I am simply loving all the e-mails I get about career advice. I love jumping on the phone or meeting in person all the RD-to-be’s. It feels like just yesterday I was in your shoes and am SO thankful for the people that have helped me along the way.

Anyway, back to my story! It still shocks me that I am a dietitian. It was a LONG, and I mean LONG road. But a great road, and experience, one I would never change, or give up. Dietitians are unique because you know they have the strength and character to overcome difficult challenges. No one and I mean no one can “easily” become an RD. It takes, blood, sweat, and many hair nets later to achieve this accomplishment!

ATTENDING GRADUATE SCHOOL

My undergraduate college didn’t offer Nutrition. It didn’t quite matter, because it wasn’t until the final year in college that I realized my true passion for nutrition, living a nutritious life, and teaching others. The best route for me, was to pursue a Master’s in nutrition that would fulfill my DPD coursework as well. If only it were that simple. I had my eye on Columbia University and didn’t even look at other programs. I fell in love with my prospective advisor, Dr. Sporny, and never looked back. To get into Columbia, you need to take a handful of DPD courses prior, and the GRE. I traveled all around long island and NYC day to day to find spots in these classes- biochem, organic chem, anatomy and physiology, etc. I had a tutor for 3 hours a week, each week, for over a year (Thanks Mr. Appel!!), and had an additional tutor for the GRE. As you can see, self-taught methods were not an option for me.

Finally, I was accepted into Columbia and began the course work. I focused on Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. The exercise physiology part was KEY for me. It really drove home the science I was learning and made it useful and understandable to me. Finally, it was time to apply for the internship. What a pain!!!!! You spend months gathering your coursework (mine from over 10+ schools), write an essay, and give it your best shot to as many schools as you choose, ranking them based on your preference.

APPLYING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

The first time around, no matches. Disaster. I went into a very dark place and didn’t know what to do. I had just spent 4 years preparing to be an RD, only to be told I can’t be an RD. I took a good look at myself, and my resume, and decided I wouldn’t give up. My resume was lacking in hospital experience. I now had a year to polish it up, and apply again. I got a job at the hospital. and no, whatever you are picturing was not the case. I was not dressed cute as a nurse, or even in scrubs. I got a job in the kitchen. I was up at 4 each morning and hustled all day – on and off the tray line. I wore a hair nut under my base ball cap, dickies pants up to my breast line, and more times than not, came home smelling like BBQ chicken meat loaf. Not the most glamorous year of my life. But definitely the most important.

Next time around, I scored the internship at North Shore LIJ, and spent a year getting my butt kicked. that internship is NO joke! When you are not working at work, you are doing home work at home. Some of the women had families, and I simply do not understand how they did it all!! Fortunately, I did not, but still found it to be overwhelming. Another character building experience I would not change for the world!

Right after I graduated, I took the exam, and started my private practice! I now have my practice, and my healthy food subscription company!

I love what I do, but would be lying if it didn’t take a plane, boat, train, car, and some walking to get here!

As always, I am here to support you along your journey and answer any questions!

Lisa@thewellnecessities.com is the best way to reach me!