David Reid
2022 Commission on Dietetic Registration Diversity Internship Scholarship
Completing a Dietetic Internship at Seattle Pacific University
| “Without Foundation funding I was looking at a situation that would either sink me into debt or require me to work nights while doing a full-time internship. Trying to figure out finances for my dietetic internship was truly a painstaking chapter and a few weeks before my internship began I still hadn't fully figured out what I was going to do. The foundation scholarship I received prevented me from going into more debt and allowed me to stop stressing how I would pay for everything. It was truly a blessing and I almost didn't apply.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I learned about he foundation scholarships AND offers through Google. I was so excited when I saw they offer some pretty sizeable ones.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
I was motivated to apply because I truly felt like I was the ideal person these scholarships, grants and programs were made for. I am a first generation college student. I'm also a male aspiring to work in the dietetics space and happen to be a Black American. I believe the field of dietetics is seeking diversity to push the field and widen the perspective that is the professions current geography. Even though at times I felt discouraged, I was encouraged by my both my partner and mother to apply and I'm very happy I did.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
This scholarship will remove some of the financial burden I have by lowering the amount of hours I will have o work weekly in addition to a full-time dietetic internship. I am a non-traditional student with bills and living expenses higher than an average college student. I have a family and live in one of America's most expensive cities, Seattle, WA. Before receiving this scholarship I was experiencing a great deal of stress about how I would pay 9 months of tuition and living expenses. This scholarship has removed some of that mental stress. I believe I will be able to approach each rotation with a higher level of focus now that I know the tuition is covered.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
I would recommend investigating which awards exists that you can honestly say you are the ideal person for the scholarship, grant or award. I believe this will make the process of applying more authentic and purposeful. Furthermore, do not be afraid to share your story. A person's story is what gets people to respond to their humanity and applying for funding is definitely an area where you want your humanity to show.
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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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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