Blog 1- Introductions

Hello Cornerstone students :)
Not too long ago, we sat in the same classroom as you did and were asked to do so many things that seemed confusing (and at times pointless) but ended up helping us out a lot when it comes to understanding our major and how we can make ourselves marketable to employers. This course and this blog will be away for you to ask any questions, gain mentors that share your major, as well as learn more about interdisciplinary ways of thinking. The first blog will be easy; just like any first day activity, we are going to begin by introducing ourselves.

There are four of us in this Capstone group; and here we are…
Hi, my name is Krista Middleton and I was born and raised in the sunshine state! I’m an Interdisciplinary Studies major with focuses in Behavioral & Social Sciences and the Arts, and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Before I chose my major I was jealous of people who knew exactly what they wanted to study, that is until I found that I didn’t have to pick and chose from my many interests. I’m so happy I decided to major in Interdisciplinary Studies because I’ve been able to incorporate all of my passions. Through this degree I found that a career in Music Therapy would be a perfect fit for me. As a music therapist I’ll be able to establish a therapeutic relationship where I’ll use music to help improve their emotional and physical needs. One day I hope to work in a Children’s Hospital helping children and their families by providing coping mechanisms, acceptance, and the happiness and joy that can be found in music!


Hello my name is Ismael Ramos. I graduate this May 2012. My Major is Physical/Healthcare Science and my Minor is Marketing. I am Co-Owner/Manager of a Barbershop, also I am a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CphT). After Graduation I plan to start a career with a financially solid company. Also, I plan on furthering my education by getting my MBA. When discussing my IDS degree my best explanation is it is a degree that allows you to explore many other areas of study which you can combine to your areas of interest. One advantage of this degree would give you the option to combine different areas of study for your future career. Welcome fellow IDS students and good luck on your journey to completing your IDS degree.


My name is Preston Dantoni and I'm a 24 year old senior at UCF. I currently live in Ormond Beach, which is a small beach town about ten minutes north of Daytona. I've spent the past six years of my life traveling, exploring what life has in store for me, and finally finishing a degree. I love sports and I play several instruments. As a result, I've spent the majority of my life playing music. I've grown up playing in church bands and pop rock bands. Music is a large part of who I am. I started of my collegiate career as a meteorology major. I wanted to be a weather man. However, it wasn't long before I changed my mind and began a long and tenuous process of finally landing on a major. That major was Interdisciplinary Studies. I finally decided after 4 years and much hard work that I was meant for a life of medicine. Unfortunately, most of the majors I could take were not quite as tailored as I would have liked, and that's were IDS came in. I've spent two years pursuing an IDS degree and couldn't be happier. It has helped me pursue ever dream in exactly the way I wanted to. My days of searching are over and I'm about to graduate from this great school. I can't wait.


My name is Codyann Catlin. My areas of study are Behavioral and Social Science along with Communication. My minor is Education. Fortunately, thanks to my IDS degree I will also graduate with a minor in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications and Sociology as well. I chose IDS because I am the most indecisive person I know, fortunately I was able to use my inability to make one choice to my advantage and find a degree that made me more versatile. I spent the first 12 years of my life living in the Cayman Islands before my family migrated to Sarasota, Florida. I will be graduating in May and have applied to many jobs in my different fields to work for a year until I am ready to begin graduate school. Currently, I tutor students and nanny for two young boys. I also volunteer at the YMCA and Orlando Regional Medical Center. My mom always said; “if you don’t have money you should give your time and if you don’t have time then you should donate money.” This is why volunteering is so important to me. I have one younger brother who is nineteen years old and goes to FGCU. My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I really enjoy working with people. The best way to get in touch with me is through email of directly through the blog.


Now, it’s your turn to tell us a little bit about yourself. Just a short paragraph explaining your:
• Name, areas of focus and minor.
• Why or how you chose IDS.
• Some interesting facts about you.
• And what you plan to do with your IDS major.