Choosing a career path is a challenging task. There are so many factors to consider while making this difficult decision.  Of course, everyone would like to do something they love and have a passion for, but in this economy, one must be realistic. We are living through very harsh economic times and in order to survive them, many individuals are choosing careers based on financial gains and future stability.

          Since High School, I knew I wanted to become a dietitian because the relationship between nutrition and chronic disease has always been an interest of mine. My interest was peaked in 10^th grade when my father was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. When this happened, I definitely knew I wanted to study dietetics so I could help him with meal planning using the diabetic exchange list. Even though the salary as a dietitian isn’t great, I am willing to take a pay cut because I have a passion for this field. I would rather work in an area that I enjoy with less income than make large sums of money working in a field that I have no desire to be in.

    When I started SuffolkCommunity College I was pleasantly surprised with their dietetics department because it was extremely organized and I also appreciated the fact that as a freshman student, I was expected to rotate at different healthcare facilities in order to experience the dietetics field hands on. Looking back, I am glad I started my college career at Suffolk because a lot of the clinical and foodservice courses transferred over towards my undergraduate degree and I didn’t have to take a lot of nutrition related classes at the next school I attended. I finished my undergraduate degree at QueensCollege and started my dietetic internship last year and will be finished next month. I can’t wait to end this process because I just want to start my career already.

      When I obtain my RD, I would like to start out working in a healthcare facility. Originally I was thinking about specializing in diabetes and becoming a diabetes educator, but that was short lived because living with my diabetic dad made me realize that counseling people like him for the rest of my life will make me lose my sanity. After a couple years in clinical, I see myself trying to find a job that isn’t as traditional; like working as a dietitian for a cruise line or food company. However, at this point I would work anywhere after I finish my internship and pass the dietetic registration exam because dietitian jobs are limited and not easy to get.