Ramblings of a Dietetics Major


Monday, April 1, 2013

Anticipation and provision, forever and always

      April 1st isn’t exactly a big day to most people. I mean, there’s the April Fool’s Day component, but otherwise, it’s just another day. [Sidenote: April Fool’s Day has always annoyed me. Why purposely lie to or trick people? I guess it’s just not my style]. Back on topic now, April 1st is a pretty big day for me. One year ago today, I found out whether or not I would be able to become a registered dietitian. Prior to that day, I had no idea what I was doing after graduation, where I would be living, when I would be moving (if I was accepted into a program), who I would be living with, which program I would (hopefully!) be attending…. You get the picture. The best of senior year stress rolled into one day.

     This story has a happy ending, however. April 1st, 2012 was match day, a phenomenon unknown to anyone who is not a dietetics major or somehow connected to one.  Once I was able to eventually log in to the online matching site for D&D Digital (the system through which applicants and dietetic internships rank each other), I was able to find that I matched to the dietetic internship at UIHC, my top pick!

      Now for a brief history on why exactly all this was so important. First, it is required that a supervised practice internship (typically about one year in duration) be completed after obtainment of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or other approved area  in order to be eligible to sit for the registration examination for dietitians. You can only match to one program (hence the matching website), even if you apply to more than one program. You rank your programs, the programs rank you, and as the applicant you hope that they align somewhere.  Oh, and, every applicants logs in to the matching site at the same time to find out if they matched or not. Add in the fact that, last year, 53% of applicants did not receive a spot (it’s a long-standing problem that there are not enough dietetic internships for the number of new grads each year), it’s a stressful day at best. So, the odds are decently good that you may not be able to become a dietitian after putting in 4+ years of work. There are options, of course, including reapplying, but this is obviously not ideal.

      So, I mention all this because, for me, today is a celebration of God’s faithfulness. He gave me opportunities to not only attend the college I wanted to and study the area that interested me the most, but also allowed me to have jobs, volunteer opportunities, an academic mindset, leadership roles, research, etc., that helped make me a stronger applicant for internship positions. He providentially provided for me to come to Iowa City, a place that I never would have dreamed of coming to prior to two years ago. In fact, I wasn’t initially interested in the program here and planned to stay in the Chicago area. I was actually pretty stubborn about it and only looked closer at Iowa out of respect for my mother. Funny how things change. As it stands now, I’m in the midst of a program I love with people that I like, I’ve been able to experience and learn more than I ever imagined, made new friends, become a part of a great church, continue to work at Hy-Vee….the list could go on for a really long time. All this became a reality starting one year ago. And for this, I am grateful to the One who made it possible. I’m also thankful for the four dear friends/roommates who put up with the anxious and distracted Martha of one year ago, who truly shared in my pain. They probably deserve a medal for their support. J

     And now, one year later, I must admit that I was in a very similar place of not-knowing-what-I’m-doing-next until last Thursday. You think you’ll know what you’re doing sooner when you get older, but I’m adjusting to the fact that this is not the case. (I give all you wiser souls permission to laugh at the young adult mindset present before you). Irregardless , I found out last week that I was officially accepted into the master of public health program (MPH) at Iowa! This means that, not only do I get to finish up my masters over the next year, but I also get to stay here! I have an interview this week for a teaching assistant position, which would be great, and also possibilities for another part-time RD job opportunity. No, I don’t have all the details worked out, but at least I have a general plan. And, just like last year, I’m excited, thankful, and utterly blessed.

      So, I’ve been realizing that this blog has turned into more of a life story than just internship-related things, so just let me know if there is ever something you’re dying to know about my program. J I finished up staff relief last week in inpatient pediatrics/pediatric ICU, and have thus completed the 5 months of clinical work required in my program. I still can’t quite believe that I won’t see another patient as an intern. As of today, I am now in community rotations, which is as it sounds. We work with dietitians involved with schools, Hy-Vee, prisons, nursing homes, etc., which will be interesting. We’re definitely in the home stretch to June 7th, however, which is crazy in and of itself….

     Thanks for reading my ramblings on thankfulness! As always, God providentially provides and blesses us with more than we ever deserve. Senior dietetic students and other applicants who may be reading this, know that I’m praying for you as this week unfolds. April 7th will indeed answer many questions for you, irregardless of the outcome. In the meantime, try to freak out as little as possible and rest in the fact that God has your back. Always.