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:
Haley Jenkins
Student in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Idaho
How did you become interested in nutrition?
I was employed as a kitchen manager in a low-income daycare and was in charge of creating menus and preparing meals. The loopholes in the CACFP frustrated me: I was instructed to feed infants and toddlers frosted chocolate cake for their 10 am snack because it counted as a carbohydrate. Nutrition had always been an interest of mine, but this was the experience that motivated me to become a dietitian.
What has been your favorite experience from your dietetic program and/or internship so far?
In my Supervised Practice in Dietetics class, one of our projects was to develop an original holiday recipe in a team. We then presented our recipes to a panel of judges, and the winning recipe went on the holiday card that is sent out to university donors. It was a fun and rewarding experience, and one of many creative projects that we get to work on in the University of Idaho’s dietetics program.
Once you become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, what kind of work would you like to do?
At this point in my education, my goal is to work in some manner with mothers and children (perhaps for WIC). I am passionate about developing healthy eating habits at a young age, and the best way to ensure that this happens is to educate mothers. I also plan on becoming a certified lactation consultant after obtaining my RD credential.
What words of wisdom would you share with students who are interested in pursuing Dietetics?
The scope of opportunities that an RD has access to is so much broader than one might think – it’s a great field to be a part of! Not only is there traditional clinical work in hospitals, but there is a range of opportunities in food service, corporate positions, the military, sports nutrition, or even private practice.
What is your LinkedIn profile URL?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-jenkins-b40a89151/
Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Blog 