What inspired you to choose to pursue a career in nutrition? 

I originally thought I wanted to be a nurse; however, after job shadowing and seeing so many sick patients, I realized it was not for me.

I was intrigued by public health and the premise of disease prevention. Once I began my public health degree at OSU, I decided to take some nutrition courses and quickly became excited to learn more and look into pursuing an additional degree in nutrition and dietetics.

Then, the next thing I knew, I finished two bachelor’s degrees and went on to continue my education and received my Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics in 2021.

Were you involved in any organizations or clubs while on campus?

Throughout my time at OSU, I worked and volunteered at a variety of organizations including the Healthy Youth Program, Food Hero, and the Student Sustainability Initiative.

Getting involved and connecting with other students and faculty with similar interests was vital to my success in school, because it helped me not only apply what I was learning in school but kept me motivated and excited to continue my education.

One of my favorite memories was working for the Healthy Youth Program and teaching gardening and cooking classes to a variety of age groups.

Can you explain your nutrition career progression?

My current role is program coordinator and registered dietitian (RDN) at Benton County WIC, but this is my second job post-graduation.

After finishing my master's degree, I still was unsure what career path within nutrition I wanted to follow. I knew I was interested in working with youth and loved teaching nutrition education, but I wasn't sure what this would look like for a career.

A good friend suggested I try teaching in my hometown school district; however, I thought I wouldn't be qualified to teach. I ended up applying to become a nutrition and culinary teacher at a local middle school and was offered the position. I was so excited! I taught for two years and loved it but realized it would not be a long-term career for me, so I began my job search.

I was offered a position as a full-time RDN at Marion County WIC and was there for six months. However, I still felt there was more out there for me.

I then found the position at Benton County WIC looking for a program coordinator and RDN and gladly applied and accepted the position. Now that I have been in this position for almost one year, I feel like I have found everything that I was looking for in a job.

In addition to my role as the RDN, as the program coordinator I get to plan outreach and events, attend state and national WIC conferences and work to improve our processes at the local level. My day never looks the same. I am continually learning, I am growing personally and professionally, and I have a great team and the flexibility of working from home and in the office.

What aspects of your work bring you a sense of purpose and meaning?

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for low-income families, and we provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support, free health screenings and referrals for community resources.

As the RDN at our WIC clinic, I see all of our high-risk participants and provide nutrition counseling to these families who need additional support in tailoring their nutrition based on specific medical concerns.

Getting to work with our WIC families in Benton County and see them thrive is the best part of my job.

If you could deliver a message to future students, what would you say?

Job shadow and volunteer as much as you can while you are in school to help find what you like and don't like about certain jobs. Don't be scared to try something you think you may not love, because you might surprise yourself.

Your time in college is not just for school but also to explore where you see yourself post-graduation. Go online and search for job openings in the area where you see yourself living and see what is out there!

Anything else you'd like to add?

OSU is a great place to be! Don't study too hard and remember to have fun while you are here. If you are interested in the nutrition field or becoming a registered dietitian, feel free to reach out to me and/or come job shadow at the Benton County Health Department. Email me!