Anticipation and provision, forever and always

      April 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st, 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 7^th, 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 7^th 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.

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