Final Reflection | noitcelfeR laniF

This is my final reflection of my dietetic internship because June 10, 2016 was my final day.

(I still have a final to take, and exit interview, and wait for my certificate and then I'll really celebrate). Instead of completing my community rotation at one site, I split it up. I did the first 4 weeks at Warren County WIC (WIC) and then I moved to Denver to intern with Energy Balance Nutrition Consulting (EBNC), finish the DI, and start my career.

a. What did I do? What experiences did I encounter?

WIC: My major focus was on counseling the participants on ways to utilize their WIC foods to support their nutritional well-being. I spent 2 days putting together the materials for a wellness activity we were required to do.

I spent time observing the first few days and I realized than many of the women were reluctant to add the plain yogurt to their checks. To them, yogurt either didn't taste good (and they didn't know how to make it taste better) or they never have tried it. These two barriers kept women from maximizing their WIC vouchers so they could get more variety in their diets. Between my observations and the data I obtained form the Community Needs Assessment project, I developed and implemented a Nutrition Workshop: Yogurt for Nutrition Health & Wellness. It consisted of a game, an informational poster board, trifold brochure, and samples + recipes to take home.

Yogurt for Nutrition Health & Wellness (Community Needs Assessment/Wellness Activity for DI practicum)

EBNC: From the beginning this rotation was very self-directed. I knew I wanted to move and knew that the internship was a great opportunity to explore the nutrition and fitness industry in Denver, CO. With the help of my DI Director, Coordinator, the Academy Find-a-Preceptor database, and of course my preceptor I was able to move across the country and network with the very industries I was seeking to get experience in.

My meetings with my preceptor take place at a variety of local businesses around Denver. We plan projects and come up with a list of tasks to work on and then I complete them.

Meeting with other Program Directors of Revision Food co-ops, the Growhaus, FitLoDenver, Boulder Running Company, Runner's Roost, November Project, Skratch Labs to set up nutrition workshops has made up the bulk of my experience. Since I won a grant from the Academy, I am locating venues to present the Tossed Treasures: How We Can Waste Less Food.

Supporting Skratch Labs Sports Nutrition Company by rockin' their merch.

Presenting "Tossed Treasures" How We Can Waste Less Food"

@ Colorado Community College for

Dr. Weber's (preceptor) Human Nutrition course!

Touring the Growhaus just north of downtown Denver.

I'm also consulting members of a local exercise group called the November Project. I charge an "intern" rate (haha) so members of the community can visit with a trained nutrition professional for free and I can start marketing my services. Where do I do this? All over Denver in the finest of coffee shops, of course :)

b. What did I learn? What have I gained? Any areas of growth observed?

WIC: I learned a lot about the constructs of working for the county and how the entity truly does function within a larger body (the USDA). For example, when creating the nutrition education materials for the program, I wasn't able to print and distribute them until it was approved by the powers at the USDA.

Luckily, they did! So Warren County WIC participants are able to take the Yogurt for Nutrition Health and Wellness brochure I created.

I am noticing that I enjoy creating print education materials despite having no official training in graphic arts. I want to continue to develop my graphic arts and marketing skills.

EBNC: Learning how to network and be comfortable reaching out to complete strangers is one of the main take aways from this rotation and it is serving me very well! I have been able to speak with entrepreneurs in the dietetics and health technology arenas from literally all over the country. My network is growing and I'm always looking to meet more people and get involved.

c. What did I like about this practicum? What problems were encountered (1-2 items, if any) and how did I resolve them?

WIC: I really enjoyed working with a team that shared a similar interest in helping this specific population. Maybe it's because I went to a women's college, or maybe it's because my family has benefitted from the WIC program; but there is something about being part of the WIC program-women helping women-that make this a vey empowering practicum. There were no issues, the staff was great, the work was meaningful, and the typical workday was easy-going but educational.

EBNC: I love having the time to complete my projects at my own pace. I work the best this way. I have had 0 issues with this rotation. Working in the wellness/fitness industry is where I see myself growing professionally and I have really enjoyed getting to network with people in these fields.

Also, it's really nice to get around the city on a bike or walking.

d. What were my strengths and weaknesses during this practicum?

WIC: My strengths really haven't changed much. I think public speaking, which requires organization and time-management skills, remains as my top 3 strengths. I like creating print ed. materials, so this could also be a strength. Weaknesses, again, still the same: I spend a lot of time on things. I meet deadlines, and produce relatively good work, but I'm never done with 1 assignment in an hour. (Hopefully, this shouldn't take that long!).

EBNC: Strengths: I am ready to take on any task and feel very motivated to get work done here. Weaknesses: Community service is extremely important and I cannot wait to give back by volunteering at places the the Growhaus and hopefully the Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council. That said, I might work on putting more value to my services and get compensated for it. As much as I would love to do it all at that special "intern rate" (because really all I want to do is help people live healthier lives) I need to make a living and "adult".

e. What would I do different in the future?

WIC: I might spend more time counseling the participants.

EBNC: I am still working with Todd Weber PhD, RD after my internship consulting, planning community nutrition education programs (going to be a good one!), connecting with fitness studios & hosting nutrition workshops, and collaborating on blog articles.