This year the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrating 70 years of our Idaho affiliate! As part of our celebration, we would like to recognize what Idaho Dietetic Interns and Students are doing and where they would like to go after the completion of their dietetic program.
Today, we are recognizing:
Michelle Little
Senior Student in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Idaho
How did you become interested in nutrition?
Since the beginning I have always had a draw towards science, especially related to the
human body, but I never did well with blood and guts. In high school I began to play
with food as a means of health and energy. After making some healthy switches in my
diet, I found how much more alive and strong it made me feel. Towards the end of high
school, I discovered dietetics. I knew this was the perfect blend of all my passions made
into one perfect profession. Now, I love exploring food as not only as health and energy,
but also as medicine. Since I decided to go for dietetics, I have never once questioned that this was the right career path for me.
What has been your favorite experience from your dietetic program and/or internship so far?
My favorite experience so far was travelling to the IAND conference this last April.
Road-tripping with a few classmates from Moscow down to Boise was an adventure in
itself, not to mention the bonding we had over the whole weekend with all the rest of the
classmates who went. The conference itself was a really cool experience. There was
something about being in a room with hundreds of dietitians that just made me step back and take a minute to think about how wonderful this field is. Hearing from every one speak was amazing—all the different perspectives and advancements of dietetics that are going on is so exciting. In one weekend I felt like I had fallen in love with dietetics all over again.
Once you become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, what kind of work would you like to do?
I have felt a pull towards eating disorders for a very long time, even before dietetics was
in the picture. I think it is absolutely fascinating and I would love to have a part in the
lives of those suffering with an eating disorder. Nothing would bring me more joy than to make a difference in someone’s life who thinks of food as their enemy, because that is
simply such a lie! I can say that because it is a lie I once believed. The reality is that food
is a friend, helper, and it brings people together. I’d like to help in any way I can to bring
that truth into peoples’ lives.
What words of wisdom would you share with students who are interested in pursuing Dietetics?
and dietetics. Second, it will be even more fun if you make friends with your
classmates—especially those in your program. I could not have made it this far without
the friendships I have made. My dietetics class and our mutual love for nutrition has
made such a difficult major not only possible, but hilarious, fun, and memorable.
What is your LinkedIn profile URL?
www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-little- 081829149
Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Blog 