As I stand on the cusp of graduation, it’s inevitable to cast a retrospective glance over the years spent at university – a journey that was filled with ups and downs and invaluable lessons. Choosing a degree is no small decision; it’s a commitment to self-discovery and growth. When I embarked on this academic adventure, little did I know the transformative path that lay ahead.
Choosing the Degree: A Journey of Curiosity
It is not a common degree in my country and I believe my parents still don’t even know exactly what I studied because their backgrounds are in business, accounting and finance. But one thing for sure is, my family were very supportive and never questioned my choice of studying Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons).
If I’m being honest, social media influenced my degree choice. When I was a kid, I wanted to be so many things, a shoe designer, pilot, lawyer, news reporter, etc. As I grew older, I still had many aspirations and I couldn’t help but to use the elimination method when I needed to choose a university degree. All my life, my goal was to have good grades and study abroad at a university, but I never thought about a degree. It wasn’t until the end of 2018, after taking the Australian Matriculation, my ‘For You’ page on social media started showing cooking videos, café and food recommendations (I’m a huge foodie FYI), as well as health coaches talking about certain diets to make you fit and have the best appearance.
(For some context, social media provides you with content based on your interests’ using algorithms. I recommend watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix.)
It makes me wonder, why are we making ourselves so miserable trying to fit a certain beauty standard when the world has created so many amazing types of food? It just doesn’t make sense to me. Where’s the line between being ‘healthy’ and enjoying whatever we want that makes us happy?
Although I’m fortunate to have grown up in an environment whereby eating healthy constitutes consuming varied, balanced, everyday food in moderation. I was heavily involved in sports growing up – dancing, running, swimming and hiking. I was never once told to keep a certain shape. However, as a girl, being unsatisfied with one’s looks is inevitable and sometimes can vary from mild to extreme. One moment I can be indifferent about it and the next I’m looking in the mirror and feeling super annoyed about the pimple on my nose. Our personal judgement and constant comparison to our ‘standard’ is getting louder, creating so many problems that can harm us mentally and/or physically.
I started to wonder ‘why’, and it is that curiosity that gave me the courage to take up this degree. I wanted to know the ACTUAL SCIENCE behind the health and wellness industry, wanting to hear its VOICE – not the ones buried in lies and schemes, and eventually having the knowledge to enjoy my life by eating the food I like. I also wanted to learn about the amazing food around me and how it can nourish my body when cultivated, prepared and presented in the world.
The Surprises: More Than Books and Lectures
I was surprised about how much I learned about food and nutrition through evidence-based research, as well as the medical nutrition therapy of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many others. I was also surprised to learn that this degree can be translated into different fields, be it clinical (public and private hospitals), community (NDIS, aged care), food services (restaurants, hotel, airports, school and company canteens) as well as food companies (Nestle and Sanitarium). It is a very versatile yet fulfilling degree for someone who has many aspirations.
The Ups and Downs: Balancing Act of University Life
It wasn’t until COVID hit that I lost passion in my degree. During my 3rd and 4th years, I realised that I didn’t see myself as a dietitian because my intention was to savour my curiosity, not to teach people how to eat healthily. Losing my passion made me feel like an imposter, I started to feel lost and defeated by the choice I made. I had no idea what else to study and I didn’t have the courage to start from scratch and waste money on another degree while studying online, so I decided to engage more in organisations and societies at university to explore my passion.
Although I studied two years online, I managed to lead the university’s new intake orientation as an event manager, interned for the university’s program helping in video content creation, launched a podcast cultivating fellow student dietitians to be confident and proactive in nutrition communication and sharing knowledge among the nutrition and dietetics community. I co-founded a social enterprise with friends for a start-up competition and took part in a short film. Little did I know that I’d learn so much about myself by not giving up.
With that resilience in learning, regardless of the situation I’m in, I realised I could still learn and apply many of my experiences in post-COVID life. This included 19-week placements, a year of researching eating disorders and moving away from my home country to study and adapt to my new life as an international student.
What I Would Do Differently: Lessons Learned
Looking back, there are moments when I wish I had prioritised self-care more consistently. Burnout is a real threat and learning to listen to my body and mind became crucial. Seeking help when needed, whether from lecturers, peers, or support services, is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is a sign of not giving up. If I could redo certain chapters, I’d remind myself that asking for help is not an admission of failure but a step towards growth.
Future Plans: Navigating the Unknown
As a graduate, the future holds both excitement and uncertainty. The degree I’ve earned is not just a certificate, it’s a testament to resilience, adaptability and a thirst for knowledge. While the specifics of the next chapter remain uncertain, the skills and insights gained during university will undoubtedly guide me. Whether it’s entering the workforce, pursuing further studies, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures, the possibilities are endless.
Advice for Fellow Students: Embrace the Journey
To my fellow students, I offer this advice: embrace the journey, both its highs and lows. Cherish the friendships forged in lecture halls and knowledge gained from lecturers. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes and view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Seek mentors who inspire you and don’t’ be afraid to carve a unique path for yourself. Remember that success is a journey, not a destination.
To sum it up, the university experience is a mosaic of moments that shape not only our academic prowess but also our character. As I step into the world beyond the campus, I carry with me not just a degree but a tapestry of experiences that has uniquely influenced my future endeavours. The university journey is not just about preparing for a career, it’s about preparing for life.
Feature Image: Created using Adobe Firefly and Photoshop