This year dietetic student Natalie White was selected as the Utah Outstanding Dietetic Student in a Didactic Program from AND.
In the letter nominating Natalie she was described as “a quiet, unassuming powerhouse.” It was also said of her that “Natalie is truly teachable – she loves to learn, seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and understanding, and responds to feedback.” As she has gone through her coursework at BYU, she has demonstrated both high quality work and strength of character. In addition to scholarly achievements, Natalie is committed to professional involvement, having served in both the Student Dietetic Association, and the BYU Representative to UAND.
Congratulations Natalie. Learn more about her below:
Where are you attending/have you attended school?
I recently completed the dietetics program at Brigham Young University and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in dietetics.
What dietetics related job/volunteer experiences have you enjoyed the most?
One of my favorite dietetics-related job experiences was doing an internship through the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) and spending a summer at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. I had so many fun and unique experiences while I was there and I learned so much! One of the highlights was attending the National NACUFS Conference in Minneapolis. I’ll never forget that summer and my experiences there.
What is your favorite recipe or food-related tradition?
My go-to snack when I need something fast is a peanut butter and banana wrap. I found the recipe a year or two ago while doing an assignment for a dietetics class and it quickly became one of my favorites. To make it, you spread about 2 Tbsp peanut butter (I like crunchy) on a whole-wheat tortilla, and then peel a banana and roll it up inside the tortilla. Voilà! You have a peanut butter and banana wrap. It’s simple, but so delicious!
What made you choose dietetics for a career path?
During my freshman year in college, I had a roommate with celiac disease. Seeing how it affected her life helped spark my interest in nutrition and dietetics. I love that there are so many diverse opportunities to work with and serve others through dietetics. The fact that a career in dietetics can be compatible with having a family is also important to me. One of the biggest things that drew me to this path was realizing that my skills and training as a dietitian will enable me to better serve my family and my community.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself working as a registered dietitian in a clinical setting and loving it! In addition to work, I’ll definitely be involved with my family and in the community. I plan to spend time volunteering with local food banks, soup kitchens, WIC, or other organizations to help people make positive changes in their lives.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to travel around the world and spend time in various places getting to know the people and teaching them how to improve their quality of life through good nutrition and food-handling practices.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with UAND membership about yourself?
I’ll be spending the next year as a dietetic intern at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities and experiences I’ll have there. I just want to thank my BYU dietetics professors and everyone else who has helped me get to this point. Your support and encouragement has meant so much to me! Thank you!