Personal Statement: Nutrition And Family

"Mother knows best". My mother is one of the main reasons why nutrition is vital in my life. I am very grateful that everyday she made sure our family sat down and enjoyed a nutritious meal together. I remember watching her prepare our meals after we would harvest fruits and vegetables from our backyard in the Philippines. As I grew up in California, she continued to emphasize the advantages of eating healthy. The experiences I had since my childhood shaped my interest in helping others create nourishing relationships between food and families. She herself is a dietitian and she is my greatest inspiration for my chosen path.

My interests in nutrition stemmed from a life-changing event. When my grandmother passed away due to complications of Type II Diabetes, I realized a strong correlation existing between diet, lifestyle, and disease. Coming from the Philippines, I was familiar with the challenges low-income families face such as food security and malnutrition. The signs became clearer as I got into college, where I began envisioning myself as a future dietitian who could impact lives by bringing attention to the risks factors of child malnutrition and the benefits of diabetes prevention. I

I have absorbed a lot of knowledge at WIC, but have much more to learn. It has always been in my nature to serve communities. Since I am fluent in Tagalog and have a background speaking Spanish, I am able to assist the community. Participant demographic mainly consists of 90% Hispanic. I designed a visual chart for new trainees to use at the front desk, which helps the clinic flow at a more efficient, effortless pace. Our Assistant Director admired my enthusiasm at work, extended praise for the noticeable improvements, and acknowledged increased productivity at my WIC site. For the past year, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to instill positive healthy habits to the families we