Ramblings of a Dietetics Major


Saturday, November 24, 2012

That’s why I say thanks, every day

Have I mentioned yet that fall is my favorite time of year? Well, it is. The colors, weather, flavors (yay pumpkin!), Thanksgiving, and everything else about it make me one happy person. Not that I try not to be happy on an everyday basis, but, you get the idea. J

And, two days ago, Thanksgiving was celebrated throughout the country and beyond. I like this day, one that calls us to remember just how blessed we are, even in the worst of times. However, every time I see a challenge to “remember one thing you are thankful for each day,” etc., I can’t help but be dumbfounded. Because, what do I have NOT to be thankful for? And I mean it! In every instance I can think of, there is always something to for which I can be thankful. Stressed because of work/interning/homework? Well, I’m thankful that I have a job (and one that I love), I’m able to learn from knowledgeable dietitians at a top hospital, and I’m able to learn how to better serve people. Annoyed because it’s raining when I have to walk to the hospital? Well, we need the rain, and it breaks up the scenery.  It just takes stepping back for a minute to see these things. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I am saying that I think it’s important to do so.
On that note (and now that you’ve all labeled me as officially an incurable optimist), here are a few specific things that my age is allowing me to see just how thankful I am for them, many of which I never realized were so special until now:
My parents-Not anything out of the ordinary, I know, but I realize more and more each and every day just how thankful I am for my God-fearing parents, who have and continue to sacrifice so much for me. I’ve never doubted that I am loved, full of worth, supported in my decisions, and created for a purpose. My parents raised me to be confident, responsible, to serve others, and, most importantly, to love God. What more could I ask for?
My family-Sorry, fam, but I thought the parents deserved a special spot. ;) But, I am still immensely blessed to have such amazing brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. From having someone to play hotel with me in the tree cave to being able to read them stories to being able to share everyday life, I’m thankful for my siblings and wouldn’t trade them for anything. And, I am ever-thankful for the love shown to me by my extended family, who visit me, send me cards (and pictures!), and have always been an encouragement and integral part of my life.
Friends-New and old, I’m thankful for you! For being with me through thick and thin, to Arkansas, Narnia, Idaho, and back again, surviving 5 semesters of chemistry, for inviting me into your home(s), letting me be my nerdy, organized self, and putting up with my sometimes food and nutrition-obsessed talking points, I thank you. I’m glad we’re on this journey together.
Professors-For those who have and continue to invest in me, I am thankful. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them!
Iowa City-Even though I’ve only lived here for a few months, I absolutely love this town! The people, landscape, location, everything. I’m excited to become more involved in this community.
Peanut butter-I know, a little less serious, BUT, I am glad that someone was inspired to grind up peanuts and eat them! My diet would be drastically changed if there were ever a peanut butter shortage.
Masterpiece Theater-I probably wouldn’t watch TV-ever-if it wasn’t for Masterpiece on PBS. Downton Abbey, Foyle’s War, Call the Midwife, you name it; I’ve probably seen it and enjoyed it.
People-I love nothing more than talking to, spending time with, and getting to know people. I’m thankful that my work allows me to do these things each and every day.
Redeeming grace-Where would I be without this? And, I’m even more thankful for the fact that I have absolutely nothing to do with it, but it is a free gift.
I could go on for a really long time, but I think you all get the idea. Be thankful. Always. And don’t forget it!
P.S. Did anyone catch the Veggie Tales reference? Madame Blueberry, anyone? J

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Back to where it all began

You know those times in life when everything falls into place all at once and you’re left being decently confident of what you’re meant to do in life? Well, I’m pretty sure that has just happened to me in the past week. Now that I have you all curious, I’ll proceed to my story. J

For the past ~3 weeks, I have been in outpatient bariatrics and have absolutely loved it. I like inpatient, I really do, but my passion for preventative healthcare has been revived this fall. Even though OP Bari is comprised of a lot of rules and more “black and white” nutrition recommendations, I really enjoyed the experience. Being able to counsel and educate individuals who are pondering and/or in the midst of making lifestyle changes is encouraging and it was great to see how some patients’ lives are completely changed through weight loss. I am able to see much more clearly just how multi-faceted the “obesity epidemic” is in our society and how debilitating this disease can be to an individual’s health and well being. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside my preceptor to help change lives. Side note: I was also able to observe surgery (a roux-en-y gastric bypass) during this rotation. Yes, I was in the OR. In scrubs. Awesome, I know.
So, aside from being able to be involved with patients on a less acute, more personal level, I have also been pondering my path for next year, as I know that June will be here before I know it. Recent classes, conversations, etc., have all confirmed to me that my skill set, personality, talents fit best in a community nutrition setting, which is ironically where this 5+ year journey began in the spring of my junior year of high school. I left the two-day Iowa Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (IAND) conference today revived and excited for the future of my profession, particularly as our society as a whole combats health crises and complicated food systems. Programs promoting community gardening for kids and encouraging greater vegetable consumption are current areas being implemented and are areas in which I can see myself flourishing. Additionally, pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) has also been in the back of my mind for some time, especially given that I am currently connected to the University of Iowa College of Public Health through my internship at UIHC. And, every day at work confirms that I love HyVee and want to stay there.  Oh, and, last but certainly not least, I am incredibly blessed to have found a church that is passionate about serving the local community, one through which I am able to be encouraged, find community, and also serve others. All these factors combine to make me desire very much to stay in Iowa City.
That being said, the past week has provided me with many networking opportunities, covering grad school options, possible TA/GA opportunities (which would mean my grad school would be paid for or substantially reduced in price. And, I would get to teach again!), career opportunities once I complete my internship, etc. Encouraging times, to be sure. God has truly answered my prayers for direction and I am excited for what the future holds.  I’m thankful for what God has placed in my path and for the peace I feel in making these decisions. Nothing is for certain, and I know that doors could be closed. However, at least I know where to direct my efforts. At least for now.
My production/catering rotation begins on Monday! I’m excited to be reunited with my former kitchen worker self.  I’ll be sure to provide an update… once I remember how to find my way down to the kitchen. J