Hi Cornerstone Students, we will be your mentors for this semester and we wanted to start off the first blog post by introducing ourselves. So, here it goes…
Hey there, I’m Danny Shelton. My focuses are Letters and Humanities, and my Minor is in Political Science. I like a good scotch, surfing, playing most sports, candlelight dinners, long walks on the beach. This semester I am interning in Bill Nelson’s Orlando office. After school I’m looking into a few different things. I could go back to DC and work at the admin position at the consulting group I interned at, or try my luck at any number of NGOs, government agencies, consulting groups, political committees, election campaigns, etc… or grad school. Still working on it. Interdisciplinary Studies possesses the advantage of diversity. Exploit it.
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Hi, I’m Alexandra Gonzalez and I’m graduating from UCF this May. I’ve been fortunate enough that I was able to land a job prior to graduating. (My main tip to all of you, apply to jobs before graduating! The market’s rough out there and you want to make sure you’ve gotten a head start) I currently work at a media company where I’ve learned a great deal of experience and different tools that I hope to use for any future endeavors I may pursue. I never believed anyone when they told me, so I’ll tell you in hopes of you thinking I’m not lying. The real world is tough out there and you have to make sure to know enough about yourself and your strengths to show the work force why you will be nothing but an asset to them! Use this class as a tool to get to know more about your major and how to explain why and how it’s beneficial to both you and future employers. Good luck!
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My name is Josh, and my areas of focus are Humanities and Letters and Languages, with a minor in Mass Communications. My goal after graduation is to work in digital media production, hopefully writing and animating.
I explain IDS as a way to integrate all the classes I wanted to take that might be limited to somebody with a disciplinary degree. I've been able to get the education that would have been denied to me due to the restrictive access of programs like the Radio/Television program, and I have a broader perspective for it.
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Hi guys, I’m Siul. I know that will be a little difficult for you guys to try and pronounce but luckily this is a blog, so you won’t have to worry about that. I’ll jump right in and tell you a little bit about myself. My areas are Letters & Languages, and Behavioral & Social Sciences. I also have two minors, Psychology & Mass Communications. When I first declared IDS as my major, I had a hard time explaining my major to others. This cornerstone class will help you not struggle with that as much, and help you completely understand what it is exactly that you’re about to spend years of your college career majoring in. IDS is a great major, not only does it allow you to take a bit of everything that interests you, but it also allows you to integrate those disciplines. You are given the freedom to choose which courses you believe will interest you the most and that is one of my favorite things about this major. I don’t want to be preachy, but I fully encourage you to take advantage of this course. Try really hard to complete all of your readings and assignments because it will help you in the long run. And for the next five weeks, we will be here to answer any questions you have and help you along the way!
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For this weeks post, we would like to get to know you guys! Just do the same thing we did and give us a little bit of information about yourselves, what your areas are, and why you chose IDS to be your major. Also, we added in a few other questions to make a little more fun.
-- What's your favorite city to live in and why?
-- Describe your dream job and tell me how your major will help you attain this position?
-- How do you describe your major to your friends, family and employers?
We look forward to reading your responses!
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteI am Davyn Riley. There are quite a few things about me that I like. I enjoy a great television series, traveling and singing. I am a professional graphic designer and singer as well. Currently, my areas are Arts and Mass Communications. Honestly, I chose IDS as a major, because I wanted to finish school and I have tooooo many credits and its just time to move on with the next step of my life. (not your traditional answer - I know... but I am honest).
I had the opportunity to live in Kingston, Jamaica for about 5 years and Houston, TX for about 2... It's kind of difficult to make a decision between the two, because I LOVE LOVE both cities. So my answer would have to be a perfect mix between the two.. "Houingston" (but it would have to be state-side though). Reasons? They are both unique and surreal in their own way. Kingston has a demographic of realists and Houston; the same.
My dream job would be to actually travel the world singing. If I would have to choose one in this field it would be to open a non-profit and teach people in the inner-city the arts and design. Just to give them a skill. My major in arts will help me further myself and my skill-base in arts and the mass communication area it will help me to communicate with people from all walks of life and ethnic groups. For my dream job, the arts portion would be able to help me do my own marketing and advertising without having to pay. Because I am expensive to hire. So I can imagine how much I could save by just using myself.
I describe my major to others by letting them know I have the luxury of mixing two fields of study to get the best of both worlds and then of course I put in the fact that I am almost finished so this was the best way to get me out quicker. I own two businesses now but with no degree so I figure it would help me get further along with the degree.
Hi Davyn! Wow, it truly seems like you have almost everything figured out. The combination of the two cities made me laugh out loud, because that's exactly what we're doing with this major. Instead of integrating disciplines, you did it with your two favorite cities! So, I'm really curious as to what kind of music do you sing? And if you have a page where I can listen to some of your music? Because I'm always searching for new music to listen to!
DeleteAHH!!! LOL.. I am glad that you found that funny. Honestly, I find that Kingston, Jamaica and Houston, TX is two of the greatest cities in the world... Maybe I will say differently after I visit Milan...
DeleteIt has taken me quite some time to get my head on straight. I've had to do a lot to get there...
MUSIC???? Primarily I sing Christian or Gospel Music... and unfortunately I dont have any uploaded online anywhere... Send me your email address and I will email you a few tracks that I have done. Once I do... I would like to hear your RAWEST HONEST OPINION!!... LOL
Thanks...
(Next time I won't do as much writing... I promise).
hey Davyn,
DeleteI totally understand with the whole having alot of credits and wanting to finish up quickly thing! I think it is awesome that you are a singer and want to travel! i want to do the same thing with photography. Ive been to Jamaica once and it was beautiful.
@Davyn --
DeleteMy email is siulmv@gmail.com - would love to hear some of your music! And don't worry about the writing...when I was in Cornerstone I used to write a lot also :)
Hi, my name is Taylor Weiss. My areas of focus are communications and art with a minor in sociology. I chose communications because I originally wanted to do something with journalism and this lets me still involve it. I chose arts because all areas of art interest me. I am an aspiring photographer. I hope to literally combind my two areas of interest by becoming a photojournalist. I hope to travel to all different places around the world but i see myself living in New York because I am from there and have alot of family still there. I descibe my major by telling people that it combinds two areas that interest me that i focus in. I tell them that it is tailored to my interest. When they still dont understand, i just tell them that my major is communications and art!
ReplyDeleteHi Taylor, what part of NY are you from? I lived in upsate NY for about 7 years! I was also wondering what types of things do you like to photograph... Animals, People, Scenery? And, are you involved in any of the clubs on campus that let you integrate your photography into their flyers, advertisements, newspapers and such?
DeleteAhh the joys of NY!! I've always wanted to go there and buy a summer home or something... With me, for my major I would tell the ones that may not understand... I am building my own degree... unique to me!
DeleteHi Taylor:D. That is so cool, that you want to combine your passions and travel the world.What places would you love to travel?:).
DeleteI photography is something I always wanted to do! It's so cool how your combining photograhy and journalism.New York is great place to be, I would also love to live there some day. The city life there is AMAZING!
DeleteMy name is Thomas Benton, but I go by Andy to those who know me. Currently my IDS breakdown concerns business, public affairs and a minor in sociology. Honestly, I chose this discipline because it was the quickest path to graduation. I’ve recently returned to school after an extended period focusing on working my way through the restaurant industry. High points included five years at Olive Garden’s corporate office as a brand ambassador to opening and co-managing both Mellow Mushroom’s central Florida locations. The IDS path seemed to offer greater opportunity than a hospitality degree.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to find my favorite place to live. While I’ve had the pleasure of traveling throughout the US, visiting many amazing cities, Orlando has always been home. After graduation I plan on following opportunity wherever it leads and exploring the new location to its fullest. I enjoy great music and food. Any new city will offer new adventures.
My dream job would to be self employed while working with friends and family in the hospitality industry. With my resume and an IDS degree this goal is more easily attainable.
To all who ask, Interdisciplinary Studies allows for an individual to pick studies pertinent to their career and scholastic path. It broadens the skill base needed to be successful without pigeonholing oneself.
Hi, Andy. i was originally doing the journalism degree but i thought that ids seemed to make more sense for me too so i totally understand the whole taking a different path thing! I really like how you define the interdisciplinary studies major, i might start using it myself!
DeleteMy name is Giancarlo, but since it's difficult to sometimes pronounce I usually go by the nickname Yanni. I am a Junior transfer student from Brevard Community College and have always lived in Florida. After receiving my Associates General Studies degree at BCC I was still declaring my major as "Undecided" when transferring to UCF. I did not know what I wanted as a career choice and had no inclination as to what my path in life was to be. I also was getting negative reinforcement from my parents as they pushed me and still do in some ways to go after a "prestigious" career in medicine or engineering. I eventually discovered the field of Archiving, which involves the preservation of historical documents and artifacts. Archivists deal with museums and other non-profit organizations to keep alive the records of human history, an idea I have always been interested in. I hope to one day help those who have passed on to continue living through their contributions to this world by means of art, literature, historical documents, photography, and film. I can only wish that when I am gone that there are those who will do the same for me. At first I had declared my major as History, but seeing how my career choice is so specific, I felt as if though a simple degree in History would not suffice. By sheer coincidence, an advisor had mentioned the Interdisciplinary Studies major. I had no clue as to what it was and investigated it further and realized how much more suitable it would be towards my goal as an archivist. By "mixing and matching" different fields of study I would gain a larger knowledge and understanding going into the workforce then would others who simply chose one major, a beneficial advantage that would give me an edge when applying to graduate schools or jobs. My two areas of focus are the Humanities/History and Social and Behavioral Studies, with a minor in Art History. The reason I chose Art History as a minor was because I had already knocked off so many credits in high school through advanced placement courses and also BCC towards both the Humanities as well as the Social and Behavioral Studies majors. Basically I have already completed credit for my two areas of main focus rather quickly, and the rest of my time at UCF will be concentrated towards Art History, which will be invaluable for my career choice. Hopefully this combination of my Interdisciplinary Studies major will help me to not only experience various fields of study, but also open new doors and opportunities. I don't have a favorite city that I have lived in, but I would love to live in Florence simply because the short distance in which so many art masterpieces are near each other, as well as there being a large concentration of archival work in Italy. Plus European history is far more interesting then any history found in the United States. I describe Interdisciplinary Studies to my family and friends as a major that I personalize to my needs, yet is recognized as a legitimate field of study in higher learning institutions.
ReplyDeleteYanni, it seems like we both have the same issue with our names. My cousins name is Jan Carlos which is pronounced I believe the same way as yours. Anyways, I think you made the right choice by choosing this major. Your focus in Art History will definitely help you with what you've chosen to do. I've never met anyone that wishes to be an Archivist. It sounds really interesting.
DeleteA few years back I lived in NYC for the summer and visited the Guggenheim Museum and really loved it. The pieces I saw were incredible.
Also, I went to Florence when I was about 9 years old, and even though I don't really remember much of the trip in detail, I do remember seeing a lot of art everywhere. So, hopefully you do get to visit/live there sometime! :)
hey just curious which BCC campus did you go to?
DeleteI was also undecided while in Valencia, It is not a good feeling at all. But im glad you decided in a area of study where it interests you and you really like!.
Delete@Dexter
DeleteI went to the Melbourne campus. The campus in Cocoa offered more variety of courses and was much larger but I loved the professors at the Melbourne campus. I plan on using some of them for letters of recommendation.
@Siul
DeleteI have been wanting to go to the Guggenheim for years now, and the fact that you went there AND to Florence is just making me jealous right now. =) The only thing with the art shown at the Guggenheim is that it's usually modern art and I honestly don't like the majority of modern art, but the reason I would love to go there is just because of the building itself. The man who designed it made it so that the structure itself was a work of art that houses other works of art.
@Yanni --
DeleteYou definitely need to go! My friend lives down the street from there so that's why I had the opportunity of going. It's unbelievable and you're absolutely right, the structure of the building is a work of art. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't give any details. I really do recommend that you check it out even if you don't truly like Modern Art.
@Giancarlo
DeleteThat's awesome man I actually went there too for duel enrollment and liked it a lot.
Hey Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name's Dexter either like the show with the crazy serial killer or if you're a little younger the boy genius Dexter from Dexter's Lab (thankfully I am neither). Anyway I'm a freshman here at UCF and am enjoying it so far. I enjoy skating, surfing, playing basketball, making music, and the theater. For work I am a professional musician and go home a good amount to play gigs on the weekends with my dad. But before you get your hopes up of an awesome concert with screaming fans everywhere.. I play jazz.. so the audience is just a little reduced to say the least.
For my favorite city I'd have to say my hometown of Melbourne Beach in Florida. It's definitely not a glitz or glam place my any means and is quite small, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Being in a small town has just always seemed right to me and being near the beach is absolutely fantastic either for swimming, surfing, or just simply laying out in the sun.
My dream job? well if I knew what it was I would definitely tell you! Alot of people would tell me to pursue music, but even if money were not a problem I still don't think my life would be completely satisfying. I hope one day I can have a job where I can help people and although it sounds vague I hope time will shape it out in some fashion.
Explaining my major feels like a guessing game at times for me, every time I have a new explanation for people. I'd say the best one I have is saying its kinda like a double major but without the strict requirements and overwhelming course work. Hopefully this class and blog can lend me a helping hand in this area! My two areas are social science and history, what I hope to do with it I'm still a little unsure, perhaps teach? Only time will tell I suppose.
WOW! I do music as well... what instruments do you play? - how do you think that you can help people... ever thought about teaching music?
Delete@Davyn
DeleteWell I play Sax, bass, vocals, and drum kit at the moment and love playing them all! I've thought about teaching music but I'm not sure I could do it for a career though. I've thought about teaching history or poly sci as a professorship which would be really nice.
and its also awesome that you do music as well man! It's good to hear of fellow musicians doing well, do you sing in the gospel choir here?
DeleteHey everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Stephen Chichelli. I was born and rasied in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I'm a junior here at UCF and I choose the IDS major because after switching majors 4 times IDS was the program that wouldn't waste most of the credits I had already earned, and I also liked the concept of having a variety of classes. My ares of study are communication and computer sciences with a Minor in marketing. I'm not quite sure what I want to do as a career after school but I'm fairly positive I want it to be in the marketing field. My parents still aren't exactly sure what IDS actually is but I just tell them that its my quickest way to a degree and that seems to satisfy them.
Outside of school I like to sleep, listen to music, play video games or go to parties with friends, but the thing I love the most is sports. Wheteher it's watching them, playing them, or talking about them, sports is my passion and I'd like to tie it in with my career.
Hey Stephen, you are not alone. I switched my major from Hospitality management to nursing to IDS. Some days i still have no idea what ill do with my degree except for the personal satisfaction of having it done. I like you though, trying to finish this college chapter.
DeleteMy name is Gloriceli Rodriguez Ginorio. For some reason it is very difficult to prononunce my name, so you can call me Glori or Glo:). I was born in Puerto Rico, but raised here in Orlando Fl.I'm currently a junior,and I transfered from Valencia Community College in the fall.This is my Second semester here in UCF. My majors are in Communication, Social Behavior Sciences and a minor in studio art. I wanted an area of study where I can learn more about how people interact physically,mentally, emotionaly, and incorporate art as well. My areas of study are insync as to what my interests are towards my career. My goal career wise and dream job after I graduate with my bachelors and masters is to attain a license in art therapy and be an art counselor. I want to help people while incorporating art!:D.
ReplyDeleteMy interests outside of school are watching films,blogging, and writing and reading stories of fiction. When I explain my major I explain how its a combination of two majors and a minor. It can be confusing for some of my friends, but I try my best in explaining how this major fits my interests personally and for my career as well.
Well if you have any questions, feel free to ask!:D
I can totally relate to having trouble explaining my major, but I really dig your goal of art therapy! Not to sound too ignorant but what exactly is it?
DeleteI had always thought of art therapy as one of the best forms of therapy. I believe there is nothing more theraputic than doing some kind of art. To me its kind of a form of escapeism :)
DeleteHello, my name is Jessica Olson my two areas of focus are letters and humanities with a minor is Spanish and foreign language education. I was originally working on a foreign language education degree but, I recently discovered that I would like to teach English abroad instead of teaching Spanish herein the states. After, spending 3 months teaching English in Spain I loved it so much I decided that I wanted to move there to teach (so basically, I’m learning Spanish to teach English). As soon as I graduate I plan on moving back to Spain because I have already been accepted into a program where I will be teaching English starting September 2012. So with all that said, obviously my favorite city to live in would be Zamora, Spain it was the city I lived in the last year but, I would also love to live in Miami because of the beautiful beaches. The way I describe my major to my friends and family is I tell them that I am getting a degree that focuses on multiple subjects rather than just one subject; I’m doing two areas of study that interest me.
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica. I'm so jealous that you have a job already lined up and that you you get to move to a beautiful country like Spain. I wish someone here in the states would teach a Spanish class that concentrates on those in the restaurant business specifically. It would sure help me to be more efficient at my job.
DeleteJessica!! is that you? haha, so glad to be your mentor :) Congrats on getting accepted to the program! You're going to do great. Lopez would be proud.
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