Ashley Sivadon

NUTR 2101

24 March 2019

Personal Statement

As a cheer leader and growing up with an autistic brother, I always thought that I had a

pretty good understanding of nutrition. I thought since growing up my whole life I had never

struggled with being in shape that I knew what was best for myself and others. Having an autistic

brother and watching him strictly diet made me believe I knew what I was talking about in that

realm of life as well. I assumed since my brother was gluten free and casein free that we all

should do the same. I was also pretty certain as long as you work out a lot you can practically eat

anything. It was not until my freshman year when I battled with the freshman fifteen that I

realized I did not know anything about nutrition and believed a lot of lies.

After my freshman year I felt it on my heart to change my major from nursing to nutrition

sciences specifically the pre-dietetics route. After completing my undergraduate in nutrition

sciences, I now have a completely new understanding of what nutrition is and how it can

completely change your lifestyle. During my undergrad, I learned how nutrition effects our

digestion and absorption, the brain, the organ systems, and long-term health. One course was

even specifically for sports nutrition. I have taken biology, chemistry, microbiology, human

anatomy and physiology, genetics, and biochemistry courses that have equipped me with the

knowledge to understand the science behind all of the nutrition. All of these courses taught me so

much more than I could have ever imagined and only encouraged me to grasp a deeper

understanding of nutrition sciences. My goals are to finish school with a cumulative GPA above

a 3.0. I want to graduate from undergrad on time in May of 2021. After undergraduate
graduation, I want to go to graduate school to pursue my master’s degree and begin my

internship. After completing my education, I hope to work in a clinic or hospital with multiple

patients.

I want to pursue a career in dietetics because it unifies my passion for working with

people and improving their health in ways most of the common public does not know about. I

feel it is my calling to educate and help people in whatever way possible with nutrition.

Throughout my undergrad I have learned each individual is different and the necessities vary

from person to person. However, I believe that is what makes this field so special and so

important. I am thankful for the knowledge I have now and look forward to continuing my

education and learning more about the various needs of each individual. When a walk in my

office I want to encourage them, and be able to break down how to change their nutritional

intake on their level of knowledge. I want my patients to feel comfortable and respect me but still

feel like they are talking to a best friend. After a patient walks out of my office or finishes their

series of appointments, I want them to feel equipped with knowledge to continue to a healthy

lifestyle. As I feel equipped enough with having the right intentions to cure patients in the future

I hope to gain a better understanding of nutrition and how it effects our bodies. This dietetic

internship will equip me with the knowledge and experiences I need to improve my future career

as a Registered Dietitian.