7 weeks ago I left Charlotte, North Carolina, for the cold winter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I confess that I amaze myself with my ability to handle the cold weather. I am sure that any native Iowan would laugh and say that I do not handle the cold very well, but I do not think they realize I poorly I handled our 'warm' winters in Charlotte.
The transition to Iowa has been easier than I expected. God has really blessed me with an excellent program, family to live with, and a church community.
The internship program I am in is actually more of an accreditation program - it is what teaches me how to think and work like a dietitian so I can get my license. So, far I have finished 20% of the program. The first two weeks were orientation, the second two weeks focused on diabetes, and the fifth week was in a pediatric clinic for children with disabilities and developmental delay. And, honestly I think I found my place in the dietetic world last week working with children.
We had diagnoses from Spina bifida to Cerebral Palsy to over-eating and obesity. Every child was unique and required unique nutritional care. I loved figuring out the child's needs and talking to the families. I feel like this is the area where I could make the most impact. Not only are you teaching parents how to help their child, but you can also inspire them to practice healthy eating habits.
Pediatrics also plays into what I would love to do internationally which is fight malnutrition. I believe that if we help children thrive nutritionally and not just survive that they will be given the best opportunity in life. Nutrition plays into cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. And, to give children who are currently starving the chance to thrive is my dream. In a few months I will get the opportunity to go to India and study malnutrition for a month. I am beyond excited. I know that God is providing this experience so that He can use me in big ways in the future. Pray for me that God can use me in this way.
This was my first Dietetic Internship post. Stay tuned for more about my journey!
