Academy Foundation Blog

Donald A. Lamb, PhD - 2022 Commission on Dietetic Registration Diversity Scholarship Recipient

By Foundation Admin posted 12-16-2022 08:00 AM

  

Donald A. Lamb, PhD

2022 Commission on Dietetic Registration Diversity Scholarship

Completing a Dietetic Internship at Utah State University

“Decide what to be and go be it," these simple words are likely the most influential I have heard, and the message they convey has been instrumental in my decision to first return to graduate school for a doctorate and now to complete my dietetic internship. For years my goal has been to serve as an educator and mentor for students and aspiring nutrition professionals. At times I felt close to achieving this goal, but, as of yet, I have not. Still, I remain hopeful that continuing my education, expanding my knowledge, and gaining the invaluable experience that an internship offers will help bring me closer to realizing my dreams. This amazing scholarship will help in so many ways outside of the financial scope. Not only will it help to provide for my needs financially, but it also serves as a reminder that I am a respected and valuable member of the nutrition and dietetics world. As someone who struggles with self-doubt, insecurity, and feelings of imposter syndrome, this recognition means more to me than I can express in words. In addition to the generous monetary amount, this scholarship provides inspiration and determination to complete my internship to the very best of my abilities so that I may one day achieve my goals. I have decided what to be, and this scholarship will help me go be it.”

How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?

I learned about the scholarship through the USU dietetic internship program director, Lacie Peterson. As part of their weekly emails to all incoming interns, they specifically mentioned that the Academy Foundation offered a plethora of scholarships and iterated how easy it was to apply. Because the process of applying was so simple and streamlined, I was able to qualify for many different scholarships with one application, which was a significant contributing factor in my decision to apply.

What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?

I was motivated to apply for two primary reasons: need and belief. Before beginning the internship, I had a job that helped to provide for me and my family. However, knowing that the internship is a full-time job in and of itself, once I started I was forced to step down and take on less responsibility, less hours, and less income. I had been saving to help offset the reduced income, but any additional help is always welcome. The opportunity to receive that additional help was the driving force in my decision to apply. I was also motived by the countless nutrition professionals that I have met over the years, both in and out of school. Many have been adamant about applying to as many scholarships as possible, and all have been amazing ambassadors for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?

Before starting the internship, I talked with both my current employer and the university that I am completing my internship through about the feasibility of working while completing the internship. I was aware that working full time was not an option and my employer was understanding of my need to take a step back. My wife and I both understood the financial ramifications of me working less. This scholarship will change our lives in obvious ways and in ways that I cannot even foresee yet. This scholarship will make sure that I have money for gas to get to the hospital during my clinical rotation that is an hour away. This scholarship will pay for the groceries and food we eat after a long day. This scholarship will help me pay for the books and study material that I need to prepare for the RD exam. And this scholarship will help to alleviate some of the stress and fear around the uncertainty of an unsteady financial situation. My wife has already made so many concessions with her time, resources, and energy since I have started my internship. This scholarship will help to provide for us and relieve some of the burdens we have been carrying.

What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?

Don't let your own insecurities, self-doubts, or fears stop you from pursuing every opportunity available to you. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." We all have unique gifts and talents that we can use to better the world, but many of us don't realize our full potential because we lack support, whether financial, familial, etc. Understand that there are resources available to you that will help you to realize your potential. And don't be dissuaded by rejection; it is not an indictment of you and it does not define you. There are more opportunities, more resources, and more support. You still have unique gifts and talents, and so long as you still have the desire and passion to pursue your dreams you still have opportunities available to you. Cast aside your insecurities and fears, and keep chasing what you want. Decide what to be and go be it. Period.

Scholarship and Award Application and Timeline Information

All applications and timelines for Foundation funding opportunities are made available electronically within the Foundation’s application portal. Generally, the scholarship applications are available from mid- February to mid-April, most award and grant applications are available from December to February, and fellowship opportunities are posted as they become available.

To ensure you receive all of our Foundation news and announcements, including scholarship, award and grant announcements, subscribe to our Foundation’s weekly Kids Eat Right Monday Message and Foundation News.

With Your Help, We Can Do Even More

Our Foundation is the only charitable organization dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier lifestyles. Our Foundation does not receive any portion of member dues and is funded solely by donations. Please consider making a gift today to support our Make It a Million Scholarship Campaign that will help us to award one million dollars in scholarships annually to Academy members, students and dietetic interns at all levels of study.

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