December 20th was more than just graduation day, and I didn’t really realize that, until now. If you know me or have been following this blog, you know that I had the incredible opportunity to work my dream job as a Sports Nutritionist right after I graduated with my undergraduate degree from Southeast Missouri State University. As I lived it out for a very busy 1.5 years, I knew I was learning so much about sports nutrition, but also about life and developing myself. However, I didn’t realize how much this experience would truly help in my next journey, until now.
This blog hasn’t been updated in a very long time, because I was consumed in an amazing experience. One of which I didn’t mind the 14 hour work days or the occasional 7 days a week of work. I didn’t mind because I was surrounded by incredible people and I could be myself once again and not worry about how that came off. I was able to keep who I was, but improve on it. Prior to my job at Mizzou, I struggled. My last two years of my undergraduate degree I lost a sense of who I was, lost my laugh, was in a state where it was rare that I felt like myself. That summer after graduation, it began to come back as I was surrounded by children who taught me so many things about life and every day was filled with smiles and laughter. The same thing happened during my time at Mizzou.
I am now onto my next journey of life that is the last step to my dream job as a Sports Dietitian. I am living in Oklahoma for 8 months to complete my clinical, community and management rotations for my dietetic internship so I can become eligible to take my exam and become registered.
This week we had orientation and as we went through our handbook, I realized my mentor prepared me in more ways than she realized, I’m sure. The situations she put me in throughout my time at Mizzou, have instilled confidence in myself going into this internship and a lot of the things that are expected of us, are things I have already experienced and know how to handle or approach when they come up.
I’m extremely excited to start this internship and learn even more about nutrition to help my future. I’m beyond blessed with how everything is happening for me and the inspirational and motivational people I have met that not only teach me but bring out the best in me. I’m thankful to have my smile and laugh back and hopefully can keep it throughout the next 8 months.
Cheers to new beginnings and onto another adventure!
