Tamika S. Watts
2022 Patsyjane O'Malley Memorial Scholarship
Completing a Dietetic Internship at University of North Carolina Greensboro
| “The path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can be challenging and takes a lot of individual sacrifice, especially with dietetic internships being unpaid. Therefore, receiving a scholarship from the Foundation helps to minimize those financial burdens and tremendously helps me achieve my goals of becoming an RDN. It allows me to focus more on the dietetic internship and what I need to do to be successful, and less worry about how I can afford the program. I am truly grateful to be receiving this scholarship from the Foundation as I know it is propelling me forward in my journey of becoming an RDN of color. This is especially important to me because as an aspiring black dietitian, I am adding diversity to the field of nutrition and dietetics.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I learned about the Foundation scholarships by being a member of the Academy. In addition, my school program sent several emails out to students around the time the scholarship applications opened.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
The path to becoming an RDN can be challenging and full of sacrifices due to the cost of a dietetic internship. Therefore, I wanted to apply to any scholarships that would help decrease the financial burdens that I could endure during my journey of becoming an RDN. I also had close mentors that motivated me to apply and also served as references for me. I am thankful for those people.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
This scholarship will tremendously help me throughout my educational program by allowing me to focus on the dietetics internship and less worrying about the financial burdens. In addition, knowing that the Foundation supports and cares about investing in my future, empowers me to be the very best that I can be in my program by challenging myself to new heights.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
Do it!!! Apply to any Foundation funding that you qualify for! The Foundation truly wants to support you during your educational program, so apply to any funding that is possible.
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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