A few days ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to a senior Nutrition class about my journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and where I am currently professionally. I’ve spoken to different classes over the years, and each time I’ve had more to share. I usually start my story by explaining that this wasn’t my first career.
After failing my first semester of college, I joined the Air Force. Then, after my second enlistment ended, I joined the Air Force Reserve before transferring to the Air National Guard. While in the Guard, I enrolled in a Hospitality Management program at a community college. After the first semester and my first culinary class, I switched my major to Culinary Arts. Two years later, during my culinary internship at a rural hospital, I met an RDN who invited me to shadow her for a day, and after that experience, I knew I wanted to be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Seeing today’s Facebook memory, “Faithfulness and gratitude unlock doors only God can open,” reminded me of my professional evolution. Everything I mentioned about how my life has evolved just flowed from one experience to the next. Y’all, I am 52 years old, and I have only had 4 job interviews in my life, and maybe only one was structured. As I told the students, I have spent most of my adulthood volunteering and building relationships, so whenever a position or opportunity becomes available that aligns with my interests, someone reaches out. Don’t get me wrong, I still look for opportunities; however, the ones I have truly enjoyed have been the ones that have come my way.
I ended my talk with the students by saying I still don’t know where this profession or life will take me. I suggested that they stay open to opportunities and possibilities, and to volunteer! Y’all, I believe in volunteerism. For one, it’s the perfect way to try an interest without fully committing. Also, it’s one of the best ways to make connections. And if you’re like me, free-spirited, you get to do all kinds of things, which keeps life interesting.
My faithfulness and gratitude to God have unlocked some beautiful doors (opportunities and experiences) over my lifetime. I am beyond blessed.♥️
Shaun
It’s Shaun’s World 
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