Completing my graduate education in nutrition at Georgia State University (Georgia State) has been an invaluable experience. When I first started the program, I knew very little about nutrition and the depths at which it is used in a clinical setting. The science courses, such as biochemistry and metabolism, have been critical to my success because these courses have given me a base knowledge of understanding the hundreds of metabolic reactions that occur inside of the human body.  The topics of study I found the most interesting were those covering the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and the role of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in developing healthy cell function. Throughout my Master’s program, my professors have equipped me with the knowledge to analyze and comprehend research papers and scientific articles with a critical eye and how to assess the strengths of study results. Most importantly, I can help others develop healthy eating habits and create long-term success in dietary balance.

Georgia State has provided me with a wide array of experiences in my courses that have quickly and effectively prepared me to meet my goals as a graduate of nutrition. Through this program I was introduced to various outreach opportunities that have shaped me into becoming a more compassionate person. One of those opportunities was teaching children about nutrition at a local homeless shelter. Initially, I felt intimidated and unprepared to educate others on proper nutrition practices. However I quickly found that Georgia State provided a solid foundation; I am prepared to confidently teach children about healthy eating and make it a fun and memorable experience for them. Each week I developed new and easy recipes to bring to my class of eager children and I helped them navigate basic cooking lessons, proper cooking techniques, and kitchen safety. In return they have taught me invaluable skills about educating others that will help me one day as a registered dietitian.

In my courses I have obtained the tools to work as part of a team and I have learned how to handle criticism. During my program, I was frequently submitted papers and projects for professors and peers to review. A particular time that comes to mind is a project that fell short of a professors standards and I had to meet with him to discuss what went wrong. Although it was hard to hear and accept his criticism, I grew from the experience. Although trying at times, completing group projects has taught me a great deal about patience and how to equally contribute to a team. Working in group settings has better prepared me for working with doctors, nurses, and other clinicians to direct and accept guidance without holding emotional attachment to it; therefore determining what is best for the patient. I will carry these important lessons into my career, which will allow me to be a successful team member.

I did not realize when I spent that summer in Nicaragua helping women and children that I would end up on a path to become a pre-natal nutritionist.  One of the very first classes I took in the graduate nutrition program at Georgia State was Nutrition, Culture & Life Cycle. In this class we covered every stage of the life cycle and how nutrition plays a vital part in them. I was quickly fascinated by pregnancy and found it fascinating how a woman’s body changes to nurture her baby. What a woman chooses to consume before and during her pregnancy can ultimately affect the baby’s future health. In my opinion, this makes pre-natal care the most important area of nutrition, serving as the building blocks as life begin in the womb. Unfortunately, with lack of education and access to healthy food, most women are unaware of how to properly care for themselves during pregnancy; a field I hope to make an impact in as I begin my work in my dietetic internship. It was in my Metabolism class that I learned about folic acid and how a deficiency in it can lead to birth defects. Throughout the remaining time in my program, I studied how folic acid deficiency plays a huge role in different birth defects. If there is one thing I do for my patients, it will be to properly educate them on the importance of caring for their bodies during pregnancy through proper nutrition and meeting dietary needs.

Hoping to build upon my unique experiences and qualities, it is with excitement that I begin my Dietetic Internship Program at Southern Regional Medical Center in the fall. Southern Regional's community outreach programs coupled with its strong clinical component will be an ideal setting for me to cultivate and expand upon my nutrition education. The program's mission to prepare both academically and professionally knowledgeable dietitians coincides perfectly with my personal philosophy. I believe my personal qualities and experiences will make me a valuable addition to the Southern Regional's Dietetic Internship program and to the diverse community in Atlanta. As I contribute to and benefit from this program, I will seize every opportunity to serve my community, and deliver the most sensitive, compassionate, and complete nutritional care possible.