What inspired or interested you about your field of study? And why did you choose OSU/the college?

Having trained pre-professionally in ballet for over a decade, I have always had an interest in nutrition, and this interest of mine continued to grow once moving to Russia to train at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

After two and a half years training in Russia and becoming the first Mexican American graduate, I had grown a passion for learning about nutrition and how it relates to athletes. I made it a personal goal to one day make a positive impact in athletics, especially dance, regarding nutrition and disordered eating.

After moving back to the States, I started my studies at OSU. Initially, I was a business major, but this quickly changed once I discovered the dietetics major. Everything really seemed to fall into place for me once finding this major, and with each passing term I get one step closer to reaching the goal I made for myself back in Russia.

Tell us about your time at Oregon State and in the college. Is there someone or something who/that helped you be successful?

Throughout my time at OSU, I have had many opportunities that have greatly expanded on my skill-set and professional experience.

One of my first experiences at OSU that really made me first step out of my comfort zone and become much more comfortable in a leadership position was serving as a student leader of the OSU service-learning program, Grocery Tours.

Under the guidance of Dr. Neilann Horner, I gained insight into the roles a registered dietitian can have and became much more comfortable and confident with being in a leadership position.

Working as a sports nutrition intern at the P. Wayne Valley Sports Performance Center, under Toni Langhans and Nick Farrell, has also been a great learning experience that has provided me so much insight into the roles and tasks of a sports registered dietitian.

What are your post-college dreams/plans?

I plan to graduate from Washington State University with a MS in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Exercise Physiology in June 2026.

After graduation, I intend on finding a job as a sports dietitian, with an emphasis on discorded eating and exercise physiology.

My plan is to one day open my own practice and reach my fullest potential in making a positive impact within athletics and the dance community regarding disordered eating and body image.

Anything else you'd like to add?

My advice for future students is to get as involved as possible with all of the amazing opportunities available through OSU and in the community, as many of the life skills and experiences I have were made outside of the classroom.