, once I explain IDS, they understand the value of having multiple study areas. I truly believe the benefits of an IDS degree greatly outweigh the negatives and have been very satisfied with my degree choice and the employment opportunities IDS has opened up for me.
Emily L.
My name is Emily Lumpkin and this will be my last semester at UCF. I am so excited for this last semester, but I know that I will miss it in the end. I actually started at UCF as a Molecular Biology & Microbiology (M&M) Major. About two years into that program I realized that despite my desire to become a doctor (from the age of three!) it really wasn't for me at all. I began my search for a new major, but to do so I actually had to search for my intended career first and this is how I came to IDS. I landed on the idea that I was going to become a hairstylist, and then I decided that I would be wasting my education with such a basic goal, so I later made up my mind to eventually open and own a salon/day spa. Well, I began looking at business classes, but I realized that the curriculum was going to go in too much of a corporate direction, and my industry is actually based on personality and interaction socially. Well then I thought that only sociology classes weren't going to cut it either. When I met with an advisor in the Second Year office, he introduced me to the option of Interdisciplinary Studies and the rest is history! My two subject areas are Commerce and Behavioral/Social Sciences with a minor in History. I think IDS is perfect for those who just don't quite fit in one nice, neat, little package of a discipline. I typically use this when I am explaining IDS to people because it helps to share with them that IDS allows for a more well rounded education. I find that it helps to explain that while most employers may not be familiar with IDS, they should consider the advantages of someone who is well trained in multiple fields. We are flexible in our thinking strategies, and also we are able to integrate knowledge from normally disjointed topics. Naturally you are going to encounter those who just don't take you seriously, and they may think that IDS is somewhat of a bogus major, but I want you to remember that after all of your training to become an interdisciplinarian, working somewhere so close minded probably won't be your best fit. Getting turned down once or twice by someone who doesn't understand or accept IDS may lead you to someone who wholeheartedly embraces the Interdisciplinary concept, and thus will most likely be the best fit for you in the long run. Keep an open mind and IDS will lead you to more options then you could ever have imagined. Hope you have a great semester, and of course a fantastic journey at UCF!
Sarah P.
Hey Everyone! I am Sarah Petree! I am very excited to be graduating this semester. My areas in Interdisciplinary Studies are Life and Biomedical Sciences and Humanities with a minor in Chemistry. I picked these cores because I am attending medical school. Biomedical sciences and Chemistry contain many required courses. With Humanities, I feel like it in necessary for a doctor to be able to relate with their patients and understand them to provide a better quality of care. By taking those courses, I give myself a leg up on the competition because I feel as though not only am I having a chance to take the requirements, I am also able to learn the philosophy behind my future job. I get to learn about the ethical principles behind medicine and new drugs. No other future med student can say that. There are not a lot of disadvantages to this Major. As long as you work hard and are self motivated IDS is great and will help you enjoy your time at UCF.
Nicole V.
Hello, I am Nicole Verlato. My areas of study are as follows, Education and Behavioral and Social Sciences. My minor is health services Administration. I am a senior here at UCF. IDS is a process of answering a question, solving a problem, or addressing a topic that is too broad or complex to be dealt with adequately by a single discipline or profession. It integrates their insights to produce a more comprehensive understanding or cognitive advancement. The advantages of an interdisciplinary education that IDS graduate will have at least three careers , not three jobs but three quite different career in their working lifetime so with IDS education they have three different area of studies and minor to graduate with and further their opportunity in their career. Life is interdisciplinary. It doesn’t have departments. It doesn’t have majors with a pre-formatted program to follow. Life is messy, interesting, complex, exhilarating, excruciating, and surprising. And definitely interdisciplinary. It is a world widespread because educators recognized that it is needed. The disadvantages of an interdisciplinary education are not having the knowledge of fields of study. It is a lot of research that is involved with ids education. It does not lay claim to a universally recognized core of knowledge but rather draws on existing disciplinary knowledge.
Jarna P.
Before attending college, I was always interested in Medicine. While in high school I was encouraged by my parents to volunteer for a local hospital. By the time I had started my undergraduate career at the University of Central Florida I declared my major as Pre-Medicine because of my volunteer experience. However, after being exposed to a few of the Pre-Medical classes I learned that becoming a doctor was no longer what I wanted to do. I found that I enjoyed certain Science classes, and decided to change my major to IDS because it exposes you to a broader range of potential careers. I started doing research on different medical careers and found the Physician Assistant program. Initially I did not know much about this career in the hands on aspect, however on paper it seemed appealing. I decided to find a Physician Assistant to shadow, and this is when I found my love for this career. Outside of my educational career at UCF, I have had the opportunity to be engaged in Greek life. As a Greek, I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, and through this experience I learned how to balance a social life as well as my educational career. While being a member I took part in many community service, and enrichment events. Between the values my parents have taught me and the one’s I have gained through my college experience have made me who I am today. I am still young, and have many more challenges, experiences, and values to learn in life. I am looking forward to what the next chapters in my life will bring.
My name is Jeremy Amin and my areas are biomedical science and psychology and I am minoring in health science. I am going into my junior year at UCF transferring in from Edison State College in Fort Myers, Florida. The way I explain IDS to family and friends is by telling them that it is a program for me to expand myself in different areas that way I am able to have broader skills. The good thing about going interdisciplinary is that I would have knowledge in more than just one field however the bad thing is that can be challenging but possible.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Benjamin Rivera and my areas are biomedical science and social services with a minor in health science. This is my last year at ucf i will be graduating this year.How i explain IDS to people is that it is a major that it is split into two categories with a minor. Also, that it is a way for me to gain knowledge in two categories and be more successful in the working world. So, then that the good thing about this degree is that you learn about two different aspects that you might like and later on apply it to the working world. A disadvantage of this degree would be that people always asking you what it is, and me having to repeat over and over again. However, it is still worth it to me and i am sure that eventually it will be a degree that will be well known.
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Leslie-Ann Ellington, I am a senior here at UCF. I will be graduating next spring! My two areas of study are Life/Biomedical Sciences and Physical Sciences with a minor in Health Sciences.I explain IDS to others by telling them its a way to study two areas and a minor and still have a chance to get into medical school or whatever graduate career you plan on attaining after undergraduate life. An advantage of this degree is you get to explore two areas of study along with a minor, which can increase your career options. A disadvantage of this degree is that many people are not aware of the degree and all of its possibilities. It is a great opportunity and I know that it is becoming a more popular degree option for many students.
ReplyDeleteLeslie-Ann Ellington
My name is Erin Chandler, who am I? -- is a much deeper question. My three areas of study are biomedical and physical sciences, and English Literature. I have university interests in education and medicine. My plan is to graduate next year (WOOT!) and join the Teach for America program (http://teachforamerica.org/), a program aiming to end educational inequity and places recent college graduates for two years in a high-demand area. I plan on going to medical school, I have no idea where, after that to persue my Medical Doctor aspirations.
ReplyDeleteI'm a third year junior, on track, finally. I began my UCF career as a Mechanical Engineer major, switched to English Education, Molecular and Microbiology, and now I found my calling: Interdisciplinary Studies.
I explain IDS as an integrative major program that combines three unique fields of study. Casually, it’s a major that allows me to choose three different fields of study, sort of like a "design-your-own" degree.
I don't know if I've been apart of this program to learn the disadvantages - except having to explain the concept of my major multiple times.
The obvious advantages include: being able to study my different interests, earning a degree in a new, upcoming cenceptual field (that is, interdisciplinary), and surrounding my self with diverse, yet like-minded individuals. A personal advantage being: I can graduate on time with all my medical school requirements, even though I've changed my major 4 times.
Hey Guys! My name is Andrea Graves. After 5 years and 3 majors, I have settled on IDS, which has been a life-saver. I am one semester away from graduation! I have a minor in Psychology; initially my first major. My areas of study are Physical and Biological Sciences, as a result of being about 3 classes and 4 labs away from a Molecular and Microbiology degree, which I just couldn’t afford it anymore. I explain IDS as a degree composed of whatever you make of it, and it is here for students who want a more individualized degree/ learning experience. I personally like this route because it allows me to gain all of my pre-reqs for Med School, and simultaneously allows my experience in psychology to shine. For me that is the greatest advantage of IDS. If I had known about IDS earlier, I would have a focus in political science or economics. The pace at which the world is changing has been of great intrigue to me lately. I do still love this path though. Although I am torn between being an MD, Psychiatrist, or something along the more natural route, I will be feeding my sociological needs with a year or two simply traveling all of Europe and Asia. I’m not totally sure where I will be 5 years from now, but I look forward to the contributions this class will make towards that destination.
ReplyDeleteWow-- all of the Cornerstone students so far have life/biomedical science as one of their subject areas. Haha, there's no way I could have handled all that science :-)
ReplyDeleteKelly J.
Hello everyone, my name is Shanna. I am a junior, almost senior at UCF. For the first two years of my college career I was at Valencia Community College after graduating and transferring to UCF that is when I decided to pursue my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I chose to study Commerce and Health with a minor in Sociology. When explaining my degree study I explain that is a degree that allows me to study to different areas of focus and gain a minor as well. I chose Health because after graduating I hope to come back to nursing school with some experience already. I recently got married last year and I currently work full-time as a Property Manager for an apartment community. This degree allows me to focus on my career path I am in right now as well as the career path I could take in Pediatric nursing in the future. I don't see many disadvantages in IDS, the only thing I can think of is when in certain courses with other students that the classes focus on their major it can be a little intimidating, but I still enjoy it.
ReplyDelete@Erin -
ReplyDeleteI think Teach For America would be an awesome experience. I started an application for the Peace Corps last year as a post-graduation plan (it is a 2+ year volunteer commitment in another country). Unfortunately, after I spent a week camping last summer, I realized I love air conditioning far too much and probably wouldn't be the best Peace Corps volunteer. I think these kind of service organizations are really amazing. What made you interested in Teach for America? Do you know anyone who has done it?
Kelly J.
@ Andrea G-
ReplyDeleteI think it is really awesome that after 5 years, you are still driven to get a better education and perserve to get to what you want to do in life. Also, you traveling around the world is really awesome. I hope that this degree helps you out in your future and wish you the best in whatever path you choose for your life.
Hi everyone, my name is Jessica Starr. I am am graduating at the end of Summer with area concentrations in Life/Biomedical Sciences and Health, and a minor in Psychology. I hope to be an epidemiologist one day, after I get my Master's in Public Health. I explain IDS as an option for those who have specific plans that the University just may not cater to. For example, what I want to do just isn't a degree at UCF. I explain that it's a degree program that allows for flexibility, and subsequently, happiness. This degree program is advantageous because it makes a student well rounded, with knowledge in many different areas, and allows for the student to study their true areas of passion.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Starr :)
@KellyJ0411. I love the science!!!! And I totally just realized that you are so right....a lot of us have that as one of our areas!
ReplyDelete-Jessica Starr
@Erin Chandler....I'm with you. I've changed my major a couple of times and finally feel as though I'm on track. It's a good feeling :)
ReplyDelete-Jessica Starr
Hi everyone! My name is Megan and I’m a junior. I’m minoring in Health Science; my two major areas of study include a minor in Education and a minor in Hospitality. Usually when I explain IDS to others I explain how it helps me become well rounded in more than just one area. The advantages of interdisciplinary education is that I am capable of gaining knowledge in many fields verse just one, however, that can also be a disadvantage because it makes it harder to find a specific career since I’m not focused on one main thing.
ReplyDeleteReposted for Edison Tenezaca
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Edison Tenezaca. I am a junior student at UCF which recently changed major to IDS. I was a previously a Business Admin major. I changed to IDS because it allowed me acquire a minor in Business and do my pre-med sciences. My main goal after gradution from UCF is to go to a good medical school to become a surgeon. Explaining IDS to other people is simple in my point view. Its simply a degree tailored to meet your preferences that can only help you on your future career. The unique part about IDS students is that every one has their own customed degreee. I also work part time at Orlando Harley Davidson as an Assitant manager for about 2 years now. Every tuesday im a volunteer at Health Central to acquire clinical exposure. As of now my main focus is on school and getting good grades.
@ Jessica Starr
ReplyDeleteYea i realized that a lot of us, like science or are in science related majors or minors. That is really cool and by the way i also enjoy science a lot!
Hello! I am Shannon Brown and currently a junior. I have been in college on and off for over 8 long years. I am majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in health services administration. I am presently employed as a medical assistant for a group of pulmonary physicians. I am still unsure of the path I will take for a lifelong career. Prior to working on the clinical end of the business I was a referral coordinator and visited referring physicians as public relations. I enjoy working in the medical field in administration as well as clinical. Unbelievably, no one has ever asked me to explain interdisciplinary studies. If asked I would clarify interdisciplinary studies as interweaving multiple areas of study or interest to create a well-rounded individual with countless skills, numerous abilities and diverse knowledge. The true advantage for interdisciplinary studies for me on a personal level would be the ability to complete all my coursework online, as no longer live in the Orlando area. The advantage of interdisciplinary studies as a whole is the marketability of the degree; it enables focus to be drawn to the particular study correlated with the job applying for. The disadvantage would be if a possible employer was unknowledgeable and the degree would have to be justified.
ReplyDelete@ Edison
ReplyDeleteI use to work at the Harley dealership on 37th street of Conroy FOREVER ago. Which location do you work from?
@ Jarna
ReplyDeleteI also started my collegiate career planning on becoming a doctor. I wanted to go to optometry school with goals of becoming an optometrist. However, after high school I worked in the field and though I enjoyed it I could not see myself making a lifelong career. I think it is very wise to get some experience prior to getting into a field of study. Imagine if you had made it through undergraduate, medical school and realized during an internship or as a resident that you hated it. At least now you did not get in too deep to change directions.
@ Emily L.
ReplyDeleteI get the age-old question as well, "Is that just General studies." So I explain it the same way. With a career focus, there are so many areas that you could study or learn the discipline in. I also did the same narrowing down that you did. I do want to go to Nursing school and work in Pediatrics but I now work full time in Property Management, so studying Commerce and Health with a minor in Sociology will help me with my current position and the future. Good Luck with opening the salon and day spa sounds like you are on the right track!
@ Edison Tenezaca
ReplyDeleteI see alot of students come from Business Admin majors. That was my first choice but my advisor helped me decide where my focus should be and explained how much IDS would be a great choice. I was a little afraid to think I could go through Nursing school or even get into that field, but IDS is making it alot easier to be able to gain the diciplines but also with other focuses to help me in my current career too!
@Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI’m minoring in Health Science as well! I’m also having problems figuring out what I want to do with the rest of my life; I don’t have a set career in mind yet. That’s crazy though that you have never been asked what Interdisciplinary Studies is!!
@Shanna,
ReplyDeleteI too transferred after two years at Valencia. I’m also minoring in Health Science and at first my plan was to study Commerce but I decided to minor in Hospitality instead. I think that it’ very neat that you want to do pediatric nursing; ever since I was little I always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician (that was before I realized how much school was involved!)
@ Kelly J,
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't know anyone who has done/is doing it. I heard about it from a recruiter in one of my honors classes last semester. It sounded like something right up my alley, a great opportunity to touch the education field, and helping teach others. It's just wonderful and I really hope I get the chance to help this program.
@Andrea G.
ReplyDeleteLikewise, I have switched my major numerous times and discovered IDS, which is wonderful! I also have aspirations of Med School and plan to take some time off (~2 years) before I completely take on that endeavor. Interesting, if you would have known about IDS earlier, do you think you would still be on a pre-med route?
I'm torn between MD and DO, I haven't quite decided yet and I don't know if I will before I apply to med school, haha.
@Shannon
ReplyDeleteI work at the Idrive location i have been their for 2 years now an di am 3rd key their.
Reposted for Ryan Burris
ReplyDeleteHello my name is Ryan and I will be graduating next semester after a long hiatus from UCF. I have a minor in Biology and will be using my degree to enhance my position in Medical Device sales. I am currently working in Medical Devices but my degree will open many other opportunities in my field of profession.
When I explain the IDS degree and what it means to people I explain that it is an Interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and you can customize your degree to what your interests are as far as your working career. For instance, I work in sales and have many communication classes and I also work in the medical field where there is a lot of Biology involved and work with physicians who are very knowledgeable and who speak in biological terms. Having a degree that involves sales and biology gives me a huge advantage over the typical candidate who usually has a business management degree. The only disadvantage to an IDS degree is that if you do not know what you want or do not take the challenging classses you may need for the future of your interests than you may short change yourself later. Also, of course the other disadvantage is that many employers are confused by the title of IDS and you may have to be more persistant to get the interview with your prospective employer.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHooray for science people! I really look forward to the discussions on here because as an interdisciplinary pre-med I am definitely a minority and will enjoy talking to people in the same boat.
ReplyDelete@ Andrea I like how you explain IDS. It really is whatever you make it into and enable people to tie in all of their proficiencies and interests into one degree.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone! My name is Lindsey Warner and I’m late coming into this blog. Professor Randall slipped me in here from her mixed mode class. I'm a sophomore at UCF and my areas of study are life and physical science with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Psychology I was born in raised by a little town called Mt. Dora about an hour and fifteen minutes from here, amongst orange groves and plant nurseries. I really enjoy learning and don’t mind hard work, which led me to opt for IDS. I didn’t want to just meet the pre-requisites for medical school, it would be the boring easy way out for me. I’d be able to graduate in 2 years and would lose the scholarships I have for 4 years of undergrad. So I took on two more areas of study and am having a blast working on my Spanish fluency and learning about Psychology along with random other fun classes I slip in.
ReplyDelete