Today we chat with Ashleigh Simpson who is a nutrition master’s student with a passion for early childhood development!
Why is diversity important in Nutrition & Dietetics?
Ashleigh Simpson, BA, MSc Nutrition student
Happy New Year! It’s that time of year when everyone is setting new goals and hopefully reflecting on the year past. I’ve reflected a couple of times on this blog, and I remember when I started this website off as the Nutrition HR that I took a lot of time mulling over what I wanted to achieve with it. I wasn’t sure about the name, if I’d stick it or get to do the things I set out, and then of course there was that ever looming reality of being unemployed and inexperienced in the nutrition field. But I tried to push myself even when it’s really scary. I invite you to have a listen of MaryMary’s “Can’t Give Up Now” to fully understand what I mean.
While last year was full of ups and downs like many before, it was extra special because of the challenges of COVID-19. Before the world shut down I had travelled to visit my now fiancé, and ended up getting stuck there for months. I must say, it was one of the best things that could have happened to me in 2020. As much as I would have loved to have a job or do shadowing, I think the year presented me with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth. It wasn’t until I sat down to recap and update my goals that I realised this*. With all that’s going on, have you taken the time to slow down and focus on what YOU have achieved?
*Just a side note: this isn’t meant to boast or make people feel lesser than. I actually would love to hear about the stuff you’ve done last year and your goals, because I get really happy when I see others thriving and I would love to support you. If you haven’t done all you wanted to last year, have you reflected on why (especially putting aside the big elephant in the room)?
I’m from an island. Sometimes it does seem like I’m a bit alone out here being a UK-registered associate nutritionist, who is not in the UK.
While the situation around the globe has been causing many of us including myself some worry, I’ve seen a few silver linings to all of this. Every day I am reminded of how God provides ways for us to do what we thought to be difficult.
Recently I’ve been getting more updates from online Nutrition community on both Twitter and Facebook. I am very glad to see that many career development opportunities are moving online, allowing me to participate even if I am miles away. I can now say that after 4 months of attending chats, webinars and journal clubs – and of course individual research – I’m getting a better idea of where I may want to get stuck in as a nutritionist. Yippee!
So, I thought I should also share the upcoming activities with you. I’ll try to update the blog with the CPD activities I come across on a weekly or monthly basis. Most of these are free and have AfN Endorsement.
Read More »Silver linings & Upcoming Nutrition CPD activities for 19th – 25th April 2020
Here we begin the journey to improving health, one forkful at a time. I should introduce myself. I’m Christina, a recent postgraduate and a Registered Associate Nutritionist. I’m from the beautiful island of Barbados, and my interests are very varied. I’m a passionate and mostly organised nerd, though I do have my moments of procrastination. Though I’m not that new to blogging or vlogging, and I previously shared parts of my life and beauty tips on my lifestyle blog, making the transition to a career in Nutrition, definitely is a new experience.
Read More »In the Beginning