Where to begin?
My name is Shannon and I have recently moved back to Boston after 2 years in New Hampshire. I am happy to be back for so many reasons, but most of all, because our circumstances now allow me the opportunity to go back to school. I turn 31 this week (there, I said it out loud…or at least into the void of cyber space!), so it has been several years since I have been a student. But despite the nerves, I am incredibly excited. My passion has always been in nutrition and health. So this September, I begin the long process of becoming a Registered Dietitian.
This will be quite the commitment of time and energy. Although I have 2 Masters degrees, they are both in the counseling field. So with no science background, I am looking at a couple of solid semesters of prerequisites before I can begin the nutrition program. But in the end, I think I will be good at the job. I have worked as a counselor, primarily with high schoolers, for the past 6 years. Anyone who has struggled with eating issues knows that there is far more to eating well than just “knowing what to do.” There are a lot of psychological issues involved, and my hope is that my general counseling background will make me that much stronger in offering nutritional counseling.
Working with so many young people over the last several years who are either overweight and unhealthy or struggling to achieve an unrealistic body shape, I am passionate about helping to change this. I am perhaps even more passionate about it because I have struggled myself over the years with achieving a healthy body image and a healthy, moderate approach to eating and exercise. I have binged, I have overexercised, I have let the scale determine how my day will turn out….and I have gone to therapy to tackle those issues.
Am I perfect? Definitely not. I still struggle. Especially with listening to my hunger cues, eating when I’m hungry and stopping when I’m full. It sounds so basic, and it is. But for anyone who has ever dealt with these issues knows, it is not easy. Our society teaches us not to listen to our bodies, and then criticizes us when we don’t meet a particular standard of beauty. This is why I am committing to go back to school. I am a good counselor, but I think I can do so much more!
Just a couple of the most important people in my life:
Me and The Husband, vacationing in Belize!
Our Wedding Day, July 2008
My Mom. My best friend and my Matron of Honor.
Our Furbabies!
Congrats on taking the first steps to become an RD! I also started the journey at 31, taking bio, orgo, etc. I am a part time student, so it will be a long road, but it just feels right to be going in this direction. Best of luck!
Good luck with your journey to being an RD! I’m working on it as well, after a BA in women’s studies. This is my last year of my MS in dietetics
Thanks for stopping by! I need to go check out your blog!
Beautiful wedding pictures!
Sounds like you will be an awesome RD! Good luck with all your classes!
Thank you so much. And thank you for visiting my blog! I’ll pop over to your’s next!
Hi Shannon! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your story and think it’s so important that young people (girls especially) have someone like you who can give them sound advice about health and nutrition. Your pictures are so cute too!
Thank you for such a sweet compliment. I loved your message in your blog. Very inspiring!
Just came across your blog! I lived in Boston for 7 years and my husband is from New Hampshire. I miss New England! Good for your for going back to school, I am 30 myself and am comtemplating whether or not to go back to school to become an RD! I look forward to reading your blog!
Hi there! I just visited your blog as well. I love it! If you have any questions about getting back into school for dietetics, let me know. I did so much research!
Ah, thanks for the background info. Good for you going back to school. I know that science can be tough, most people don’t even realize how much science is involved (duh, it’s nutrition science and basically that means all of the above when it comes to science!. Keep up your hard work as it will pay off.
Shannon,
Great blog! Adore it! I am adding you to my blogroll ASAP! And–yay, for going back to school to be a RD! It is worth it. Good for you! I’m all for supporting one another
Best,
Corinne
Thanks Corinne! I’ve been really enjoying your blog. Thanks for reading!
Your wedding photos are gorgeous!
Thank you!! And thank you for visiting my blog. I just visited yours. I love it and will be reading!
Hey there! Just saw your comment on my blog– yup I’m an RD- I’m going back to school for a MS in Applied Nutrition in Sports and Fitness. It sounds like with your background you would be an absolutely fabulous dietitian. Half the battle is how you deliver the information and work with people, and that’s a lot harder to learn than all the science. Looks like you’re off to a great start! I hope you enjoy the nutrition classes:) Let me know if you ever have any questions!
Shannon, this is a great blog! I’m passing on to my wife (also Shannon) who has a passion for nutrition, diet and health. She runs a social website for autism (www.foggyrock.com) and will be very interested.
Best,
steve