One of the most popular things searched on the internet in 2019 was diets or some form of dieting. Did you know that there are professionals who specialize in how to use food as fuel? And I’m not talking about your local IG influencer. Dietitians can help guide you to the best foods for you and the diseases or conditions you may have. If you seek these professionals out, you can get a better grasp on what and how to eat to fuel your body. In honor of National Nutrition Month, I have had the privilege of having two wonderful experts in the field of dietetics to share what success looks like in their field. Check out Johane’s story here.

Story:

Ryce:

Kim, I’m so glad to have you on the blog. Thanks for stopping by during Nutrition Month to share your story! To get started, can you tell my readers about yourself and how you ended up in the field of dietetics?

Kim:

I was born in Jamaica and migrated to the United States with my family when I was 4.5 (I typically tell people 5 because I like to round it up to the nearest whole number lol). Because I was now living in the US did not mean my family and I adapted an American culture. I was raised in a traditional Jamaican household so the food and music were are all Jamaican in origin. Being raised in a traditional Jamaican household dietetics was unheard of. As a little girl I always thought I was going to be a doctor or even a nurse so in high school I went to a medical magnet high school thinking I was going to be one of those 2 professions.

It wasn’t until I was actually in my late teens early 20s that a family member suggested I become a dietitian. At first I was like die-what? Who? So while majoring in exercise science I just tacked on dietetics as a second major. To be honest, I felt a little disadvantaged because I was in upper level classes with all these people who knew so much more about medical nutrition therapy, the pathophysiology of disease, community nutrition, and food service nutrition to name a few. All I knew was things which pertained to my physical therapy (PT) because that was the track I was on.

Jumping ahead, after completing these two undergraduate degrees I had a decision to make. Was I going to be a PT or a RD (Registered Dietitian)? I took a year off of school to contemplate, volunteer, develop my communication skills and t simply think. After much prayer  I left it in the hands of God and got into the Veteran Affairs dietetic internship in St. Louis Missouri. This was a blessing because I did not have to pay a dime for the internship. And now, 9 years later the rest is history.

Obstacles:

Ryce:

Wow! Most people don’t do one degree, but you did two. That’s awesome. I’m sure that had it’s fair share of challenges, but what would you say were your biggest obstacles or challenges?

Kim:

I felt during my dietetic internship I was at a disadvantage. I focused so much on becoming a PT that I did not know much about dietetics. In a profession that is dominated by white females I did not want to see like the “dumb girl” or even the “black dumb girl”.  There were times I thought I going to either get kicked out the program or drop out the program if I didn’t keep my grades up. I felt I had to study harder than the average interns just to keep up. Fortunately, my efforts were not in vain.

Ryce:

Once you got through the program, how did it make you feel to accomplish it despite feeling like you were at a disadvantage?

Kim:

There was a sigh of relief. I felt empowered.

Action:

Ryce:

What did you do to meet the demands of such a rigorous program and how do you think your challenges helped you overall?

Kim:

I prayed (then) and I pray a lot (now). It gives me peace and comfort. My obstacles gave me persistence and a feeling of empowerment and victory. Knowing where I have been in the past has allowed me to see whatever obstacles/ challenges I face in the future always have a solution.

Ryce:

I agree. I know I was wearing God out during pharmacy school, so I can definitely relate. Given all that you’ve experienced, what would you tell someone planning to pursue a career in the dietetics field?

Kim:

The best piece of advice can be summed up in one word: persist. It’s important to be tenacious in order to gain something you desire. Don’t allow minor obstacles to get in the way. Everything has a solution.

Plans:

Ryce:

I love that advice. I will have to remind myself of it when the next challenge hits. How do you use the things your story to encourage others?

Kim:

I always tell people I am not the smartest tool in the toolbox, but I am tenacious. Tenacity (and God) has brought me a long way and continues to bring me to places I have never seen before. 

Ryce:

I whole-heartedly agree with this. You are always able to work for what you want. So with that being said, what’s next for you?

Kim:

I’m not certain at this time. There are so many possibilities opened at this time. Time will tell what is next for me.

Ryce:

I’m sure it will be worth the wait. I’m excited to see what you come up with next.

Be sure to connect with Kim on social media and tune in to her podcast with her cohost Johane. You can find Kim online here!

Kim’s Faves!!