Dear MDI Committee,
I am writing to request personal selection for the Montana Dietetic Internship program. As a student, the MSU food and nutrition program has given me the proper education to promote nutritional health and wellness. As a native Montanan, I not only value our plentiful farmland, I also have a deep connection to the people of this beautiful state. I believe that the quality of human life directly depends on access to health care, availability of healthy foods, and meaningful relationships. Nutrition education alone will not make a difference in changing health outcomes. As a dietitian, being perceptive towards the needs of others and assimilating nutrition information effectively are essential for encouraging healthy choices. I believe that my passion for nutrition, my sensitivity towards the needs of others, and my leadership experiences have molded me into a valuable candidate for the MDI.
I was born and raised in Havre, Montana, so I am familiar with the challenges of promoting and providing optimal nutrition for minority populations and low-income families. Havre is located right next to the Rocky Boy Reservation, so I have been fortunate to learn from the perspective of Native Americans through personal relationships and exposure to Native American culture. As young mothers, both of my sisters received assistance from the Montana WIC program, which inspired me to pursue WIC for my senior capstone project. During my capstone, I had the opportunity to observe clients and obtain hands-on experience outside of the classroom, which has stimulated my passion for community nutrition. I also had the chance to observe RD-patient relationships in Helena, Townsend, Whitehall, and White Sulphur Springs, which truly enhanced my perception of the diversity that exists between Montana's communities. I believe that I have the sensitivity and understanding that is needed to meet these challenges.
Sustainability has always been prioritized above price when it comes to my food choices, and I persistently advocate sustainable practices to others. My appreciation for food availability and love for animals started at a young age. The fondest childhood memories I have are gardening with my mother, visiting family farms in Saco and Lewistown, and milking goats with my grandmother. The farmers in my family have taught me that buying locally is not only important for promoting healthy communities, but for stimulating Montana's economy as well. During my capstone, I was excited to see that WIC provides food vouchers for local farmers' markets, which benefits both local farmers and low-income families. Since community nutrition is my preferred area of interest, I plan to further integrate food assistance programs with Montana farmers in the future.
I have selected dietetics as my career path because it represents my lifestyle, and it is my holistic approach to health and wellness that have helped me create a balanced life. Throughout high school, I ran for the track and cross country team(s), which helped me build confidence, relieve stress, and learn the value of teamwork. Healthy living is not only a passion of mine; it is a necessity that I consciously cultivate every day by making time for physical activity and planning ahead for meals.
I have also chosen the dietetic profession because I love to help others, and I have the patience and compassion necessary to be a successful RD. My passion for community nutrition is deeply influenced by the obstacles I have faced in my own life, which will help me empathize with my clients and build meaningful relationships with each person. Family hardships have also taught me to make positive choices, to learn from mistakes, and to create my own path for success with confidence. I am certain that these experiences will help me encourage clients and empower them to make healthy choices.
I am a great candidate for the MDI because I have developed effective communication and leadership skills throughout the years. Positions such as corporate trainer and shift leader demonstrate my dependability, work ethic, and ability to manage tasks efficiently. My current position through MSU dining services is quality assurance, which requires ongoing communication between the head of sanitation, dining hall staff, food unit managers and myself to guarantee food safety. I also use serv-safe procedures when monitoring time and temperature controls, which is crucial for maintaining safe food service practices. I am confident that these skills will strengthen my ability to succeed as a dietetic intern.
I realize that one weakness regarding my application is my limited volunteer experiences. However, my job experiences strongly outweigh this detail. I have financially supported myself since I was 18 and I have also paid for my own education, so I believe that my ability to juggle school and work displays my determination and self-motivation as well. Thank you for considering me. I promise that if you select me, I will not let you down.
My desired placement for the MDI is Helena, MT. I am in a serious relationship, so I plan to move to Helena after graduating to be with my partner. Helena is rapidly developing, so I feel that there will be many opportunities for myself to become actively involved in this community as an RD. If Helena is not available, I would prefer Great Falls as my second choice.
My short- term goals are as follows (1-3 years):
1. To get a 4.0 GPA in school this year;
2. To get accepted into the MDI program in the Helena/Great Falls rotation.
3. To gain experience in community and/or clinical nutrition programs in Helena through volunteer work. I would love to work with WIC and, if possible, Shodair Children's Hospital.
Long-term goals (3-5 years):
1. To pass the RD exam upon completion of the MDI.
2. To be hired as an RD in Helena, MT.
3. To buy a house in Helena, MT.
Sincerely yours,
Sherry M. Winchell
I am writing to request personal selection for the Montana Dietetic Internship program. As a student, the MSU food and nutrition program has given me the proper education to promote nutritional health and wellness. As a native Montanan, I not only value our plentiful farmland, I also have a deep connection to the people of this beautiful state. I believe that the quality of human life directly depends on access to health care, availability of healthy foods, and meaningful relationships. Nutrition education alone will not make a difference in changing health outcomes. As a dietitian, being perceptive towards the needs of others and assimilating nutrition information effectively are essential for encouraging healthy choices. I believe that my passion for nutrition, my sensitivity towards the needs of others, and my leadership experiences have molded me into a valuable candidate for the MDI.
I was born and raised in Havre, Montana, so I am familiar with the challenges of promoting and providing optimal nutrition for minority populations and low-income families. Havre is located right next to the Rocky Boy Reservation, so I have been fortunate to learn from the perspective of Native Americans through personal relationships and exposure to Native American culture. As young mothers, both of my sisters received assistance from the Montana WIC program, which inspired me to pursue WIC for my senior capstone project. During my capstone, I had the opportunity to observe clients and obtain hands-on experience outside of the classroom, which has stimulated my passion for community nutrition. I also had the chance to observe RD-patient relationships in Helena, Townsend, Whitehall, and White Sulphur Springs, which truly enhanced my perception of the diversity that exists between Montana's communities. I believe that I have the sensitivity and understanding that is needed to meet these challenges.
Sustainability has always been prioritized above price when it comes to my food choices, and I persistently advocate sustainable practices to others. My appreciation for food availability and love for animals started at a young age. The fondest childhood memories I have are gardening with my mother, visiting family farms in Saco and Lewistown, and milking goats with my grandmother. The farmers in my family have taught me that buying locally is not only important for promoting healthy communities, but for stimulating Montana's economy as well. During my capstone, I was excited to see that WIC provides food vouchers for local farmers' markets, which benefits both local farmers and low-income families. Since community nutrition is my preferred area of interest, I plan to further integrate food assistance programs with Montana farmers in the future.
I have selected dietetics as my career path because it represents my lifestyle, and it is my holistic approach to health and wellness that have helped me create a balanced life. Throughout high school, I ran for the track and cross country team(s), which helped me build confidence, relieve stress, and learn the value of teamwork. Healthy living is not only a passion of mine; it is a necessity that I consciously cultivate every day by making time for physical activity and planning ahead for meals.
I have also chosen the dietetic profession because I love to help others, and I have the patience and compassion necessary to be a successful RD. My passion for community nutrition is deeply influenced by the obstacles I have faced in my own life, which will help me empathize with my clients and build meaningful relationships with each person. Family hardships have also taught me to make positive choices, to learn from mistakes, and to create my own path for success with confidence. I am certain that these experiences will help me encourage clients and empower them to make healthy choices.
I am a great candidate for the MDI because I have developed effective communication and leadership skills throughout the years. Positions such as corporate trainer and shift leader demonstrate my dependability, work ethic, and ability to manage tasks efficiently. My current position through MSU dining services is quality assurance, which requires ongoing communication between the head of sanitation, dining hall staff, food unit managers and myself to guarantee food safety. I also use serv-safe procedures when monitoring time and temperature controls, which is crucial for maintaining safe food service practices. I am confident that these skills will strengthen my ability to succeed as a dietetic intern.
I realize that one weakness regarding my application is my limited volunteer experiences. However, my job experiences strongly outweigh this detail. I have financially supported myself since I was 18 and I have also paid for my own education, so I believe that my ability to juggle school and work displays my determination and self-motivation as well. Thank you for considering me. I promise that if you select me, I will not let you down.
My desired placement for the MDI is Helena, MT. I am in a serious relationship, so I plan to move to Helena after graduating to be with my partner. Helena is rapidly developing, so I feel that there will be many opportunities for myself to become actively involved in this community as an RD. If Helena is not available, I would prefer Great Falls as my second choice.
My short- term goals are as follows (1-3 years):
1. To get a 4.0 GPA in school this year;
2. To get accepted into the MDI program in the Helena/Great Falls rotation.
3. To gain experience in community and/or clinical nutrition programs in Helena through volunteer work. I would love to work with WIC and, if possible, Shodair Children's Hospital.
Long-term goals (3-5 years):
1. To pass the RD exam upon completion of the MDI.
2. To be hired as an RD in Helena, MT.
3. To buy a house in Helena, MT.
Sincerely yours,
Sherry M. Winchell