Juan Reyna
Jackson State University
Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
About Me
Hi, I’m Juan Reyna, a senior student-athlete originally from San Antonio, Texas. I am currently majoring in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, where I strive to blend my academic pursuits with my passion for basketball. As a dedicated athlete, I prioritize discipline, teamwork, and resilience both on and off the court. I am eager to expand my professional development and explore opportunities that align with my interests and skills. I believe that my unique background as a student-athlete equips me with valuable experiences that I can bring to future endeavors.
As a senior student-athlete in professional interdisciplinary studies and a member of the basketball team, my journey at Jackson State University has been shaped by my San Antonio upbringing. Now, I'm focused on leveraging my experiences to achieve significant professional development in professional interdisciplinary studies and sports broadcasting.
As a senior student-athlete in professional interdisciplinary studies and a member of the basketball team, my journey at Jackson State University has been shaped by my San Antonio upbringing. Now, I'm focused on leveraging my experiences to achieve significant professional development in professional interdisciplinary studies and sports broadcasting.
An Interdisciplinary Studies degree is more than just a collection of courses including Special Field Projects(CLL-483) and Specialized Professional Training(CLL 481), Workforce Communication Behavior and Culture(CLL 104), and Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies(CLL 120). They have created a transformative journey that reshapes one's perspective, enhances critical thinking, and fosters a unique ability to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. My own pursuit of this degree has been a profound experience, one that has yielded growth in ways I never anticipated. It has not only broadened my knowledge base but has also cultivated essential skills and personal attributes that are invaluable in any field. Intellectual Agility and Adaptability The cornerstone of an Interdisciplinary Studies program is its emphasis on exploring diverse subjects and methodologies. Unlike a traditional degree that delves deeply into a single discipline, this program necessitates a broader approach, requiring students to become conversant in fields as varied as sociology, literature, economics, and environmental science. This exposure has been instrumental in developing my intellectual agility and adaptability. I've learned to quickly grasp new concepts, identify connections between seemingly disparate ideas, and apply knowledge from one area to another. For instance, a course that examined the sociological impact of technology on society named Special Fields Research Projects, also known as CLL-483 provided me with a framework for understanding the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence, a topic I further explored in a philosophy class. This ability to synthesize information from different sources has proven invaluable in my academic pursuits and has prepared me to tackle complex problems that demand multifaceted solutions. Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Interdisciplinary Studies cultivates a unique approach to critical thinking and problem-solving. By engaging with diverse perspectives and methodologies, students learn to analyze issues from multiple angles, identify underlying assumptions, and evaluate evidence from various sources. This process fosters a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of complex problems. In a project that combined elements of urban planning, environmental science, and economics, I was challenged to develop a sustainable development plan for a hypothetical city. This task required me to weigh competing interests, consider the long-term consequences of different policy decisions, and propose solutions that addressed the interconnected challenges of environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. This experience honed my ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. Improved Communication and Collaboration Skills Interdisciplinary Studies programs often involve collaborative projects and discussions that bring together students from diverse backgrounds and academic interests. This collaborative environment fosters the development of essential communication and interpersonal skills. Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, engage in constructive dialogue, and work effectively in teams. A group project that explored the representation of cultural identity in contemporary literature required me to collaborate with students from different cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines. This experience taught me the importance of active listening, empathy, and open-mindedness in cross-cultural communication. I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives, navigate conflicting viewpoints, and build consensus through respectful dialogue. These skills are not only essential in academic settings but are also highly valued in professional environments where collaboration and communication are key to success. Broader Worldview and Interconnectedness Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree is the development of a broader worldview and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human knowledge and experience. By exploring diverse subjects, students gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and richness of the world around them. They learn to see beyond disciplinary boundaries and recognize the intricate relationships between different fields of study. For example, a course that examined the history of globalization from economic, political, and cultural perspectives helped me understand how global events are shaped by a complex interplay of factors. This understanding has broadened my perspective, made me a more informed and engaged citizen, and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery Beyond the acquisition of knowledge and skills, an Interdisciplinary Studies degree fosters personal growth and self-discovery. The program encourages students to explore their own interests, values, and beliefs, and to develop a unique intellectual identity. By engaging with diverse ideas and perspectives, students are challenged to question their assumptions, expand their horizons, and develop a more nuanced understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Through my studies in classes of Interdiscplinary Studies and courses like Special Field Projects, Workforce Communication Behavior and Culture, and Specialized Professional Training, it has set my path more towards Sports Broadcasting and the constant professional development I will learn and pass down to generations before me. It has given me the ability to successfully research different topics that have followed me through my student athlete career playing basketball at Jackson State University. I have gained a deeper understanding of my own strengths, weaknesses, and passions. I have discovered new areas of interest that I never knew existed, and I have developed a greater sense of confidence in my ability to learn, adapt, and grow. This journey of self-discovery has been an invaluable part of my academic experience and has prepared me to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
An Interdisciplinary Studies degree is more than just a collection of courses including Special Field Projects(CLL-483) and Specialized Professional Training(CLL 481), Workforce Communication Behavior and Culture(CLL 104), and Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies(CLL 120). They have created a transformative journey that reshapes one's perspective, enhances critical thinking, and fosters a unique ability to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. My own pursuit of this degree has been a profound experience, one that has yielded growth in ways I never anticipated. It has not only broadened my knowledge base but has also cultivated essential skills and personal attributes that are invaluable in any field. Intellectual Agility and Adaptability The cornerstone of an Interdisciplinary Studies program is its emphasis on exploring diverse subjects and methodologies. Unlike a traditional degree that delves deeply into a single discipline, this program necessitates a broader approach, requiring students to become conversant in fields as varied as sociology, literature, economics, and environmental science. This exposure has been instrumental in developing my intellectual agility and adaptability. I've learned to quickly grasp new concepts, identify connections between seemingly disparate ideas, and apply knowledge from one area to another. For instance, a course that examined the sociological impact of technology on society named Special Fields Research Projects, also known as CLL-483 provided me with a framework for understanding the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence, a topic I further explored in a philosophy class. This ability to synthesize information from different sources has proven invaluable in my academic pursuits and has prepared me to tackle complex problems that demand multifaceted solutions. Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Interdisciplinary Studies cultivates a unique approach to critical thinking and problem-solving. By engaging with diverse perspectives and methodologies, students learn to analyze issues from multiple angles, identify underlying assumptions, and evaluate evidence from various sources. This process fosters a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of complex problems. In a project that combined elements of urban planning, environmental science, and economics, I was challenged to develop a sustainable development plan for a hypothetical city. This task required me to weigh competing interests, consider the long-term consequences of different policy decisions, and propose solutions that addressed the interconnected challenges of environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. This experience honed my ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. Improved Communication and Collaboration Skills Interdisciplinary Studies programs often involve collaborative projects and discussions that bring together students from diverse backgrounds and academic interests. This collaborative environment fosters the development of essential communication and interpersonal skills. Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, engage in constructive dialogue, and work effectively in teams. A group project that explored the representation of cultural identity in contemporary literature required me to collaborate with students from different cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines. This experience taught me the importance of active listening, empathy, and open-mindedness in cross-cultural communication. I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives, navigate conflicting viewpoints, and build consensus through respectful dialogue. These skills are not only essential in academic settings but are also highly valued in professional environments where collaboration and communication are key to success. Broader Worldview and Interconnectedness Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree is the development of a broader worldview and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human knowledge and experience. By exploring diverse subjects, students gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and richness of the world around them. They learn to see beyond disciplinary boundaries and recognize the intricate relationships between different fields of study. For example, a course that examined the history of globalization from economic, political, and cultural perspectives helped me understand how global events are shaped by a complex interplay of factors. This understanding has broadened my perspective, made me a more informed and engaged citizen, and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery Beyond the acquisition of knowledge and skills, an Interdisciplinary Studies degree fosters personal growth and self-discovery. The program encourages students to explore their own interests, values, and beliefs, and to develop a unique intellectual identity. By engaging with diverse ideas and perspectives, students are challenged to question their assumptions, expand their horizons, and develop a more nuanced understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Through my studies in classes of Interdiscplinary Studies and courses like Special Field Projects, Workforce Communication Behavior and Culture, and Specialized Professional Training, it has set my path more towards Sports Broadcasting and the constant professional development I will learn and pass down to generations before me. It has given me the ability to successfully research different topics that have followed me through my student athlete career playing basketball at Jackson State University. I have gained a deeper understanding of my own strengths, weaknesses, and passions. I have discovered new areas of interest that I never knew existed, and I have developed a greater sense of confidence in my ability to learn, adapt, and grow. This journey of self-discovery has been an invaluable part of my academic experience and has prepared me to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Rationale Statement
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Individualized Degree Plan
Empower Student Athletes
Guidance and resources for balancing sports and studies.