Featured Student: Sharing Our Knowledge with the Community

By Janet Zimmerman

            This past Saturday I had an exciting opportunity.  I got to talk to a high school track team about sports nutrition. The coach contacted me about talking to her team a few weeks ago, and she told me that it would be great if I could provide a handout and talk about fueling an athlete from a non-diet approach.  This was music to my ears and I agreed of course.

            I prepared for the talk a good bit by rehearsing it and telling it to my family multiple times (which I’m sure they loved…).  I’ve learned from a few talks that I have done that it helps me to memorize the introduction and the conclusion of the talk, but I let the middle flow freely with a guideline of things I want to touch on. Usually by the time I’ve finished the introduction, I am calm and collected and ready to share the information and experiences that I know.  Then, the memorized conclusion wraps everything up.

            So, I prepared for the talk, memorized the introduction and conclusion, and then finally got to talk to the athletes about fueling the body using nutrient-rich foods and hydration.  I loved every second of it.  Seriously.  I also loved being reminded of how much I enjoy talking about food and nutrition, which ultimately reminds me that I am in the right major.  I’m always amazed at how getting experience not only builds up my resume but also helps me learn the things that I love.

            If you have any opportunities to speak in your community, I highly recommend taking them.  Your confidence builds with each time and the added practice.  You also get to learn what talking/powerpoint approach works the best for you! This is just one one thing that we can do as student to prepare us as dietitians one day!

Have you gotten to share your passion for food and nutrition with other people lately?  Has there been an experience that has reminded you that you’re in the right major?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments!