PERSONAL STATEMENT

As a child growing up in Ukraine, food fascinated me. The transformation of fresh fruit into jam or a jar of milk into a block of cheese, in my grandmother's kitchen created lifelong curiosity and influenced my future studies. I received a Master of Science in Food Processing in 2012. My degree gave me a clear understanding of chemistry and food engineering, but it also raised questions about the relationships between food and the body.

In 2015, I moved to the United States to study nutrition. In 2019, I received Registered Dietetic Technician credentials through Orange Coast College, CA. During my studies, I volunteered in a variety of healthcare institutions. Additionally, I was employed by my college food and nutrition department and a local hospital.

While expanding my education, I met people of immense talent and knowledge such as Beth Blake RD, MPH, Hector Vasquez MS, RD, and Marina Savelyeva RDN, CNSC. They not only became mentors but encouraged me to collaborate with them. Aiding registered dietitians to develop recipes, write meal plans, and create educational materials further inspired me to continue with my goals. I am currently involved as a Sponsorship Chair with the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - Orange District and enrolled in the Distance Dietetic Program at University of Northern Colorado. My goal upon completion of this program in Spring 2021 is to be accepted in a Morrison Healthcare Dietetic Internship, complete the requirements, and pass the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionist within one year of program completion.

Whenever asked why I chose to become a dietitian, I often think of my friend Alex. In 2015, Alex was diagnosed with congestive heart failure at age 37. He developed this condition over several years after a serious bout of influenza. Due to physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet, his heart condition worsened. One day after several weeks in the hospital, he told me: "The dietitian visited me several times during my admission. She did an excellent job instructing and suggesting I cut down on fried foods, butter, eggs, and red meat; my favorite foods." He said. "She reminded me of you Viktoria, with the diet encouragement you always gave. You should seriously consider becoming a dietitian." Unfortunately, Alex's heart stopped beating in the Spring of 2018 while I was already enrolled in a dietetic program. Although his loss was difficult, I believe my compassion and knowledge can one day help others in similar situations succeed in their recovery.

Hospital admissions are difficult and stressful, and I strive to be understanding towards patients. I realize most people think of food as something comforting and when they are hospitalized, unwell and vulnerable, they hesitate to yield control of their diet. The dietitian profession is challenging, but I am committed to building a long-term career in medical nutrition. The Morrison Healthcare Dietetic Internship will help me achieve that goal.

I was first exposed to clinical nutrition and care processes while completing supervised practice hours for my dietetic technician degree at Orange Coast College. My assigned rotations were at several nursing homes and recovery facilities in Orange County, CA. Working with the geriatric population helped me develop my strengths and repeatedly made me realize the importance of nutrition care. I found it rewarding to interview patients, satisfy their requests when possible, see them achieve weight goals, and recover. In Fall 2019, after completing 500 hours of supervised practice, I successfully passed the DTR exam on my first attempt.

In 2018- 2019, I took a position as a Nutrition Assistant in the Food and Nutrition Services Department of the largest hospital in northern San Diego County. Working in proximity to clinical dietitians helped me better understand the expectations of the profession. I received the near highest score during training sessions and had an excellent annual performance review. The dynamic healthcare environment became a good fit for my personality and skills though I eventually left this position to resume my education goals. Other experience in dietetics includes part-time employment at my college cafeteria, volunteering at a local food bank, and employment with a specialty food distribution company.

Lastly, I would like to share a favorite quote from Socrates - "One should eat to live; not live to eat."

This is where I wish to apply my education background in food engineering. At a time when technology has become a part of everyday life and is fully integrated into food manufacturing it is important to educate people about food quality. Many products are engineered to trigger taste and smell, appeal to the eyes, and engage appetite but lack the nutrients that are best for health. I believe that nutrition education can take place at an early age. The COVID-19 lock-down in 2020 gave me time to pursue another goal. Last spring, I wrote, illustrated, and self-published a children's book, Learn Your Vitamins - Book of Rhymes. It received positive feedback from parents and children with many encouraging reviews. I hope to continue writing more.

In summary, I believe that my education, experience, caring nature, and dedication to dietetics will help me succeed in this profession and benefit the lives of those I meet in my career. Wanting to improve clear communication or desiring to develop in your ability to connect with people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.