Ryan -
As time goes on and the years go by I always tend to think about what I want to do with my life and how successful I think I can be. In my personal life I am currently in my last semester of college. My philosophy is that if I earn my Bachelors degree which I should then I will hopefully start working for a large company and work my way up to being extremely successful. I have high expectations and I want to be the best so that just makes me want to try harder.
My philosophy is definitely related to interdisciplinary in which the fields that I am studying are the most important things because it determines what job I get and what career I will have. I am glad that I studied three areas rather then just one because it allows me to make more choices in what I want to do. Another very cool thing about this major is that you can mix and match your areas of study. This is great when you have a job and they need someone with knowledge from both areas that you are familiar with.
My career goals have changed allot throughout my college years. When I first came to college I had my mind on being a professional golfer. I knew that I was good enough and many people thought that I had the potential of doing so. At that time I was going towards an Business Administration degree and was unhappy with it so I switched to interdisciplinary studies. After being in this program for about 2 years now I really am happy that I changed. I love it allot and hope to get a career in the Hospitality or Marketing fields. My hopes on being a professional golfer kinda fell through but I still play and enjoy it allot.
Kaitlyn-
I seem to have two polarized professional philosophies.
The first is DREAM BIG. This attitude tells me that life is whatever you make it, so why not do absolutely anything you want? Passion is something that's unmistakable, and it will definitely take you places. And your life is a long one, is it not plausible that you can get there someday?
My second philosophy is a little more thought-out, and it starts in the Great Depression. Back in the day, there wasn't all the glitz and glamor of specialization (at least not much further than what you can do with your hands). When you were old enough, you went out to work. There was no questioning if your job gave you a deep sense of purpose, you just cared about whether or not you would eat that night. It's so interesting learning from my 93-year-old great aunt, because the world she grew up in is so much different from ours.
Now, the norm is going to college after high school, most often to "find yourself". We have options; we're allowed to dream. Why does it seem like so many of my peers have dealt with depression or "soul-searching", in some way? It's because we have time to. We're tricked into believing that there's some perfect career out there waiting for us. We want to believe we have a calling. And we want that to be what defines us.
But you know what? This is wishful thinking. Sure, there are plenty of people who discover their dreams, but for the most part, that's not what working is about. Work is work. We do it because we have to. When it comes down to it, that is our lot in life and maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to chase our dreams on our own time.
So where do these two, very differing philosophies leave me? Again, it comes down to integration. The second was a shot of reality I definitely needed. I have to stop searching for that "dream job" and see that my career isn't going to be quite as romanticized as I'd always imagined. But at the same time, the DREAM BIG part is still with me. There's always those hopes, and like I said, life is long. I have all the time in the world to pursue what calls to me, which, in all honesty, is ever-adapting. I really feel that, someday, I may go back to school for that doctorate in Statistics. I can see myself leading a research team for cancer treatments, or the EPA, or somewhere else that can really make an impact. Or maybe there will be some other big dream for me, who knows? But for now I need to do what I need to do (dare I call it settling?). I realize that you can't make everything happen all at once and besides, if I did, what would I have left to dream about??? :)
What about you all? Which side of the fence do you sit on?
The first is DREAM BIG. This attitude tells me that life is whatever you make it, so why not do absolutely anything you want? Passion is something that's unmistakable, and it will definitely take you places. And your life is a long one, is it not plausible that you can get there someday?
My second philosophy is a little more thought-out, and it starts in the Great Depression. Back in the day, there wasn't all the glitz and glamor of specialization (at least not much further than what you can do with your hands). When you were old enough, you went out to work. There was no questioning if your job gave you a deep sense of purpose, you just cared about whether or not you would eat that night. It's so interesting learning from my 93-year-old great aunt, because the world she grew up in is so much different from ours.
Now, the norm is going to college after high school, most often to "find yourself". We have options; we're allowed to dream. Why does it seem like so many of my peers have dealt with depression or "soul-searching", in some way? It's because we have time to. We're tricked into believing that there's some perfect career out there waiting for us. We want to believe we have a calling. And we want that to be what defines us.
But you know what? This is wishful thinking. Sure, there are plenty of people who discover their dreams, but for the most part, that's not what working is about. Work is work. We do it because we have to. When it comes down to it, that is our lot in life and maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to chase our dreams on our own time.
So where do these two, very differing philosophies leave me? Again, it comes down to integration. The second was a shot of reality I definitely needed. I have to stop searching for that "dream job" and see that my career isn't going to be quite as romanticized as I'd always imagined. But at the same time, the DREAM BIG part is still with me. There's always those hopes, and like I said, life is long. I have all the time in the world to pursue what calls to me, which, in all honesty, is ever-adapting. I really feel that, someday, I may go back to school for that doctorate in Statistics. I can see myself leading a research team for cancer treatments, or the EPA, or somewhere else that can really make an impact. Or maybe there will be some other big dream for me, who knows? But for now I need to do what I need to do (dare I call it settling?). I realize that you can't make everything happen all at once and besides, if I did, what would I have left to dream about??? :)
What about you all? Which side of the fence do you sit on?
There are many things I would like to accomplish before I graduate from UCF. I would like to complete an internship and would also like to study abroad. I think that an internship would help with any future career I pursue. My philosophy (or saying) has always been, "You can't do anything you say you can't do." One of my basketball coaches always told this to our team and it just stuck. It is a reminder to go for anything that I think I will enjoy or benefit from.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first got to UCF I was hoping to be accepted into the AD/PR Program, when that didn't happen I had to keep on fighting. I found out about the IDS Program and chose areas that ended up being similar and more interesting to me than what I would've taken in the AD/PR Program. It's funny how things work out.
I have learned a lot about the different opportunities UCF offers through guest speakers we've had during IDS class. THey have altered my thinking about what I can do throughout the next year that will benefit my career. This class has also made me do a little research about the careers offered in the areas I am studying. Although I have two jobs right now, my career goals have altered because I know sooner or later I will have to drop the fun jobs and try to find a career or internship that is related to my major. I'm ready for the change, now I just have to go for it!
Kaitlyn...
ReplyDeleteI really like your two philosophies, very positive and real at the same time!
To me if you work hard and in the direction of the life style you want to have then you will work towards it. The one saying, "Birds of a feather flock together" I completely have always thought was a true statement. My philosophy in life, professional, and educationl has grown extremely close to that statement epecially in the past couple years. I don't mean to sound like I am old and wise but yes I have learned and hvae acknowledged a lot of decisions I've made due to my surroundings. The environment you choose to surround yourself in will adjust who you are and yoru path in life. So make sure to make your atmosphere the way you want to live professionally and personally.
ReplyDeleteMy career goals have altered even just by going back to school to advance in a chance to have a great career. Like Kelly, when I first came to UCF I wanted to do the AD/PR program when that didn't work out I was introduced to Interdisciplinary Studies. I am very thankful to the advisors who introduced the major to me because now I know I have made the right decision for me. Since switching my educational path I have actually been able to explore mroe of my curiosities in other fields. I do truly believe with me being able to finger paint with my different knowledge's in the vairos areas I will be more "well rounded" for ccareer opportunities. I want to take advantage of going back to schoool to gain friendships with fellow students, get involved with the community through organizations, & to explore in many different programs such as studying abroad. This is one thing I do not want to miss out on in my life. THis is a decision I know I need to make soon before deadlines for next year and find scholarships to help me afford my dream.
I am excited about being an Interdisciplinary Student. I want to get involved with the IDS organization and meet fellow students in the program. When guest speaker Dr. Hampton spoke with us in early October I thought it was a privilege and a great chancce to see what we have as a major to offer. The ideas we came up with to explore as a group and to educate us further was great and I can't wait to see what happens. I do waant to join in on some of the "field trips" and meetings with the IDS organization. Hope to see you there soon as well.
Nicole...
ReplyDeletespeaking of goals and opportunities...
The guest speakers who came in last week spoke about doing undergraduate research and that it will definitely be helpful if we want to apply to Grad school. Are you thinking about getting involved in the undergrad research or going to grad school? I kind of want to do both, but it sounds like a lot of work! ack!
Hey Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYour philosophy "You can't do anything you say you can't do." is a great reminder to go for anything. It's hard sometimes to jump over the hurdles but you wont know if you can do it until you do it! -That's weird I think I had a dream last night about me jumping over some hurdles. ha I wonder if that means something??
Off topic sorry. It's funny how pretty much you and I have the same history with wanting to be a AD/PR major and things worked out differently for the both of us in the end. Even how now we are similar in our studies to funny.
You mentioned you are ready for a career change. What are you thinking? Do you see yourself behind a desk 8-5 or a traveling job? Curious to what you were thinking?
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYa I don't think I could afford to go to Grad School financially or even have the time. I wish I could only focus on school and had my life financially secured where I could do just that. Regarding the undergrad research I am a little interested. Like you said both sounds like a lot of work to add on. ha decisions decisions.
Nicole..
ReplyDeleteI think I would enjoy a traveling job, something that is fast paced. I definitely could not do a 9-5 job behind a desk...well I don't think I could at least haha...I guess that's where interning comes into play..
I don't think I could afford it either, however our good friend Jill Turner went and took out loans to do so..and I think in her situation it was worth it. I'm not sure I would want to take on Grad school until maybe a year after graduating from UCF, I need a break haha...
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYa after working in many day jobs 8-5 behind a desk I could not do that again every day monday - friday. But now being a flight attendant with every day-every month being different is nice but not consistent nor stable when coming to make plans. I agree as well internships should help find more choices out there with experience we can gain.
Loans scare me I hate being in debt to someone. Ha I already have a car payment and that alone is killing me. :O)
My philosophy about life since I came to college has been very simple and you could even say a little childish. But I believe it works for me. My philosophy is "work hard play harder" most people think that this is probably not the best way to think about leading their life but I do. I change this saying up a little bit and what this means to me is work your hardest when it comes to your job and set goals that you can achieve so you can celebrate when your week of work is over.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't just mean party party party. It basically pushes me to get all my work done to the best of my ability and if I don't get it done no celebrating and no partying. I was taught from a young age to always make sure all my priorities were in correct order for success. And to handle all of them with great urge and thoroughness, and at the end of the road is a little gift for all your hard work during the week. I feel that this IDS major keeps me on my toes and makes me work my hardest to get the job done.
When I graduate I will not that I will never look back and say "I wish I would have tryed a little harder." I will walk off the stage knowing I have tryed my best and received a great education from a great major and great school.