Working Towards Becoming an RD

When I came to Purdue no one really told me what studying Dietetics and Nutrition, Fitness & Health would be like. No one mentioned the countless hours studying, writing papers, reading scientific articles or applying for prestigious internships. As a senior, I am facing my hardest semester yet at Purdue. I thought the past 3 years of my life were challenging, but they can’t hold a candle to what I am learning now. I am not trying to scare people away from Dietetics, it is a great program and I really do enjoy learning about dietary recommendations, nutritional and physical assessments and how to work with a client one on one, but it can still be very overwhelming.

As a senior, I am applying for internships following my 4 years at Purdue. I am currently working on an application for the Coordinated Program and that is due next week. As I am filling out this application and writing my personal statement I am learning that I have come a long way since my freshman year of college. I miss the easier classes and more free time but I am so excited to get an internship either through the Coordinated Program (CPD) or the DPD program. I am most interested in the CPD program because it is close to home and my family, and would be less expensive than moving out of state. I never thought that I would want to stay in Indiana but now my life plans have changed and I am wanting to stay in this area for the time being. If I get into the CPD program I will be an intern for 3 semesters and will graduate in August 2010. That would push my graduation date back but I am ok with that. As long as I finally graduate that is all that matters in the grand scheme of things.

Upon completion of my internship through either the CPD or DPD programs I will then sit for the Registered Dietitian exam and upon passing that test I will become Anna Armstrong, RD. That means I can actually get a job in my field and start earning some money. It is a process to reach that final goal of obtaining the letters RD after my name, but I am excited to see where this path leads.

~ Anna

Looking back

The sun is shining, the weather is beautiful outside and I can hear ppl playing tennis outside. I wish I could go out and enjoy the beautiful day instead of sitting inside at my desk studying for finals. It is crazy to think that my junior is almost done here in 2 more days. Final’s week is always a challenge especially by the end of the week because your brain is tired and you are just ready to be done. That is how I am starting to feel. I am eager for a break but I will miss being at Purdue. I will miss the hustle and bustle of life at school, going to class, attending meetings and getting together with friends. Being at school is fun and challenging at the same time. By the time summer comes I am use to school and the habits I have created and all of a sudden ending those schedules that I have been adhering to all semester comes to an end. I have to start thinking about packing up my things and moving home once again. Saying goodbye to people at the end of this semester is proving to be more and more difficult. I have lots of close friends graduating and will not be returning in the fall. It is crazy to think that I will be a senior and I will start getting ready to finish up at Purdue and I will have to start using the skills I learned in my classes out in the real world in my internship and hopefully a job after that. I have been blessed with another wonderful year at Purdue. I am sad to see it come to an end, but I think I am ready for summer to come and ready for new adventures in the future.
<><> Anna

Rainy Friday Morning

Walking across campus Friday morning in the pouring rain and by the time I reached the Union I was soaked. My khaki pants were soggy and my sandals were drenched. I was on my way to an Ambassador event in the Union. I was kind of frustrated about walking across campus in the rain and now total wet. When I got to the Union however my mood immediately changed. I showed up at the booth and there was a prospective student who was interested in Dietetics. I enjoy when people are interested in my majors and really want to learn more and ask lots of questions. I like to think that I can help someone make a really important decision. I was able to talk to one girl and her family in particular. She was interested in my two majors and probably spent a good 20-30 minutes talking with me and asking questions. This is one reason why I love Ambassadors, being able to help other people as they look to make important decisions. I remember talking with an Ambassador as a prospective student and I really learned a lot from them and I hope that I can help at least one person who I have the chance to talk with. So all in all my walk in the rain was worth it. <>< Anna

Straining towards what is Ahead

School is getting ready to come to an end which is kind of unbelievable. In a few days dead week will be here and then finals which brings the ending of another semester. As a junior I am getting ready for my upcoming senior year and starting to look at applications for Dietetic internships next semester. It is so crazy to think that I am getting ready for my senior year and my last year at Purdue.

Looking back it has gone so quickly. It seems like a few weeks ago I was coming into Purdue from Columbus East high school and scared about being at a huge university and wondering where my future might lead.

Even with lots of projects, homework and studying these last few weeks I am excited to get ready for my senior year and see where my future might lead. I found out today my summer plans and I am finally getting excited about finishing up this semester. I am going to be working with Purdue Extension. As a 10 year 4-H member I am excited to be back in my home county and getting involved with 4-H again.

I never would have thought my junior year would hopefully be coming to a successful end and then getting ready to take an intern position with the 4-H extension back in my home county. This semester has been filled with ups and down and thankfully I am reaching the finishing line and getting ready to start a new adventure this summer.
<>Anna<>