Good semester!

Well everyone we made it. We are down to the last week of classes. I hope all of you enjoyed the blogging experience. I was pretty skeptical of the idea when we first started but I ended up really enjoying getting to know all of you. I really like hearing other peoples ideas and goals. You are all interesting people and I hope everything goes well for all of you and I hope you have a great IDS college experience. Have fun and good luck everyone thank you for sharing all that you did!

Peter

The end of the semester!

FINALLY!! It’s almost the end of the semester!! Did you think it would ever get here?!?!

You know, growing up I never really knew exactly what I wanted to when “I grew up,” and honestly, I still don’t. Sometimes that scares me because there are days where I am so unhappy with my current job, yet I’m not sure what I should look for in trying to find a new job. I thought I wanted to be a teacher, but after graduating with an A.A. in Elementary Education, I decided that was NOT for me at all. Fortunately, with the Interdisciplinary Studies, I have learned a lot more about myself, personally and professionally. My areas of study, Sociology, Education and Public Affairs, have allowed me to explore so many different areas that I have been able to explore myself. I thoroughly enjoy combining these programs and have found they work together very well.

Currently I work for a FL state park and I used to LOVE my job, back when I planned events, did programs for kids, worked with and recruited volunteers and did a lot of “office/public relations” type of stuff. Then, my job description changed and I became more of a maintenance worker, leaving the stuff I really liked behind. Without realizing it, my “old” job fell right into my IDS program areas—I was able to give programs (education), work with the community and plan programs (public affairs) and get into the minds of others in trying to find what makes them tick, convince them to volunteer or give me resources for the park (sociology).

Over the past year, my career goals have altered quite a bit. I have decided that I want to find a job that fits me best, something in the field of public relations and/or marketing, especially within a non-profit. I have also decided that I may apply for the Masters program, Non-profit Management. I am truly looking forward to graduating this May with my IDS B.S. degree, allowing more doors of opportunity to open.

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it would be to make sure your program areas are something you really enjoy and not just because it seems easy or convenient. You’ll do best if you love what you’re doing, whether it be academic, professional or personal.

I have to laugh some—it’s amazing how our goals and desires in life can change dramatically over the course of a few years! Have you experienced changing goals and paths? Or have you always known what you wanted to do?

Do you currently work? Does your IDS program fit into your current professional life? Give some examples.

I look forward to hearing your responses, and being the end of the semester, if you have any questions, comments or stories you would like to share or there’s something we didn’t cover, please feel free to bring it up.

I hope this has been an enjoyable and helpful experience for you, as it has been for me.

:o)
Kadie


Hello Mentees =)

Sad Day...the semester has come to an end and our lovely conversations are drawing close to closing. It has been a wonderful semester getting to know each of you. I hope that you have gathered some insights from us as I know we certainly have learned from each of you.

I just wanted to encourage each of yall to never give up on any goals. I don’t care if its 1 or 101 goals you have set for yourself...complete as many as you can. It’s never too late!!!

I know for me...I entered this program because I had changed my major what felt like 100 times. I was frustrated and just simply wanted out of UCF. I now have most all my prerequisites out of the way for either an Education degree or a degree in Health Sciences. I also have a fine little minor in Psychology. I have learned over time that my major isn't so terrible after all. It’s not a solidified certificate, but it is beneficial for me to go get more education and work using either of these passions I have. Don't give up on any goals or passions you may have. God has given you the aspirations you have and I believe you should use them to the fullest capability =)

If you have any questions or if you want to discuss anything further...please feel free =) I know I’m not going anywhere =)

I’d love to know also...along with Kadie...if you are using the education you are receiving in this IDS program?

Looking forward to hearing from each of you =)

~Rebe

Personal Career Philosophy

Hello Mentees. I hope everyone is hangin in there. We are down to our last couple weeks so stay strong! Today I will be talking to you about my personal philosophy concerning my professional life and a couple other related topics.
My thoughts regarding my career and future goals are not very well defined. My fist goal is to get a job, almost any job. I am not to picky I just want to enjoy it. I am not looking to make a lot of money right now, just enough to pay bills. I have never had a real job so I want a fun college type job. After a year or so I hope to find another opportunity that is a little more professional and that pays a bit more or, what my ultimate goal is to start a business. So to sum up my personal philosophy I would say to start with something that is fun from then find a related opportunity that you can graduate to or let that position bring opportunities to you. I think if you are doing something that is fun a lucrative opportunity will come if you are ready and paying attention.
This idea is interdisciplinary because it is open to many types of opportunities. My education allows me to take a wide variety of opportunities which I am excited about. My career goals have changed so much in the past 4 years I can not even remember some of the ideas I have had. I think that is why I want to get a fun job and keep my eyes open for other better opportunities.

Now that I have told you my thoughts on career philosophy please let us know and make some posts about your feelings. I am sure many people have completely different thoughts on this and some of you will not relate to my thoughts at all. Some of you will have much more defined goals which is great. I believe my thoughts are the way they are because I have not truly figured out what I want to do yet. Tell us your career philosophy and goals and be as specific as you can. I look forward to hearing from you.

Peter

Week 12 E-Portfolio Designing

Hello Mentees!
I hope you have had a wonderful week! I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this week's topic. This week we are looking into your e-portfolio specifics. Have you thought about the design of your e-portfolio in terms of whom and what you are trying to get out to those viewing it? I know for mine, it was a source of valuable resources. I still use it from time to time. I have my resume and other beneficial documents that enhance my areas of interdiciplinarity. Please share with us ways that you would like to use your e-portfolio. Also...if you have any questions as to the "who" you would like to address in your e-port and the "what, where, when, why, and how" to grab their attention, we would be thrilled to discuss it with you all =) For any questions on the uploading, we will make sure to answer those as well (via Ms. Spraker). We cannot wait to hear what you feel is going to be the most beneficial use of your e-portfolios as well as the audiences you are addressing. Hope you have fun!!!

Here are 6 little tips I found on how to "grab your reader's attention". I feel these can be beneficial for design and plan of e-ports as well =)

1.) Your readers must see their need for reading your article-
this is beneficial for making sure you upload all information you feel your reader will benefit most from reading.

2.) Give your article a sizzling title-
find something to catch the eye at first glance!

3.) Select a hot topic-
make sure your topics are relevant and informational with poise and professionalism.

4.) Use emotions as your ally-
allow the reader to truly know who you are and what you are about.

5.) Narrow your focus to provide relevant content in the limited space of an article-
make sure you keep your information focused...dont trail off into useless information =)

6.) End with a call to action-
make sure that by the end of the portfolio reading and searching your audience is satisfied with knowing you. allow them to know you are determined to achieve what is at hand.

Happy Designing =)
~Rebe

Reflection

Hello, Mentees! I hope you are doing well and getting back into the swing of things this past week after a much needed spring break! Spring break is always a nice way to relax a little and step back from homework and school, isn’t it?

Reflection is essential in making many life decisions, whether personal, academic or professional. Everyday I use reflection techniques in one way or another—when decided what to eat, what task to do at work, etc. I often recall past events to help me make the present decisions. For example, “I recall the last time I order that entre at the restaurant, afterwards I felt sick to my stomach, missed work the next day and swore I would never touch that stuff again.”

Read on for good advice and descriptions of reflection, then tell me how you use reflection in your life.Reflection makes meaning by using present perspective to look back on a past experience. Some reflective prompts include:

• I thought/I began to feel…
• I wondered/began to wonder…
• I figured…
• I felt as though…
• I began to feel…
• I said to myself…

The reflective voice is the one who has the advantage of perspective and insight on the past event. This voice can be the one that drives the development of thought and the subtext of the piece. It's important, then, that this present perspective has power. Consider this passage by doctor/writer Richard Selzer:

"It is twelve years since I walked away from my beloved workbench in the operating room. It was not done with a cheery wave of the hand. For a long time, there was a sense of dislocation as if I was standing on the bank of a stream, and it was the bank that was flowing while the stream stood still. Surgery was my native land. The writer who cuts himself off from his native land does so at great risk. The subject of so much of my writing had been my work as a doctor. Would I be punished for sending myself into exile? Have nothing left to say? I needn't have worried. There is always the sharp and aching tooth of memory."

After reading Dr. Selzer’s passage, do you have a better understanding of how reflection is used? Do you see the several examples of reflection used to give us, the reader, an insight to how important being a doctor was to him and the controversy he had when deciding to leave it behind?

After reviewing the above information and examples, plus using your own recent reflection assignment, can you give me examples of what you think reflection is and why? How you can use reflection in developing your e-portfolio, your academic path and your career path?

I look forward to your responses! :o)

Kadie

Interviews

Hello everyone I hope you all had a great spring break! This posting will be about interviewing as you probably already know from the title. We will have you practice an interview by clicking the fist link I provided below. I did an interview myself and that is the second link that I posted for you. Some of these questions are tough to answer because they may be vague or not really apply to you. Answer them to the best of your ability anyways and try to act as if this is for a job you really want. My interview went pretty well I think as I said some of the questions did not really apply to me but it made me think how I would react if it was a real interview and I learned that I need to maybe work on coming up with my answers a bit quicker.

We would like for you to practice an interview, and tell us how it went. Where are some of your strong points, where are your weaker points? How would you handle a phone interview differently? And finally when do you think is the appropriate time to talk about your salary? I hope the interview goes well for you. When you post in response to this don't be afraid to ask us any other questions you may have as well.

http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/

http://www.perfectinterview.com/online/review_gateway.asp?id=3024724&type=standard

Topic #5- Resumes & Cover Letters

Hello Mentees,
This week we will be discussing covers letters and resumes. What is a resume? A resume is a brief document that summarizes your education, employment history, and experiences that are relevant to your qualifications for a particular job for which you are applying. The purpose of a resume (along with your cover letter) is to get an interview. Research has shown that it takes an average of ten (10) interviews to receive one (1) job offer, so your resume needs to be persuasive and perfect. Now let’s put our heads together and exchange some ideas so we can come up with that perfect resume. First, explain ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity. Second, ask any questions about cover letters or resumes that you might have. Third, share any advice you may have or feel free to share your best cover letter. Here is a link I found to be helpful and interesting.

http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.php

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!
Pam



Hello Mentees!
I do believe that resumes are a very important part of this class. It is wonderful that professors have resumes be submitted for reprise. As they say....you only get one chance for a first impression. I believe this is true of resumes. You want to leave them with enough information and knowledge about you but at the same time you do not want to kill them will pages to read. My dad revises written work for a living and is kept up to date on the proper etiquette of resumes. I am constantly sending him mine. He recently emailed me a couple of little tips on resumes. Here they are below. I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any questions! =) Id also love to hear tips on anything that you have gotten complimented on as far as your resumes are concerned =) Hope you have a wonderful Spring Break =)

~Rebe



Here are some fun and interesting little tidbits about resumes:

It's becoming harder than ever to get your resume read by a real person. "HR people are drowning in resumes, and despite their best intentions, many can't keep up," says executive recruiter Mike Travis.Help your resume win the attention it deserves by following these up-to-date tips from industry insiders.* "Keep it shorter, tighter, and more laser-focused," advises resume expert Louise Kursmark. "Resumes are by necessity becoming crisper and more to the point." With Twitter, texting, and a barrage of quick-hit multimedia messages, we're getting accustomed to the succinct. "Readers quickly lose interest in wordy resumes that don't get right to the point," she says. This goes for cover letters, too.* "Show some humor or personality," says Jennifer Turner, of Talagy recruiting and staffing company. "I recently called a candidate, even though he didn't match any current positions, because his online resume title was, 'Smart and Funny Sales Guy.'"* "Make your resume read like a news story, not an encyclopedia entry," suggests Sam Levine, of The Buttonwood Group. Pop an eye-catching headline and lead on the top and be sure to include a summary of qualifications.* "Be results-oriented," advises Erin Riley, assistant director of career services at the Chapman University School of Law. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Example: Instead of simply writing "Drafted OSHA appeal," she says, include results: "Drafted OSHA appeal resulting in 90% reduction of employer fine for employee's serious on-the-job injury." * "Show what sets you apart," says Nancy Keene, a director of Stanton Chase global executive search firm. "I like to see some indication of personal interests. It's a good conversation trigger and provides some additional insight into who the person is." Riley agrees. "It's an opportunity to make yourself memorable as an applicant," she says. While an actual Personal Interest section is not usually advised, you can find ways to integrate your interests into your resume. For example, you could list your volunteer activities to give hiring managers some sense of your passions. * "Use appropriate keywords," suggests Kursmark. Since machines are increasingly reading your resume before people are, give the tracking systems what they're looking for: the most significant keywords from the job description that fit your qualifications -- anything from degrees to programming languages and other specialized job-related skills.* "Let others sing your praises," says Richard Deems, co-author of "Make Job Loss Work for You." "We add a section at the end we title, 'What Others Say.' Then we list five short statements, usually without attribution, that others have said about the person." Examples: "Sticks with it until the job gets done," or "The most creative, prolific employee I've ever had."* "If your name is difficult to pronounce, include your nickname," says Heather R. Huhman, president of Come Recommended. Like it or not, "Companies are more likely to call you for an interview if you provide a name they can easily pronounce," she says.

Research & You: Topic #4

Hello Mentees!

How are you feeling about the mentoring project? Are we answering questions and providing you with information that is helpful or interesting to you? Is there something more we can be doing to help you, or do you have any suggestions on topics that would be beneficial? Did you enjoy taking the Virtual Philosopher quiz?

Although I really am interested and look forward to hearing your answers, I also want to point out that questioning and interviewing people is a very valuable research method. As most of you are well aware through the many different courses you have taken, we have to use research on a regular basis: papers, tests, studying, interviews, answering questions and in so many other ways. Focusing on your topic’s objectives and goals is a main part of conducting research, and organization skills are an almost absolute necessary to be successful in completing a research project.

Research skills are highly valuable not only in academics, but also in the professional world. If you can successfully complete research projects and use the information gathered efficiently, employers will be impressed that your critical thinking and analyzing skills are developed. Research projects in the academic world are one of my weaker areas, although I am proficient in research methods in my professional arena, especially when developing interpretive programs. How do you feel about your research skills?

How do you think you can improve them? What are some examples of how you have used research recently, whether it be in your academic, professional or personal life? Do you have any tips on how I could improve my academic research skills? I look forward to hearing from you!

Kadie


Hello!

I agree 100% with Kadie. I feel that life is a research project. You start with basic research skill when you are learning how to talk, walk, read, write, and more. You the move on and go through schools which you (or your parents) research to make certain that you are getting the best education. When you graduate from grade school you have already taken years to research which college suits you best...whether it is for sports, music, academics, or spiritual backgrounds. Then when you are in college you research different areas of interest so that you can start a job you feel fits you in every way. You go to that job where you use a lot of the skills you have acquired through the research.

In life throughout relationships, education, and self experiences you use different aspects of researching and gaining knowledge. How do you feel you have reached the ultimatum of your researching skills? What do you feel you should have researched in life or jobs more? Where do you wish you would have spent more time learning about the situation or project? =)

I am excited to hear all your answers and get to talk about researching =) We are in a way researching each other when we chat...gaining more and more knowledge about one another =)

Here's to more research in the making...

~Rebe

Topic #3- Critical Thinking

Greetings Mentees!

This week’s discussion will be based on the results of a critical and ethical thinking assignment through the Virtual Philosopher; the questions and results are pretty fascinating. Now, let me first say, I was inconsistent twice according to the Virtual Philosopher; I have good reasons, though! After you have taken the Virtual Philosopher test, I will go into more detail about my responses, my critical and ethical thinking behind those choices and why I believe I had good reason to be inconsistent. To begin with this assignment, go to the link http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/courses/vicecrime/vp/vp.html and take the short scenario quiz. Then, tell me a little about why you chose those particular answers, and then comment on your critical thinking reasoning that led to your decisions for all three scenarios: the friend’s problem, the lifeboat problem and the live problem. Were you scored as consistent or inconsistent?Next, have you ever been in a position where you had to make a decision similar to those provided by the Virtual Philosopher? Looking back, did you answer the way you thought you would have originally?I can’t wait to hear back from you! As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We want this to be as helpful and open as possible. Thanks!

Kadie

Hello again Mentees,

Well this assignment seems to be quite interesting. I enjoyed taking this quiz of the morally challenging. It is interesting how you say one thing and then when it is truly put to the test given real life situations your answers seem to change. I really hope you enjoy this quiz and can’t wait to talk about it soon! Have fun!P.S. My answers were inconsistent as well!

~Rebe

Hey Mentees,

This week’s topic is about critical thinking, and this is one topic that is very interesting to me. Through the virtual philosopher analyzing critical thinking has made me realize that decisions can be changed and based on many circumstances. For example they asked about beliefs and values and I can clearly state my beliefs in a general sense. Yet when asked about making a decision about my friends my decision was not consistent with my previous beliefs. This is why I believe critical thinking cannot be based on a one sided reasoning because decisions are evaluated differently for every situation. As Kadie stated you can reach the website via the link provided, so enjoy this adventure of discovering your critical thinking skills, the results will be surprising!!!

-Kathleen

Topic #2 - Integration

Hello Mentees. I hope your week has gone well. I will be talking to you about integration and how your major reflects or does not reflect the term. Integration means incorporating or involving 2 or more things to make a more thorough or unified whole. For instance My two areas of study are behavioral sciences and criminal justice. These are integrated because some of the behavioral science classes were based the reasons why people become criminals or commit any type of crime, and many if not all of my criminal justice classes talk about why certain people are more likely to commit crimes as well. My minor is entrepreneurship which I don't think is integrated that well. It could be if I decided to start a business that was based on rehabilitation of convicted criminals but besides for that most jobs in the criminal justice field or in behavioral sciences are working for organizations or larger companies. If I wanted to integrate these better I may have picked another science like biology that would teach me more about how the mind and body work. Because I did not know if I would like the science and criminal justice field I decided to go with entrepreneurship because I have always wanted to open and run my own small family business, The great thing about IDS is that it allowed me to test the water in all the fields I was interested in not just pick one and hope for the best. Below are other examples of your mentors areas of study and how they believe their studies have become integrated. Please let all of us know how you have integrated different areas in your major. If they do not seem to be well integrated you can tell us how you may have integrated them a bit better. If you major is not well integrated let us know if you are still satisfied or if you feel that you may need to change any part of your major. Good luck everyone we look forward to hearing from you.

Peter

Hello again! I hope you are finding this mentoring project helpful, and hopefully we're answering questions you may have had coming into this course. I want to touch on how I have been able to integrate my IDS degree, and maybe it will shed some light on the idea of integration for you. After you have read through this discussion, please feel free to ask any questions, and I also would like to hear from you. Tell me how you have been able to integrate your program areas of study and, if it applies to you, how you could have chosen areas that would have been easier to integrate. Would you pick the same areas again? I can't wait to hear from you!

My areas of study are Education, Sociology and Public Affairs and they have been very easy to integrate. All have to do with people, personalities, understanding what makes people tick and the reasons why, plus many of the classes for the different areas were very similar. For example, I ended up taking two very closely related courses on cultural diversity and minorities, but each class was for a different area of study (one was for Sociology, the other was for Public Affairs). This was helpful because I was able to be on the same mind track in the same semester, rather than if I had to take classes that were completely unrelated.

Having closely related areas of study will help professionally because I will be able to list on my resume, in my portfolio and express during interviews that I have an academic background in three areas, rather than having one sole area of study.

Kadie


My areas of study are business, recreation, and social and behavioral science. After graduating, I plan to pursue a masters degree in christian counseling. Although these areas don't seem to intergrate well with one another, I feel they make me the well rounded individual that I need to be in the field of counseling.

Pam


Hello mentees!! This week has been very exciting while learning about many of you. With this project we hope to engage you with insightful information that will help you grow in IDS. This week's discussion on integration has been helpful to me in particular to truly decipher my areas of study. My three areas of study are Behavioral Science, Health Science and Molecular Microbiology. Through these disciplines I will be able to achieve a career in the Health field as a PA. Integrating these disciplines has been a great experience. By using the knowledge from all three I will be able to evaluate the actions of my patients whether it is psychological or social interactions with the environment or personal interactions. With Molecular Microbiology I will be able to integrate my knowledge with the operations of the Health system through my Health Science discipline. IDS has allowed the most flexibility in a declared major. Through this I have been able to integrate three disciplines that I enjoy and develop a degree that will make me a competitive asset compared to those with one major.

Kathleen


hello mentee(s)!
I am so glad to be able to talk with you again! Well this weeks discussion on integration of different aspects. My three areas of study are Health, Education and Psychology. I have yet to integrate them as of yet, but i am working on it. I am actually doing a research project in this class on the affects of physical activity in children on their mental, physical and emotional state. Im pretty excited. Soooo...in integration of the aspects in life i feel that they can be in more than one thing. This can be like we are in Cornerstone and Capstone(little side note). What are some areas that you feel integrating has affected you? What are your areas of study and what are your goals in using them? =) Hope you have a most wonderful week =)

~Rebe

Getting To Know You!

Dear Cornerstone Students,

Welcome to your IDS Cornerstone Mentoring Blog! We are your mentors and are here to provide you with information regarding the IDS program, college, post graduate planning, and life in general. Each week we will discuss different topics, however if there is something we have not covered that you would like to discuss, please feel free to bring it up. Remember, we are here for you! We would like to start by getting to know each other so first we will introduce ourselves.

Hello Mentees,
My name is Pam. I am a 42 year old mother of two who after a 15 year break decided to return to UCF to finish her degree. I am so excited to finally graduate! My minor is in recreation and my areas are in business and behavioral and social science. After graduating, I plan to get an MA in Christian Counseling. I spend most of my time driving my youngest daughter all over the state to play club soccer. My oldest daughter is a senior in nursing school at the University of Memphis. My passions are Jesus Christ and of course soccer. If I could give one piece of advice it would be stay in school and finish your degree. However if you are returning, hang in there and don’t quit…if I can do it, you can too! I am looking forward to getting to know each one of you and to help you in any way I can.
Pam

Hello Mentee,
I am so glad we can get to know you this semester. Here is a little about me...my name is Rebekah Rabon. I am 24 years old and a super-duper-senior at UCF. I have been an IDS student for a year now. I was in many colleges around UCF and couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with my life. I have some background in Health and Education. I chose these areas to be my areas of concentration and then chose a Psychology minor. I plan to, as soon as I graduate this semester, to go on and get both my RN degree at Florida Hospital College. I am also applying to different pre-schools around the area to get a job teaching so that I can work on getting my teacher’s certification. There are advantages and disadvantages to this degree I have chosen I believe. I feel I have many more opportunities open to me now with the background I have accumulated. However, I also feel as if I am at a disadvantage as far as timing. It has taken me much longer to come to a finalized degree choice. Anyways…enough of the school talk. As far as what I do for my life…I am a 4th/5th grade volleyball coach. Right now we are in the training period and getting ready for the season to start. I also sub at a local Christian school part time. I am very involved in my church and I volunteer every week with the music ministry. I am working part-time also in the convention industry for a company here in Orlando. I work every random convention helping the business give information to potential clients. I am a busy little bee and I love it. I love staying busy and helping out wherever I am needed. I am working toward saving money to go on a mission trip this summer for three months where I will be working in a hospital in Israel. This is pretty much what I spend my time doing and I love every moment of life. I have a wonderful family whom I am very close to and we enjoy spending as much time together as possible. I am excited to get to know you….
Rebekah

Hey--my name is Kadie. I am 24 (for a couple more days) and in my last semester--YAY! My areas of study are Education, Public Affairs and Sociology. I love watching football and kayaking. I believe one of the advantages of an interdisciplinary education is studying three separate areas versus one. I can’t wait to get to know each one of you and help out with anything you need!
Kadie

Hello cornerstone students. My name is Peter Hartley. I am 22 years old and in my last semester here at UCF. I have an area of study in behavioral sciences and criminal justice and my minor is in entrepreneurship. After graduation I plan to move back to St. Petersburg where I was born and raised and find a job preferably working as a boat captain or something else involving boats. I do not know if graduate school is in my future or not but I plan on deciding that after I work for a while and decide what I really want to do for a living. I look forward to finishing up school and getting to know you throughout this semester.
Peter

Now we would like to hear from you. Please tell us your name, where you are from, and your hobbies/interest. Then, let us know what year you are in and your minor and two areas. Last, tell us how you explain the IDS major to others and what you feel the advantages and disadvantages of the program are. Remember to reply by using the comment feature. We are looking forward to hearing from you!