By Ryleigh Scott, MS-AND student.
Starting the journey towards becoming a dietitian has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. As a student in Logan University’s Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics (MS-AND) program, I’ve had the unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of nutrition, balancing rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical rotations.
My adventure into the world of nutrition began as a Division 1 student-athlete playing softball at Purdue University. Between juggling the demands of softball and working towards a degree in food science with a minor in nutrition, I began to see how crucial our diet was to peak performance and overall health.
I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work closely with our team dietitian, Elaine Wanstreet. Her expertise and guidance were eye-opening and I quickly saw the profound impact a well-designed nutrition plan could have on athletic performance and recovery. Elaine’s approach to nutrition wasn’t just about fueling athletes, it was about understanding individual needs and creating personalized plans that made a real difference.
What started as a professional relationship between Elaine and I blossomed into mentorship and friendship. She was more than a dietitian to me—she was a mentor who offered invaluable advice and support, both on and off the field. I experienced firsthand the power nutrition has in transforming lives and enhancing performance and I was inspired to follow in her footsteps.
When I began Logan’s MS-AND program in January 2023, I knew I was signing up for an intense journey and that is exactly what it has been. The first four trimesters were filled with rigorous coursework covering complex topics such as the gut microbiome, lifecycle nutrition and medical nutrition therapy. Being a full-time student in the MS-AND program and working as a community wellness coordinator, while also pursuing an MBA, proved to be a challenge.
In May, I relocated to St. Louis to start the Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) phase of the MS-AND program. SEL provides students like me the opportunity to work in clinical, health education and food service environments in the local community. Moving to a new city where I knew no one was both thrilling and nerve-racking. I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty not knowing exactly what to expect from my rotations. During my first trimester of rotations, I had the opportunity to work at various community sites, a cardiac rehab facility – and I even made an appearance at the Logan Café.
The SEL rotations have allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the world of dietetics, though it hasn’t been without hard work. One of the toughest aspects for me has been bridging the gap between the theories I learned in my coursework and the realities of patient care. Constant feedback from preceptors has been both a challenge and a growth opportunity that has pushed me to refine my skills and approach.
Throughout my journey, there have been many bright spots, including having genuine, personal conversations with experienced professionals. Their advice and the chance to network have been incredibly rewarding, providing me with both guidance and inspiration as I navigate this journey.
Now, during my final trimester in the program, I’m gearing up for a variety of rotations, including a school setting, a private practice and a few other placements. Reflecting on my journey thus far in the MS-AND program, I’m filled with a sense of gratitude for my newfound knowledge and excitement for what’s next in my career.
The journey ahead starts with a crucial milestone: passing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. With the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained, I’m eager to see how my career will unfold and am optimistic about the diverse opportunities that await me in the world of nutrition.