So I wanted to start out these bi-weekly reflections with
some background information on my graduate school status. I graduated with my bachelor of science in
dietetics (complete with the mandatory internship) in August 2010. I immediately enrolled in graduate school in
the Nutrition Sciences Graduate Program and began taking classes. I began taking classes excited about
hopefully expanding my nutritional knowledge but quickly realized the
Nutritional Sciences program was not the program for me. My career goal was to be an Extension Agent
or work in the community delivering nutrition information not stuck in a white
lab coat doing research on mice.
Being a College of Agriculture Ambassador, I knew a lot of
about the different programs in the College of Agriculture. I had met several Extension Agents that had obtained
their Masters in CLD and really began to look hard at the program. I met with Dr. Weckman and Dr. Hansen and
basically asked them what my options were, I knew I enrolled in the wrong
program and wanted to become a graduate student in CLD. We discussed my goals and options and with
permission of the professors, I would be allowed to take classes in the
program. I took 3 classes my first
semester and have never looked back (Research Methods, Foundations in Organization
Leadership, and Community Development and Leadership Communications).
What I enjoy so much about this program is that I am able to
use my nutrition background and RD status to provide sound, reliable
information to the community, who most definitely needs access to this
information. Professors that I have
spoken to throughout my coursework have embraced this nontraditional approach
and outlook that I have on this program and allowed me to focus on nutritional
problems within the CLD field.
I have been enrolled full time for three semesters. During the summer I completed an internship
with the Cooperative Extension Service in McCracken Co which reaffirmed my
career choice of working with the community.
After passing my exam in August, I am now a Registered Dietitian and
actively job searching. Currently I
have 22 hours towards my master degree.
I am planning on doing the thesis option and looking at if online weight
loss program really work compare to face to face counseling. I have spoken to a professor in the School of
HES, Dr. Kelly Webber and she has agreed to mentor me through the thesis
process. I have also asked Dr. Nah to be
on my committee.
Right now, I am trying to find a 3rd committee
member and someone to be a co-chair since it has to be a faculty member from
CLD. This has become a struggle as
someone coming from a different department and not aware of many faculty
members and their specialties and with such a different type of thesis. Also I am trying to navigate and figure out
the IRB process, which I hope to gain in this class. I am always to looking for great resources
tools and tips on becoming a better writer.
Anything to make graduate school less confusing is going to be
helpful.
I look forward to working with the professors and my
classmates. I know this class will be
very beneficial.
~Liz
