Hello Monday, Hello You!
Today was the start of Week 2, Semester 7… 14 weeks + 3 semesters to go — not like I’m counting or anything ; )
I had a full day of classes today, but in between my physiology lecture and lab, I was able to sneak in an appointment with an advisor to double check on my degree progress. Being an organized, Type A student pays off… basically, the advisor confirmed – in less than three minutes – that I am on track to graduate in Spring of2012 – I can finally see the finish line at the end of my undergraduate journey!
This is huge for me… I started college in 2007 burnt out from striving to be at the top for all of my college prep years. I knew I wanted a college education, but had little drive/motivation and no idea what I wanted to study/do with the rest of my life [heck, I was 18 years young!]. Long story short, I chose to attend Sonoma State University, not paying much attention to the majors they offered; I remained an ‘undeclared major’ for two years. I checked off GE requirements left and right, amongst a few too many useless P.E. and dance classes. At the end of my fourth semester, I was still undeclared, though not undecided. I had done a little research, and found that another California State University offered my dream major: Food & Nutrition Communication. Though, I had developed lasting friendships and thrived with the support from my nearby family, I ‘checked out’ of SSU and headed east. This decision took some guts, but I knew I wasn’t going to find something like what Chico State offered just anywhere. CSU Chico was actually one of the schools I applied to as a senior in high school, but declined their acceptance for another reason.
So, here I am today… somehow starting my fourth year of college. It hasn’t always been easy – I’ve had my fair share of road blocks – but I’ve learned one thing about myself: perseverance. When the going gets tough, I just keep going. Though I will not earn my degree in four years, I don’t believe the extra year it took me to ‘figure out my life’, and change locations/schools in the process, will have any detrimental effects of my healthy future.
Gosh, I could blab for six more hours [can you say gym adrenaline!?], but you wouldn’t want me to do that. So… just a few things:
Life from now until mid-December looks a little like this:
Human Physiology + lab
The purpose of this class is to provide students with sufficient knowledge of human physiology in the hope that each person will wish to become an informed and aware health care consumer or provider. This does not merely include knowledge of vocabulary, but more importantly, it requires an intellectual facility with physiological principles such as negative feedback, synaptic transmission and active transport.
Human Nutrition
Physiological and chemical roles of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water in the functioning of the body. Factors affecting the digestion of foods, use of nutrients, and the body’s need for nutrients.
Science of Food + lab
A study of the physical, chemical, and microbiological aspects of foods; the function of and changes in components during preparation and processing of foods.
Intro to Foodservice Administration
Study of management tools and practices ranging from conceptual to applied as they relate to all aspects of the field of nutrition and food sciences.
There will be a lot of school snacks, such as:
raw veggies.
fuji + cheddar cheese.
dried apricots + dark chocolate almonds.
PURE bars are yumm-y!
And there will be even more trips to the WREC for some mind ease:
- 2 mi. indoor track run [mile #1 @ 8:20]
- 60-minute WRECPump!! <3
Crazy week ahead of me, but I have an epic weekend to look forward to…
Peace, Love + Healthiness,
Hillary
triple chocolate espresso cookies.
everything but the kitchen sink.
dark chocolate cherry pistachio cookies.
almond butter & dark chocolate crispy rice treats.
{vegan} almond apricot quinoa muffins.
So happy that you finally found your perfect major! I only changed once, but that was enough to throw me off and had me taking a summer session. The descriptions of your classes brings back scary memories of some of my food science classes at Virginia Tech. Let’s just say the curve was 20 points :) Ahh, memories!
ALL of your classes sound REALLY interesting! :)
I was just talking about this tonight – it took me 6 years to get through undergrad, and that didn’t count my 2 years at art school before! :) I took a semester off 2 years in a row to teach tennis in the spring term, and the other terms I was attending classes, I was also playing in tournaments full time; I feel my college life was well-rounded, and I would not change a thing!
You have a great attitude about it! Remember to ENJOY your last year! :)
How exciting. I was entering all of my coursework for grad school apps and had fun remembering all of the (difficult science) classes I took. I miss undergrad so so much. Your senior year goes by fast, so have fun and make sure you study hard and play hard!!
Right on! With these classes, you are going to be able to answer all of my food questions! There is always something weird of which I want to know every detail…
Nice read.
I changed majors and schools after my freshman year. It’s great to know that you’re doing what you love, as hard as the change might’ve been at the time. I’m hoping to graduate in May 2012 with my Masters. But that is a BIG hope. Good luck this semester! I loved A&P but was a bio major.
My gosh those classes sound so interesting! It’s awesome that you found a place with your dream major…and I will now start peppering you with questions since you’re clearly going to be a food and nutrition guru!
So glad you found your calling! Happy fourth year! Enjoy your last year…it goes by WAY too fast.
hi hillary! i just discovered your blog, and i wanted to offer some solidarity. i’m nearing the end of my academic journey as well – and determined to finally get this healthy balance thing down! i look forward to learning from your approach – sleep, snacks, and everything. thanks for what you do!
Those classes sound FUN! Wish I could go back to school and actually pay attention to the subjects I love… oh well. ;)
Please share any fun info you learn!
Very Proud…Love Dad
Sometimes it takes a little longer before you decide what you want to do when you grow up.
I knew from the time I was in HS that I wanted to be a nurse. Handsome Boyfriend, however, didn’t know until his second year of school, and being a music major beforehand, that he wanted to be a nurse. 5 years later he’s happy and healthy. I’m glad you’ve found your path. Good luck – you’ll be amazing :)
Love this post. Great story and I’m so glad it worked out for you!!
It took me 6.5 years, 3 schools, and 2 degrees to finally finish my undergrad career. I’m now starting my dietetic internship and am finally doing what I know I’m supposed to be doing. It’s all worth it, I promise!
All of your classes seem so interesting! I love learning about food and nutrition. Good luck with all your classes this semester! :)
I love snack days :-) I have snacks on me at all times!
~Alyssa
Good luck this semester :)
Changing colleges might be the best choice you made! I like learning biochemistry, but I don’t think I could work in that field. This is my last year and I am just happy to be graduating!!!
Good luck with your schedule! I remember taking all those classes! With the degree in Nutrition Communication, do your goals lead you to becoming a RD? Just curious! :)
No… the communication route does not prepare me for a dietetic internship/becoming a RD.
I just came across your blog, and I love it! I’m going to be a junior in college and am minoring in nutrition. What an awesome major though. It is admirable that you followed your heart and went after your dream major!
It’s exciting to see an end to the long school tunnel! My husband just graduated in June. It was a long road, but he’s glad it’s over! Your major sounds fascinating. What do you plan to do with your degree when you graduate?
Jen
I have different ideas about what I’d like to do; ideally, I’d like to write about food, health, nutrition, etc.
I know exactly how you feel! After 4 years of college, and 2 more years of law school, I have only 2 more semesters before I can graduate! Unfortunately for me, graduation doesn’t mark the end — I will still have to take the Bar Exam next summer.
Yeah, I’m training for a marathon in October! I can’t believe it’s September now…it’s getting so close! Are you training for anything?
Yep! I’m training for a half-marathon on 10.17.10 : )
Light at the end of the tunnel!! You go, girl!!
I didn´t realize you were at Chico! I am from Granite Bay, and a TON of my friends went there. Two of them were nutrition managers and now doing they’re dietetic internships. It sounds like an amazing program, and I wish I had known about that “back in the day”! Glad it is such a great fit for you, I´m jealous!
I actually spent NYE in Chico with friends when I was home for the holidays from Africa… got to stop by Pita Pit (which apparently now they have in Roseville, but I always associated with Chico trips!), Sierra Nevada Brewery (best lentil burger EVER), and Great Harvest. Okay, the cinnamon swirl bread and the apple struedel one? I hope you patronize it. :)
It’s a small world : )
& yes, best lentil burger EVER!
I’m actually going through something very similar with school right now. It’s comforting to know that you made the same choice! Loving your school snacks as well :)
Glad you decided what path you will take. Food & Nutrition Communication sounds pretty cool – maybe I’ll consider it in a few years. :-)