Our group is excited to spend the semester getting to know you, helping you all with IDS questions or concerns, and learning along with you as we all go further in our study of IDS!
There are five members of our group. First, Samantha Epstein who takes all online classes and studies from her home in Jacksonville, FL. Second, Kevin Pilsbury who works as an RA in the Libra Community here at UCF. Third, Byron who studies education, life science, and psychology. He is also plans on getting a masters degree in adult or higher education. Next, John Seybert who works at Disney and has a wife and two boys to take care of while finishing up school. Lastly, my name is Dana Boss and I transferred from a private school in West Palm Beach after my freshman year and love studying at UCF.
In my opinion, the IDS degree is an option for those who aren’t solely concerned with getting a high paying career or what job their major will land them. (although an IDS major can most certainly do both of those things) I chose my areas of interest, which are, Political Science, English Writing, and Humanities based off my interests and abilities. I love writing and would like to write professionally, I believe one should be a good and active citizen therefore being fluent in the area of political science, and well I just really enjoy humanities. That’s why I chose the areas I did...
I have personally found it challenging to explain my major to others and this year especially find myself trying to explain and defend my choice in studying IDS as a major. If you haven’t already been asked this question, brace yourself because come senior year you just might get asked every other day, “So what are you going to do after college?” It’s a fine question, great that others are interested in your life, but with an IDS major explaining your after college plans and how your major fits into those may be a challenge. It has been for me. One of the reasons I personally chose IDS as my major is because I am interested in many different things. Choosing just one major felt limiting and slightly boring. And just like my choice in majors, I also am interested in a few different careers.
We all have different reasons for choosing an IDS major and it is important to be informed about the IDS program in order to be confident in why you chose it. An interdisciplinary education has both advantages and disadvantages that are very important to be aware of. Please read the article posted at the end of the blog post. It is about one of the many scandals of sweatshop labor used by major corporations such as Gap. I think this article points out a disadvantage to a regular major, focusing simply on one subject area, and the advantage to an IDS degree.
Think about the CEO or vice president of Gap, he is most likely a business man. Business is an excellent major to have and one that equips you with many tangible talents. However, the scandal reveals the disadvantage to business majors being taught only business. Consider the future of major businesses who’s presidents have studied subject areas such as Human Rights in addition to their usual business classes.
We would love to hear a little about each of you. Please take the time to introduce yourself. Also,share or reflect on how you might respond to someone asking what you are going to do after graduation.
I think you all would really benefit from taking some time to really consider why you chose IDS as your major. Why do you believe in the IDS program? Why did you forgo the traditional study of one subject area?
Lastly, do you think this article points out the advantages or disadvantages to an IDS degree? How?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/08/gap-next-marks-spencer-sweatshops
Please share your thoughts and comment below! :)
Hey Mentees! Dana introduced me a little bit above, and I just wanted to check in and let you know that I will be helping respond to your comments this week too.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am happily employed at Disney for the past 22 years and have a wonderful family, I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up! The IDS major has been great at helping me plot that course however. It has allowed me to see how my different disciplines fit together and how I can really apply that integrated knowledge to my job and even family life.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you and hope you all have a great semester!
John Seybert
Hello Dana and John and thank you for the warm welcome! I’m relieved to have a fellow “product of 1960s” (borderline perhaps) in the group. What on earth am I talking about you may ask? I’m estimating John’s age. I’m 48 (ancient) and sometimes detect a slight though perceptible bias when I disclose my age in online classes—on the other hand it could be my imagination! I’m a native of Daytona Beach and currently live in Palm Bay and work in Melbourne. I own and manage an old fashioned meat market but butcher is but one of my trades. I’ve worked all positions in Hospitality (hotel and restaurant) from bottom to top both independent and corporate chain and the same the retail grocery. My body is tired though my mind doesn’t admit it as I’ve worked full-time for 33 years (there have been extended periods of sloth though intermittently). I had always wanted to get my college degree. I flamed out of Embry-Riddle in 1980 as my disposition wasn’t academically oriented. I’ve satisfied that passion though—I got my private pilot certificate with instrument rating in 1992.
ReplyDeletePassing the BCC Palm Bay campus everyday for five years enroute to work shamed me into action. I only had 13 transferable hours which translated as electives so I basically started from scratch. I had my mind made up early to pursue the IDS as it was the only viable option—it could be completed online. My areas are of study are Letters and Social/ Behavioral Science with a minor in History. I’d like to teach history at the community college level, be an archaeologist (Florida prehistoric), and pursue the Certified Addiction Professional certificate and be an addictions counselor (among about ten other things, like you John and I’d like to write as you have expressed Dana. I’m planning on entering the Educational Leadership M.A. program in the spring of 2012.
I’ve been getting the questions as well about my degree and what I want to do. I used to answer with Interdisciplinary Studies but I’d tongue tie it or my audience’s eyes would glaze over when I’d start explaining, or I’d get, from professors, the old “Good luck with that.” Generally I now answer that I’m majoring in history and want to teach it. That is well understood and gets plaudits. In the long run I believe my IDS degree will be well received and will be perceived as adding a “well rounded” quality to my portfolio. I anticipate working until I’m 80 and I will have flexibility and an air of independence in choosing what I want to do and when I want to do it—and where I want to do it as well. I agree Dana that money shouldn’t be a motivator and I stated as much in my “Goals” assignment last week, “Money and material in no way figure into this equation. Do what you love, the money will follow. People need purpose first and foremost.”
It is a pleasure to be a member of this group and it’s been nice meeting you. Everyone, please feel free to call upon me at anytime for anything.
Jonathan Andrew Harris
*A side note on synchronicity—the day I was assigned to this group my AML II group chose Steinbeck for our project. I was pushing for him!
Hi Mentors (and fellow mentees)! I'm Lisa Schmidt, a junior at UCF. I'm returning to college after a long (very long) absence. My areas of concentration are letters and modern languages and humanities; my minor is political science. I'm lucky that I already have an established career, so I selected my areas based solely on interest.
ReplyDeleteI'm the marketing manager for a small software company, a job I really enjoy. I'm married with a 12 year old daughter and a 15 year old son. My family is extremely supportive of my decision to return to school. My husband even volunteered to take over laundry and grocery shopping responsibilities. (He's a UCF alumni.)
I'm happy to be part of this group; I look forward to participating!
Lisa Schmidt
Hello everyone!! I'm Kylee. I guess you could say I'm a junior at UCF, even though I have taken so many classes in random disciplines that I could be a senior! I moved down to Florida 5 years ago from Seattle Washington after graduating high school looking for a change. Since being down in the sunshine state I have enjoyed many different jobs, including being a husbandry assistant in the aquarium department at SeaWorld, a divemaster/instructor at Weeki Wachee Springs, and now a divemaster at Disney Epcot's Seas, among others. I love the water and try to enjoy it as much as my schedule allows.
ReplyDeleteMy areas of study include english, humanities, and a minor in psychology. After declaring my major multiple times in different disciplines, I just decided that I wanted to, and needed, to be more broad. I came to english and humanities fairly easily since they are by far my favorite subjects of study. Psychology kinda just happened.
When asked what I want to do "when I grow up" I always answer anything that makes me happy. I am a firm believer in doing something that you love and enjoy, not something just for the sake of money (I'm with you Jonathan!!). As for how I explain IDS as my major? Well I guess it changes from person to person. Like others before me have said, people loose interest fast when you start explaining what IDS is and what it entails, so I just read the person's willingness to listen and gauge their level of interest before I respond. My family is just happy I have decided once and for all, and can see a graduation date in the future!
I look forward to working and getting to know you all this semester!!
Kylee Jones
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDana also introduced me, I'm Samantha Epstein and I am ready to graduate and make a career change. This is my second time in college, the first time I was at the University of North Florida(Jacksonville) and was completely unhappy with the way thing were going there so....I withdrew. Shortly after that, I got married and had my first child. I transferred to UCF in 2008, determined to finish my degree. Now, at the age of 27, it will finally happen. While attending school I have been working as a teacher in Early Childhood Education, which is fun, but doesn't pay much. I'm hoping to break into a challenging career, that will stimulate my mind and keep my pocket book a little fuller than it currently is. Hey, Money is not everything, but it is important. I'm excited to finally be graduating, and looking forward to an exciting semester. Good luck everyone!
ReplyDeleteHey, Byron here from Capstone. I am a senior as Dana introduced earlier. Like some others this is a trip back to school for me. I started first time in 1991, thinking I was going to be a teacher. Instead I left to take a corporate teaching job, then changed careers again 10 years ago to banking. I am also a photographer with a sports photo business on the side.
ReplyDeleteI do look forward this semester to helping however I can throughout these courses. I just took Cornerstone with Ms. Spraker a year ago - so most of the material is still mostly fresh in my mind.
Hiya everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the post the other day I read it a little too quickly at first. At first I thought Dana called us manatees!! I guess I'll always remember that first blog posting.
I'm Bill and I'm a junior here at UCF. I'm fortunate enough to have a career that I really enjoy. For me, this degree isn't about a career change, rather it's about gaining some tools to help me be more effective. Of course, earning an undergraduate degree will help me when it comes to future promotions but I'm more interested in the intellectual assets gained.
What to do once I graduate? I have no idea. That's the most honest answer I can give.
I'm not sure what else to post about right now. I'm no good when it comes to introductions.
@Kylee - I've been thinking of learning how to dive recently. When you got started, did you learn to dive with the intent of diving for a job, or did you start as a hobby and later apply it to a job?
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa!! Sounds like you have your hands full! Thanks for your intro and it sounds like with a little help from your family you will do awesome this semester! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Bill! I have a feeling you'll be my favorite manatee ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Kylee! Sounds like an awesome job. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on IDS, refreshing and insightful. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jonathan!! Great to have you in the group, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI decided on the IDS program because it gave me the option to return to school, without returning to the classroom. Online courses allow me to manage my schedule (assignments) week-to-week based on work and family commitments.
ReplyDeleteI do have one question for the group. Do you find that most online professors work with the Sunday midnight deadline? Just curious. One of my professors this semester has multiple deadlines each week. Not impossible, but definitely a challenge.
Lisa Schmidt
Lisa, Welcome to the blog. As to your question, I have this class which is mostly Sunday. I have a class this semester that's Friday (but some discussions are Wednesday), If I remember Cognitive Psych. was Tuesdays, Stats. for Psych was I forget but it was a weekday. . .. . point is, I've had them all over the board.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I have done around 16 or 17 online courses so far (I've lost count), and the majority have been Sunday at midnight. I did have one last semester that had Tuesday deadlines, which was kind of nice - one class was Sunday, the other Tuesday. That way I wasn't trying to get everything done Sunday night (yes, I am a procrastinator - Actually I just work well under pressure :) ).
ReplyDeleteJohn Seybert
Kylee, I agrre with you about doing something you love! Unfortunately at my age I am so far invested in my family, friends, and home I think I am too far gone to do something I really love. I have always thought about living on the beach somewhere (not in hurricane prone Florida where you can't get insurance for a beach house though!), but I really love the outdoors and mountains and would love to be a park ranger. As I said, that is totally not economically feasible for me at this point, so instead I am lucky enough to be doing something that I love almost as much in the electronics field. What an anthithesis - outdoors and technology!
ReplyDeleteI say go ahead and do what you enjoy if you have the opportunity, but whatever you choose to do, do it well. Be better than everyone else in that position, and the path will lead you in the right direction.
John Seybert
Jonathan, I found your remark about percieving a slight bias online when you mention your age interesting. Since you mentioned that I have been thinking if I have run into that situation or not. I have taken about 16 online classes so far, and I can't say that I ever recall broaching the subject nor felt any kind of bias. I guess maybe the secret is just keep them guessing, and let your personality and knowledge do the talking. The great mask of the internet has the advantage of creating a somewhat level playing field when it comes to anonymity. Now, was it me you were thinking was a product of the 1960's, or someone else? Cause I'll never tell my age! Oh, I guess I kind of did that when I said I worked in the same place for 20 some years, huh? :)
ReplyDeleteJohn Seybert
Bill, I am in the same kind of boat as you. I have struggled my way to my current position all these years without a degree, and I am now earning this more as a personal challenge and my own satisfaction rather than a way to find a job or advance my career. I like where I am at, and do not have any intention of changing. The degree WILL help open up some possibilities at my current position, but I enjoy keeping my mind stimulated and learning new things. Although I know what I WILL be doing after graduation, I don't know what I would LIKE to do after graduation. I sit here typing on this blog with these pictures of grapes staring at me and I am thinking about maybe sitting on the porch of a nice vineyard estate home sipping a glass of fine wine...
ReplyDeleteJohn Seybert
Well John and Bill, as for career changes and what not, for the resume assignment I found an opening for a GM at a Crowne Plaza Hotel is South Beach! 79 rooms, F&B, and I qualify. I sent it off for real even though it was just an exercise. We'll see. It would be sweet 80-100K and this degree will actually ice the cake as they want a Bachelor. *As for the age thing it's probably in my head...*Lisa, in the spring semester my all my classes had odd deadlines, 3 of them were Friday at 5:00 p.m. and one was Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. I thought it was ridiculous to have Friday deadlines. It was insane and I never did get my rhythm that semester. This semester it's perfect: 2 on Sunday, one on Monday, and one on Tuesday. I'm off Sunday at 3:00p and off Monday. Just the luck of the draw I suppose.
ReplyDeleteJonathan Harris
@Lisa
ReplyDeleteMost of the online classes I've taken had a deadline of Sunday for the week's assignments. Tests and quizzes were scattered throughout the week for me, but the assignments for all but a couple classes were due Sunday night.
Greetings Mentors!
ReplyDeleteThe subject of the IDS degree and its flexibility is a little different in my respect. Normally people take the courses then get the job, but in this case it’s the opposite; I have the job, now I need the courses to match it. I had an exciting opportunity to join an intern government career field two years ago, before I even finished with an AA. For the next few months I tried to find my identity in the workplace and eventually settled on ISD (Instructional Systems Design). After this, however, my supervisors decided that I needed to take the right courses at school in order to satisfy the requirements. The current UCF catalog didn’t have a particular bachelor’s degree in the field of ISD, so a compromise was made to take an IDS degree with a track in Psych and Education. Thanks to the flexibility of the IDS, I can satisfy the requirements and still work towards the ISD masters in graduate school. It’s a win-win!
Great to be a part of this experience at UCF!
-Zachary
@Bill
ReplyDelete@John
I'm with you! My degree is more about personal fulfillment. I have a career that I absolutely love. I find that returning to school – with an established career – is liberating. There’s no pressure to find the right major or a job that pays well. It’s just about taking classes that interest and challenge me.
Lisa Schmidt
Hello mentors and fellow mentees!!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Georges Desliens, a junior at UCF after returning for my second bachelor in interdisciplinary study. I appreciate your nice and warm welcome explaining your willingness to help. Like you, I am taking all my classes online and I am comfortable to study from home in Orlando. I was graduated in health science Preclinical with two minors in health care management and in health service administration. I am proud to be part of UCF team after discovering that it stands for opportunities. At this point, I would like to get well prepared for my master and more.
Georges Desliens
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete3. I personally understand that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when considering an interdisciplinary education. There is no doubt that interdisciplinary study is the key education for 21st century. An Interdisciplinary study has a clear purpose to address questions that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Newell’s responses to Benson’s arguments against IDS are very significant to me. For example,
ReplyDelete•There is no conceptual confusion: Interdisciplinary studies are about complex problem solving.
•Interdisciplinary study avoids indoctrination in any single perspective world view and teaches the value of considering alternative viewpoints
•Interdisciplinary study facilitates students to be more proactive in their education, and their interdisciplinary degrees are increasingly desirable for positions in the 21st century workplace.
•Interdisciplinary studies courses can be thoroughly relevant and innovative, enhancing student motivation to learn, which can make them highly effective.
•Interdisciplinary courses and programs can be relatively inexpensive and cost saving to universities.
Georges Desliens
Hello Mentors,
ReplyDeleteI choose to become interdisciplinary in order to be ready for the 21st century education. I understand that pursuing interdisciplinary studies gives students excellent preparation for working in groups and experience in teamwork. For example, my areas of studies are Public Affairs and Social/Behavioral Science, with two minors in Technical Education and Industry Training and in Aging studies. Using metaphor that can produce vivid, clear images in the minds of others, we can say that interdisciplinary study is like a smoothie when fully integrated or it can be like trail mix with all the elements still discrete and identifiable. Additionally, one common metaphor is how IDS can be described as a peanut and jelly sandwich, combining two elements that complement each other quite well.
Desliens Georges
Hey Bill~ So glad to hear you might be interested in learning to scuba dive!! My family have always been water people (My brother is a professional wakeboarder and we lived on Lake Washington up by Seattle in Washington State), and while volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium I learned to appreciate water life. When I got certified I didn't know that I would be diving for a career (or at least a job right now), but I LOVE it!!! I highly recommend you to get certified!!! There is no other activity like it in the world!! I have been fortunate in that I have had the chance to dive in multiple locations in the Caribbean and around the state with a variety of different kinds of animals. My favorites have been the Giant Pacific Octopus (which can be over 100lbs), and various kinds of sharks. It really is rush!!
ReplyDeleteIf you are serious about getting certified I know of a few great places to go that are reasonably priced and taught by fun people!
Kylee Jones
Hey Lisa~ I too like the Interdisciplinary degree because it can be taken online. I just don't have the time to make it to class each week and love the weekly deadlines that online courses provide. As for whether all professors do that, I can safely say no. Most do, but there are others who prefer you participate more during the week. Don't know if that is because the course number is higher or what. But the freedom online courses offer is what keeps bringing me back!!
ReplyDeleteSorry, forgot to sign my name :)
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa~ I too like the Interdisciplinary degree because it can be taken online. I just don't have the time to make it to class each week and love the weekly deadlines that online courses provide. As for whether all professors do that, I can safely say no. Most do, but there are others who prefer you participate more during the week. Don't know if that is because the course number is higher or what. But the freedom online courses offer is what keeps bringing me back!!
Kylee Jones
Dana, I read the article from the “Guardian” and several things stuck out. Call me a cynic but the “spokespeople” seem to be just doing damage control or image control. The HR reps they put in the field are more than likely PR agents.
ReplyDeleteCNBC had an “American Greed” segment a few months ago about Wal-Mart’s Chinese suppliers. This was a very in depth investigation. There were locked doors, de-facto enslavement, 16 hour days, awful conditions and low wages. Whistle blowers have lost their lives and surprise inspections were always leaked to the factory. Of course Wal-Mart claimed they are the pinnacle of ethics and go to extraordinary measures to make sure these things don’t happen. If you have a day, research all the suits they’ve lost in this country alone for various “ethical” violations.
I see your point that an IDS education, such as the theoretical CEO, whereby business is supplemented by human rights, ethics, et al courses would “perhaps” instill a certain level of social responsibility. There are too many other factors though. First the profit motive is first and foremost. This is why they aren’t manufacturing in the U.S. in the first place. The average manufacturing job pays about $30 per hour; wage and benefits. That is $240 per day. In China and other places they make around $1.50 a day.
The CEO is powerless. He answers to a board and the shareholders. Shareholders demand maximum dividends. We are the shareholders. Any personal concern for ethical treatment is foreshadowed by the need of profit. The consumer demands low prices. To accommodate ethics, costs increase which ultimately increases prices. Consumers resist, profits go down, people are laid off, shareholders lose, and the CEO is fired despite his social conscience.
Our government is culpable too. We have the highest corporate tax rates in the world—near 30%. So who is going to give up something in the name of social justice? Are we all hypocrites? Do we want to pay an extra 50% for goods? Will shareholders invest for a meager return? Will the government offer a reasonable tax rate? As customers we pay those taxes which are imbedded within the cost of every item we buy. I don’t see a socially responsible future for business, investors, or consumers. It is cheaper to ship garlic from China, 12,000 miles, than to grow it in California which used to be the domestic garlic capital. For about two years the bulk of our garlic has been coming from China. Not only fresh garlic, but extend it into spices, everything consumed in a restaurant, vitamins, and a host of other things.
Out of sight out of mind…the human being harvesting it is 12,000 miles away making $1.50 a day. Translate this to 80% of the “CRAP” we use. What about the Global Warming frauds? Think of ALL THE DIESEL ON THE CARGO SHIPS AND CROSS-COUNTRY TRUCKS. So you’ll pardon me if I can’t realistically imagine a future where social conscious dictates policy regardless of whatever may be wrought by creative education. The self righteous pretension of the world makes me want to puke.
Jonathan Andrew Harris
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood evening mentors and fellow mentees.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I chose an IDS major because I felt it was the most straight forward route for me to obtain a bachelor's degree. I have just recently returned to school from a 6 year break, and my trascript was littered with classes my younger self took to find his way. After my 6 year hiatus, during which I got married and became an adult, I have learned that I have a passion for teaching and coaching. I began this journey simply looking for a bachelor's degree, which would afford me the oppotunity to obtain teacher certification. After spending 1 month as an IDS student and learning all that it entails, I am excited that I "stumbled" into this program. I am excited about the knowledge I have put myself in position to attain. And I am excited how my two areas of study, Education and Psychology, will impact my career as a coach and teacher.
Kylee,
ReplyDeleteI also decided to take IDS because it offered me the best chance to take all my classes online.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was at Valencia, alot of my professor's utilized a Sunday evening deadling. Here at UCF, Professor Spraker is the only one of my professors this sememster that does it. it actually helps me that not all class work for all classes is due the same day. it allows me the chance to spread out my "focus."
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteI chose an IDS major because to me, it seemed like other degree programs were too restricting. Sure, I want to study how to start a business, but I have other interests as well, and things I think would help me be a more well-rounded individual. My two areas of study are Public Affairs and Behavioral and social sciences, and my minor is Entrepreneurship. I think that having multiple areas of study is very useful because in todays world, you never know where life is gonna take you.