Thursday, September 10, 2009

About myself!

Allow me to briefly introduce myself! :) My name is Monica Barsky and I am a semester away from receiving my degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a minor in Elementary Education. In addition, I hold two concentrations in Psychology and Humanities. I am also in the process of taking my FTC certification exam at the end of this month. As of right now, I am ESOL certified and have had various experiences in classroom settings. I have always felt that teaching was my “calling.” Being able to have the pleasure to experience the gift of shaping and inspiring young minds, especially in the early stages of learning, has always been a long-term goal of mine. I originally came to UCF with the intentions of getting my degree in the college of education. However, after receiving my AA degree from VCC I discovered the college of Interdisciplinary Studies. I was excited to get the chance to learn more about other interests, along with my original plan in the education department; I am, undoubtedly, a team player with an open-mind and an enthusiastic demeanor. I am ready to pursue what I have been diligently studying. Another goal I plan on accomplishing is getting the chance to participate in the Peace Corps, travel, and experience things that I can only imagine!

5 comments:

  1. It’s a pleasure to join your blog. My name is Macrina Raghunanan and I am not a traditional student. When I first entered UCF, my major was Hospitality Management and to be honest with you, I was taking a class a year, rarely two. In 2007, I decided to change my major to IDS which is the third largest major at UCF. However, in 2009, a light bulb came on and I decided to bring this to fruition. It has required taking three or four classes a semester. Hopefully, I should be able to graduate in the Summer or Fall of 2010.

    A few weeks ago, I celebrated my twentieth wedding anniversary. My husband and I are the proud parents of two sons, ages fifteen and seven. I am very family oriented and besides spending time with my family, I like traveling and gardening. I am originally from the Caribbean (St.Lucia and Barbados). I lived in New Jersey and New York before calling Florida home some nineteen years ago.

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  2. My name is Stephanie Shafer and I am also a senior this year. I will graduate spring of 2010, and somehow managed to graduate in four years. My areas of study are Health, Psychology, and I have a minor in Social Science Education. I have really enjoyed being an IDS student, the classes have been wonderful, and the diversity of our degree is so exciting. I have always been poor at making decisions, and had an extremely difficult time deciding on what I wanted my degree in. Interdisciplinary Studies has been perfect for me, because I feel that I have been able to pursue all my dreams in one major.
    The only challenge we face as Interdisciplinary students is making ourselves extra marketable in the workforce. I view it as a challenge though, and I am excited to see what's next after school.
    I would love to be a dolphin trainer at Discovery Cove or doing sometime of missions work. I have a huge heart for Africa and have had the privilege to go the past two summers. I have fallen in love with the people and the nation of South Africa. It is the most beautiful place on earth, and it breaks my heart that AIDS is so prevalent there. I would love to do mission’s work over there or possibly work with Campus Crusade for Christ here in the states.
    I have such a passion for sports, being outdoors, traveling, and hanging with my friends and family. It is a joy to have a community of people around you love and encourage you.

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  3. Dear Marcina,
    I like and respect how you introduced yourself as a "Non-traditional student" I feel im in the same boat as you! Life is definitely a roller-coaster, and as much as we would hope to have out plans followed through, things happen and take us on a different path!
    When I first entered UCF, my major was Education and i was never a full time student myself, so i understand exactly where you're coming from! I as well decided to change my major to IDS in 2007-08. I love how you implied that a light bulb came on and decided to bring this to fruition. I respect how much you have invested in your education and family! I know you will graduate in the summer or Fall of 2010 Successfully! The best of luck to you and congratulations on your twentieth wedding anniversary! :)

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  4. Dear Stephanie,
    Congrats on your soon to be graduate for spring of 2010, and to accomplish that in four years is amazing! I also agree and have enjoyed being an IDS student, and being able to experience the diversity of our degree is mind-blowing and beneficial! I’m so happy you were able to find a study that you feel is perfect for you, and keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with having a difficult time on deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life! I’m 25 and have changed my major numerous times from something I “thought” I knew what I wanted to do… to now, having a degree in IDS and being satisfied with my ultimate decision. That’s so fascinating on how you want to be a dolphin trainer! I sense you are a hard worker and will put 110% effort into anything you want to successfully do! Also, you hit a really soft spot for myself as well when you mentioned about doing some mission work. I plan on working for the Peace Corps or some kind of volunteer work and gain an inspirational experience, like you apparently have had in South Africa! I find that so amazing and you definitely have a huge heart! :) I look forward to talking more with you during this semester!

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  5. Hello Monica,

    Thanks for being my mentor.What advise can you give me regarding the cornerstone program? I am feeling very overwhelmed and to be honest, very stressed with my workload. I am taking three classes this semester,two at UCF and one at Seminole Community College. I am trying to do a balancing act of juggling school, volunteering and family life.My sister who is also my best friend told me that I am a perfectionist and this could be the reason for my anxiety. But she failed to realize it's a family trait.

    Looking forward to hearing from you. This is all a new experience for me because I rarely used the computer and now I am forced to be on it.Hoping to enjoy doing this.

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