9.30.2020

"Cheering You On" Weekly Wisdom

Dietitian Cheerleader Weekly Wisdom

What is your favorite thing to cheer for?

I'm going to take you back circa 1992/93. I was in high school and really wanted to try out for our dance team. In 7th and 8th grade, we got to dabble in both, which was so fun. We ordered the biggest pom poms we could find to cheer on the St. Mary's Regional Knights. My friend Joni tried out for the high school cheer team, I was so proud of her. However besides cheer or dance, I wanted to do some other things, like play sports, attend boys sporting events, and maybe hang out with my girlfriends prior to said boys sporting events to have a few beers (I know, I know, teenage drinking - not cool).  Being on the dance team would really not allow this. I was dating a boy who was a wrestler and thought, maybe I could be a wrestling cheerleader. And quickly that had passed too. But I secretly still carried the flame and desire to be a cheerleader or on the dance team. 

Which brings me to present day. The dietitian profession is hard from start to finish. This year has brought to light many issues within our field, like diversity, the programming, not enough preceptors, inadequate pay, job opportunities....the list goes on and on. There are many flaws within our dietetic education and in our profession. There are many things that need to be changed and I commend the dietitians leading this charge. I support you and your efforts and will do anything to help. 

However, change takes time. None of what needs to happen in our field will happen fast enough, or even in my lifetime. Which is why I choose to live in the now. To live in the world of dietetics, where is it and have hopes in where it will go. I live in the world of dietetics with others just like me and you, doing the best in their jobs, their personal lives and living out their purpose. And I choose to be supportive of everyone I call a peer, doing this work everyday. 

I am your dietitian cheerleader. I am here to support you, cheer you on, listen to your worries or frustrations and to remind you to keep up the good fight. Don't get discouraged, don't leave, don't give up. You chose this profession for a reason and there is a place for you. I will listen, give you praise, be a shoulder to cry on and be a resource to help you figure things out the best that we can, together. 

I got you, no matter where you are. My pom poms are always fluffed and ready to shake. No matter how cheesy it is, everyone needs a cheerleader. And I am ready to be yours. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE


 

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