Michael J. Van Oostendorp

BIS and Me

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My Degree

The Degree of Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies satisfies the call of the ever changing and dynamic world.  This ever changing world calls for people that view the world through more than one disciplinary lens.  The world has a need for individuals that can solve problems from a less-biased perspective.  An engineer solves a problem the way an engineer would typically solve it.  A biologist might solve the same problem in a different way.  An artist would again have a different opinion than the biologist and engineer.  The Interdisciplinary Degree teaches its students to be a hybrid of two disciplines.  Interdisciplinary students are in high demand because they can view and solve problems differently than a single disciplinary person.  An Interdisciplinary student does not just have knowledge of two distinct disciplines, but also learns how to combine disciplines and then use that integrated knowledge to
solve a problem. 
 
 
I choose the BIS program because I want to be a unique and high demand individual.  I want to view the world in a way that few others view it.  The faculty members that I came to know at Arizona State University were extremely professional and dynamic individuals.  They were excited about this fairly new degree and I wanted to mimic them and become part of that culture.  I was told and have found for myself that the BIS degree will not only teach one about their two chosen disciplines but will also train minds to think above and beyond.  I strongly feel that this degree has taught me to be open minded and combine skills and knowledge to create something great. 

BIS Courses
BIS 301
The BIS 301 course taught me the cornerstones of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program.  I was able to understand in a deeper sense the need of Interdisciplinary citizens of the community.  I also gained a better understanding of how my core concentrations could be combined and help me in everyday life. 
 
BIS 302
In BIS 302 I learned how to gather, analyize, record and apply information.  Basically I learned how to do worthwhile research.  I was proud of my final paper which connected my two main concentrations.  My paper was regarding Dental Anxiety and Frequency which also focuses on my future profession. 
 
BIS 401
In BIS 401 I gained valuable real-life experience.  In this course I participated in an internship in Woodruff Place Civic League.  By doing so, I learned how to interact with others in a professional atmosphere and I also got a glimpse of what the working life is like.  At the end of the course I was asked to write a reflective paper and I was suprised yet excited about the important lessons that I learned from participating in an internship.  Overall I gained knowledge of how to manage co-worker relationships, be a part of a team, and how to handle workplace responsibilites. 
 
BIS 401
In my final BIS course, 401, I learned so many things about myself as an individual.  The majority of this class dealt with reflecting on who we are and where we will be placed in society.  I was able to recognize my strengths as well as discover ways to work on my weaknesses.  I also gained valuable insight on what it takes to become a well-rounded individual.  Lastly, I learned that through hard work and determination, I can become the person I have always dreamed of. 

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Combining possibilities,
creating results