Follow your bliss Alice.

My dad has been saying this to me

since I was a little girl. I decided to learn more about his mantra as I
researched the Dietetics program at the Metropolitan State University
of Denver. My dad is a teacher so I was not surprised to learn that this
statement comes from Joseph Campbell, a lifelong student and
teacher of the human spirit. Joseph Campbells formula for his
students was, Follow your bliss. Find where it is, and dont be afraid
to follow it.
I graduated from George Mason University in 2006 and I spent
the following years traveling in the Caribbean and Central America,
exploring my place in the world. My mom works for the Foreign
Service, currently in Afghanistan. I grew up in Europe, and watched
her actively alleviating the problems of the world. I knew that I also
wanted to make a difference, but I wasnt sure how until I entered the
field of Dietetics.
My experiences prior to pursuing my second degree have
prepared me for a career in Dietetics. Two rounds of college have
enriched my proficiency in skills like research, writing, and
professionalism. The time I spent traveling and maturing as a person
have taught me to differentiate between general interest and sincere
dedication. I am now fully prepared to dedicate my career to
mitigating malnutrition and nutrition-related chronic diseases with an
evidence based approach to the Nutrition Care Process.
Twelve years professional experience in the food service industry
has also prepared me for my career in nutrition. I have practiced and
perfected my professional interpersonal and communication skills by
working in an environment where I am constantly interacting with my
coworkers and a diverse group of guests. I have also learned the
importance of consistently exemplifying leadership skills in the work
place.
Two years after my employment at my current job, a managerial
position became available. Because I possess the qualities they expect
from an employee in a leadership role, the owners of the restaurant
asked me to step into the position. I excelled in my role as a manager,
but when I realized my passion for nutrition, I stepped down to pursue
a DPD. I remained communicative and professional during the process
of relinquishing my managerial position, and I am still considered a
valuable senior employee at the restaurant.
Since my decision to pursue a DPD, I have fervently dedicated
the majority of my free time networking with nutrition professionals in
my community in order to prepare myself for a career in Dietetics. I
have volunteered with organizations like WIC, the Family Intercultural
Resource Center (FIRC), and the Physical Activity and Nutrition Team of
Summit (PANTS).
The time I have spent networking has led to invaluable nutritionrelated experience in my community. Through WIC, I have gained

practical experience in outpatient counseling and SOAP charting,

obtaining anthropometric measurements, and nutrition and
breastfeeding classes. I have also been involved in reviewing and
editing WIC educational material and pubic health annual reports. By
becoming a member of PANTS, I have involved myself in events like
Bike to Work Day and National Food Day by designing posters and
enlisting the cooperation of local grocery stores, shops, and community
members. When I learned about Shopping Matters in Denver, I
completed the training to be a tour leader and collaborated with the
WIC Director in Summit County to establish tours at our local grocery
stores.
My short-term goals include graduating from MSU Denver and
being accepted into a distance dietetic internship. My coursework at
MSU has instilled in me a profound interest in Medical Nutrition
Therapy and how it relates to the Nutrition Care Process. I am eager to
become a nutrition professional competent about the
pathophysiological processes related to dietetics and chronic disease.
Like Joseph Campbell, RDs are encouraged to be lifelong
students. After obtaining my RD credentials, I plan to pursue my
Masters Degree in Nutrition so that I can further enrich my
understanding of, and aptitude in, the field. The fulfillment I feel after
volunteering to better the health of my county fuels my motivation to
become a nutrition professional in my community. My long-term goals
include obtaining a clinical position at St. Anthonys hospital in Summit
County and becoming my communitys foremost expert in clinical
dietetics.
Certain strengths, including self-motivation, self-direction and
dedication are of paramount importance to a student applying for a
distance internship. Summit County is a small mountain community
and volunteer opportunities are not as advertised or abundant as they
are in a city like Denver. I researched and contacted professionals at
each of my volunteer organizations. The extensive volunteer
experience that I independently searched for in my community
demonstrates these qualities, and my ability to succeed in a distance
internship.
I struggle with patience, and one of my biggest weaknesses is
my desire to accomplish a task as soon as it arises. After I was
accepted to MSU, I wanted to complete my DPD requirements,
including volunteer hours, in two years. At the end of my first
semester I received a lower grade than I expected and my personal life
was suffering because I had taken on so much. After the semester, I
realized that focusing on the concepts and experiences that I was
exposing myself to was more important than completing the program
quickly. I try to carry this lesson with me as I continue to pursue my
goals.

I have become avidly dedicated to my community and my future

in Nutrition. I have surrounded myself with professionals, and
participated in opportunities, that have prepared me to successfully
enter the field of nutrition. The motivation and ability to work
independently that I have demonstrated since my decision to pursue a
career in Dietetics will translate to my success as a distance intern.