Laura Lizet Vizcaino Ruiz
2022 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship
Completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Woman's University
| “I am a post-baccalaureate student. My first undergraduate degree was in Nutrition, but I didn't practice that much because I decided to invest all my time and attention in raising my three children. Nutrition as a science evolved considerably during those almost 30 years. That is why it was convenient for me to return to school to resume my journey to becoming a dietitian. So, I am trying my best to study and do coursework and keep caring for my youngest daughter and our home. But I was becoming emotionally exhausted because I was spending so much time and energy thinking about where to get resources to pay for my degree. Thus, when I received the communication about the Foundation's Scholarship award, I felt relief. And it just reassured me that I am doing right; it is not too late to achieve my professional goals.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
The Texas Woman's University Didactic Program in Dietetics has an Introduction to Dietetics class. It is a course that gives us an overview of a dietitian's professional development. We were also told about the resources the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers to professionals and students, primarily through their website. Navigating through it, I found the Academy Foundation and its scholarship program. I am grateful that the program is inclusive of minorities, non-residents, and non-conventional students.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
I am not young anymore, so deciding to return to school was not easy. Sometimes, I still doubt my decision. The financial factor is a massive component of uncertainty, so I need to resolve it to avoid taking it as an excuse to drop school. I know that I have the potential to become a great dietitian. Not achieving that goal would be a waste of my gifts, which I would regret, too. My first regret is having postponed so long being a dietitian. So, there is no shame in asking for help, and if it is a prestigious institution such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the one that supports and believes in you, there is no other choice than to keep working on my professional goal.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
Looking for resources to fund my studies has been time-consuming and has had an emotional impact. The Foundation's scholarship not only supports me financially but also gives me a vote of confidence in my potential as a dietitian. Even though the award only covers my educational expenses partially, it is a great motivation to keep working hard to get the degree that will allow me to develop professionally and earn a living. I always do my best in everything, and I wouldn't say I like to disappoint others, so this scholarship becomes a contract between the profession of dietetics, represented by the Foundation, and myself. Then, I can only do my best to become a worthy representative of the profession. It is a great honor to have the support of the most influential organization in the food and nutrition field.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
The Foundation was founded with the sole purpose of supporting us, the professionals of nutrition and dietetics. If you require financial support to pursue your professional goals, there is no shame in asking for it. You will have to invest some time in filling out the application, but it's worth it. Regardless, they make it easy. Their webpage is easy to navigate, and the application is straightforward. One single application works for several opportunities. Plus, they want to know not only about your financial need but also about you and other circumstances that may impact their decision. So, you have nothing to lose and everything to win, such as the support of a prestigious institution, which will look great on your resume. Just do it, and apply for a Foundation funding opportunity.
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.
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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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