Nutrition Philosophy Statement
Throughout my life, nutrition in conjunction with fitness has always been a top priority. As a competitive gymnast, I learned the importance of proper nutrition for a healthy lifestyle early on in my life and I have always strived to remain healthy and fit. When the time came to choose a college and career major, it was an automatic response to attend Georgia Tech, major in Electrical Engineering, and become an engineer just like my dad. What I failed to consider, however, was a career that truly interested me, and it was not until I completed my first year at Georgia Tech that I began to discover where my passion lie. During a discussion with a close friend, I finally realized that more than anything else, I enjoyed learning about health, nutrition, and psychology. Unaware of the possibilities for those wanting to study nutrition, I found myself wondering how I could focus those interests into a career. Considering my professional goals, I concluded that I wished to incorporate my love of psychology into my career as a dietitian by working with clients on an individual basis as I believe that the practice of dietetics is not only changing the way someone eats, but also changing how they think about eating. I feel that one can never be satisfied in changing a behavior without reason and understanding of how and why that behavioral change is important and beneficial.
It is my belief that we have all been given specific gifts along with the responsibility to make them flourish in our lives. My gifts are listening and counseling; the goal of my professional career is to have the opportunity to channel those gifts into my work through individual nutritional counseling and education. Beginning the dietetics program at Georgia State was the first step on the path to my professional career. I also joined the American Dietetic Association to facilitate networking opportunities and I have volunteered to increase my experience in the field. Throughout my time in the undergraduate program, I developed an ever increasing interest in working with eating disorders. Because this population is particularly challenging, I decided that in order to ensure my best work as a dietitian be provided, I would become not only a registered and licensed dietitian, but would also attain my master of science in nutrition through the Coordinated Program at Georgia State.
I believe that I have chosen the right career path for me as I have a great passion for the field of nutrition and a desire to help others help themselves. I believe that I have the dedication and work ethic necessary to be successful in this profession as well as personal experiences that will help me relate to patients and clients. Dietetics is a growing and challenging career of which I look forward to becoming an integral and influential member.