DISTRICT CAMPUS DIETITIAN
TULANE UNIVERSITY
NEW ORLEANS
AGE: 29
Most rewarding moment so far:
I meet with students who have food allergies, some of whom have visited more than 20 colleges but find they won’t be able to eat in the dining hall with their friends. My first big project was implementing a Simple Servings station for Tulane students with food allergies. Now, some students tell me they chose Tulane over another school because they’ll be able to have a normal college experience despite their allergies.
Funniest on-the-job disaster:
When I was interviewing for my current position, I accidentally walked in on the other candidate’s interview! I was mortified and apologized profusely when she was leaving. It ended up being OK because the interview went great.
Biggest challenge you’ve overcome:
Being a dietitian in the Deep South has always been a challenge. Food is such a cornerstone of Southern culture, so sometimes, our staff can be hesitant to work with me. Luckily, I’m from Mississippi and have learned that in order to make changes for a healthier environment, you have to get buy-in, focus on small changes and don’t try to take a cultural staple away.
How you see tech differently:
I view technology as a great way to build systems for efficiency and better time management. Social media is a great example of a technology I’ve recently embraced. Instead of traveling to several accounts each month to have a wellness table in the dining halls, where I’d only reach 15 to 20 students, I now share that same information on Instagram. I reach more than 400 students several times a week and have more time for big projects and innovations.
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