Culture. It matters.

       Wow, my history at updating this thing is beyond nonexistent…whoops! Let’s just sum up the last four months with: It’s been crazy busy, filled with more than I ever thought possible, I’ve grown a lot as a person, and I’ll be done with classes in one week. I know that description doesn’t do things justice, but…

       This year has thus far been filled with many triumphs and joys, but definitely not without corresponding trials, sorrows, and ever-copious amounts of incredibly hard work. Life has been full, academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and otherwise. I truly think this semester has been one of the most enjoyable and also influential for forming my thought process and how I see myself working in the future. At the very least, I think I’ve finally found my niche. I am yet to be enlightened on what exactly that will look like, but, I know God will let me know in due time.

       My elective courses this semester include maternal, child, & family health and also promoting health equity, both of which pretty well encompass my passions. I also had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with the Iowa Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics for a public policy workshop. Talk about being out of your comfort zone…an inexperienced Midwesterner talking to legislators on the hill, especially when politics aren’t exactly your favorite thing. But, I was able to discover that I actually do like this type of work, likely related to the fact that I would talk to anyone, anytime, about anything. Extrovert problems. But, I am excited to be more involved in public policy work in various ways over the upcoming year.

       One recurring thought and reflection I have had this semester revolves around the concept of culture. Prior to this term, I honestly thought of myself as one without a culture. After all, I don’t fit into a cultural or ethnic minority group, I couldn’t really tell you my ancestry if I had to (eastern European is about as good as it gets), I’ve never been oppressed, I’ve never really moved (I feel like the Illinois to Iowa transition doesn’t really count), and I don’t necessarily fit in with the American mainstream culture. However, my lack of acknowledgement of my own unique background, experiences, privileges, challenges, barriers, and other such factors is actually potentially harmful as I interact with others. If I’m not willing to recognize myself in these ways, I am not truly able to see the entirety of the individual sitting next to me – whether that be a student, patient, or friend.

       So, what is my culture? Terms like Christian, Midwestern, moderately conservative, female, homeschooled, Caucasian, twenty-something, grad student, and other similar terms immediately come to my mind. But, I’ve increasingly realized that there is much more to my story than checking boxes off a demographic sorting sheet. Even if I don’t think my story is interesting, it is important. What makes me Martha? How is my worldview shaped by my culture? What does this mean for my interactions with others? I need to be aware of my own biases and beliefs before I can help others in the most effective and humane way. Even for things as “simple” as nutrition education and counseling. Or teaching. Or talking to someone at the grocery store. These things matter. So, I challenge you, what is YOUR culture?

       Yes, these are the things I think about when my mind needs a break from other things. Who knew the dietitian could be philosophical. But, I’m afraid my procrastinating under the guise of blogging should probably come to an end. Now to start researching evaluation data for the National School Lunch Program for that 15 page paper due next week…