Inspiration
My first degree in International Studies left me with some very valuable skills, such as foreign language (Spanish), the ability to research and think critically, and an appreciation for diversity. These skills helped me earn my first full-time job as a researcher for a non-profit organization in Houston, Texas. It was a great first job. I learned so much about myself and about the professional environment, yet something was missing. I did most of my work behind a computer, stuck at a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week. I had almost no interaction with the people my organization was working to help, and I felt as if my specific job was doing little to make lives better. I knew it wasn't the career path that I was looking for, but in my early twenties, I was still unsure which path to pursue.
On weekends and in my free time I found myself reading news articles on health and wellness; I was particularly interested in the latest research on nutrition and how certain foods and lifestyles could alter one's health. One day I came across an article from World Vision on a product that they were using to change lives in impoverished and severely undernourished populations called Plumpy'Nut®. I knew that I was interested in nutrition, but for the first time I saw how good nutrition could literally change lives. I wanted to be part of something like this! I wanted to help people live healthier, happier lives!
In the summer of 2011 I enrolled in courses that would reshape my future, starting with the basic sciences that I had not been required to take for my previous liberal arts degree, and advancing to honors coursework like Anatomy & Physiology and Nutritional Treatment of Disease. Throughout my school work and experiences, my interest peaked in Medical Nutrition Therapy, as well as Community Nutrition. I found that especially in Community Nutrition, my education and experiences left me uniquely equipped to examine issues from the perspectives of nutrition science, culture, politics and demographics.
On weekends and in my free time I found myself reading news articles on health and wellness; I was particularly interested in the latest research on nutrition and how certain foods and lifestyles could alter one's health. One day I came across an article from World Vision on a product that they were using to change lives in impoverished and severely undernourished populations called Plumpy'Nut®. I knew that I was interested in nutrition, but for the first time I saw how good nutrition could literally change lives. I wanted to be part of something like this! I wanted to help people live healthier, happier lives!
In the summer of 2011 I enrolled in courses that would reshape my future, starting with the basic sciences that I had not been required to take for my previous liberal arts degree, and advancing to honors coursework like Anatomy & Physiology and Nutritional Treatment of Disease. Throughout my school work and experiences, my interest peaked in Medical Nutrition Therapy, as well as Community Nutrition. I found that especially in Community Nutrition, my education and experiences left me uniquely equipped to examine issues from the perspectives of nutrition science, culture, politics and demographics.
Education
In 2007 I graduated Cum Laude with a degree in International Studies in the Politics and Diplomacy track from Texas A&M University. Part of this program required numerous hours of foreign language, as well as a study abroad program. I chose to study Spanish and spent 6 months of my junior year in Guanajuato, Mexico. Studying history, literature and policy in a foreign language, while uncovering a completely different culture was a challenge, but getting through it honed my focus and my self-confidence.
When I re-enrolled to Texas A&M for my second degree, I decided to challenge myself and take part in the Honors program in Nutritional Sciences. I enjoyed the self-directed learning and the one-on-one access to my professors. I also took the second semester of Anatomy & Physiology as an honors course and was thoroughly intrigued (not to mention, challenged!) with the opportunity to apply the knowledge that we gained through study and lecture. Meanwhile, I was working 15 to 20 hours per week in order to help fund my education and pay bills. In August of 2014 I graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Nutrition Science through the department's Didactic Program in Dietetics. This was a tiring, yet rewarding time, and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned.
When I re-enrolled to Texas A&M for my second degree, I decided to challenge myself and take part in the Honors program in Nutritional Sciences. I enjoyed the self-directed learning and the one-on-one access to my professors. I also took the second semester of Anatomy & Physiology as an honors course and was thoroughly intrigued (not to mention, challenged!) with the opportunity to apply the knowledge that we gained through study and lecture. Meanwhile, I was working 15 to 20 hours per week in order to help fund my education and pay bills. In August of 2014 I graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Nutrition Science through the department's Didactic Program in Dietetics. This was a tiring, yet rewarding time, and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned.
Experience
While taking coursework, I was employed at Traditions Club in Bryan, Texas. Most of this job applied my technical skills; however it did include some food-related activities. I participated in events in which I helped to serve food to patrons. Also, much of my job included marketing these food-related events to members, including correctly handling orders and communicating menus, either on the company website or directly to members.
Prior to my studies in nutrition, I was employed in the Research Department at the Greater Houston Partnership for nearly three and a half years. Most of our research involved economics and demographics; however we had to be prepared to fulfill requests for information on practically anything a client might need. Being a naturally curious person was very valuable in a position like this and I believe will continue to be of value to me in a scientific field such as nutrition. As part of this position, I was charged with the responsibilities for planning monthly meetings for the Houston Economics Club. Planning these meetings included making food orders and noting special dietary needs.
I had many other important work and volunteer experiences that shaped my food and nutrition knowledge. In May of 2006, I spent a month in Romania volunteering with a church that ran a feeding program for children living in poverty. Few things impact someone quite like seeing real poverty; this experience changed my life. During this time, I had plenty of experience handling and serving food; however, the most impactful food-related experience I had was the realization that what people do eat when they do not eat frequently needs to be nutritious. Balancing a meal became extremely important and nutrient dense foods were highly valued.
I have had two paid jobs that directly involved food handling as major aspects of the position. In the fall of 2004 I spent a few months working for the university's catering services. I waited on patrons, delivered food, refilled beverages and took special requests. I also helped set up and break down before and after the events. The summer just before that, I spent my days waiting tables at a Chili's restaurant near my hometown. Waiting tables is an experience that I believe everyone should have at some point in their lives. Not only is it an opportunity to learn about food safety and the "in's and out's" of food service, but it is an opportunity to learn about serving people, even when they are not at their most pleasant.
Prior to my studies in nutrition, I was employed in the Research Department at the Greater Houston Partnership for nearly three and a half years. Most of our research involved economics and demographics; however we had to be prepared to fulfill requests for information on practically anything a client might need. Being a naturally curious person was very valuable in a position like this and I believe will continue to be of value to me in a scientific field such as nutrition. As part of this position, I was charged with the responsibilities for planning monthly meetings for the Houston Economics Club. Planning these meetings included making food orders and noting special dietary needs.
I had many other important work and volunteer experiences that shaped my food and nutrition knowledge. In May of 2006, I spent a month in Romania volunteering with a church that ran a feeding program for children living in poverty. Few things impact someone quite like seeing real poverty; this experience changed my life. During this time, I had plenty of experience handling and serving food; however, the most impactful food-related experience I had was the realization that what people do eat when they do not eat frequently needs to be nutritious. Balancing a meal became extremely important and nutrient dense foods were highly valued.
I have had two paid jobs that directly involved food handling as major aspects of the position. In the fall of 2004 I spent a few months working for the university's catering services. I waited on patrons, delivered food, refilled beverages and took special requests. I also helped set up and break down before and after the events. The summer just before that, I spent my days waiting tables at a Chili's restaurant near my hometown. Waiting tables is an experience that I believe everyone should have at some point in their lives. Not only is it an opportunity to learn about food safety and the "in's and out's" of food service, but it is an opportunity to learn about serving people, even when they are not at their most pleasant.
Personal
I am married with a little boy who was born during my last year of course work. I enjoy cooking and the challenge of discovering new and tasty recipes that meet my family's needs. I grew up playing sports and learned quickly that a body needs to be fueled correctly, or it will not function at its highest potential. I am a huge Aggie Football fan and cannot be pulled away from college football easily. The summer before my son was born, I volunteered with the city of College Station's girls' volleyball league to help coach a 5th-6th grade girls' team. I have also been involved in my church, helping to lead Bible studies and participating in community projects.