Hope Pitman - Dietetics InternHope Pitman - Dietetics Intern

Hope Pitman is a dietetics major currently completing her internship. In an electronic interview she shares her experiences:

Where are you completing your internship?

Scott County Family Resource Center, St. Joseph Health Care, and St. Claire’s Hospital

What is your typical day as an intern like?

“We have so many projects going on and I have loved every minute of it! This week we have been checking in on the 5th graders with their healthy snack fair projects. And today was the snack fair! It was very chaotic, but would have been much more so if we had not been so organized. It was so much fun to watch the kids’ presentations and help them make their snacks.

We kicked off our staff wellness program called "swapportunity". It is a 4 week program that we are doing for the staff at Southern Elementary. Each week we give them a new challenge for them to swap unhealthy for healthy habits. This week the challenge is swapping calorie drinks for non-calorie drinks. I am very excited about this because I am working with a small group to whom we gave personalized target calorie levels. They are keeping food diaries, counting calories, and working very hard to increase their exercise. I am looking forward to helping them personally.”

What is one of the things you learned as a student that you use often as an intern?

“I have learned to listen to everything that is going on around me. There is always something new that I can learn from and take with me into another experience later on. I will never know everything and there is always something else that I can learn from.”

If you could share one piece of advice for other students in you major who are preparing to complete an internship what would it be?

“I would say to go in with an open mind. You never know what is to come and something that you may have expected not to like could end up being one of your best rotations/experiences if you are willing to try new things and be flexible. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you.”

Would you like to add any additional comments?

“Students should not let the thought of doing an internship scare them. It is a lot of work but do not let it be overwhelming by taking one week at a time. I have learned more during the experiences that I have had than I was ever able to learn in a classroom. It can be as much fun as you make it!”

Posted 5/4/12