Patsy Margarita Diaz Delgado
2022 Commission on Dietetic Registration Diversity Scholarship
Completing a Graduate Program at Florida International University
| “No matter who you are or where you are from, becoming a registered dietitian is not easy. Being an immigrant with no family in the U.S. certainly adds an extra layer of challenges along the way. Receiving this scholarship not only provides financial support but also emotional support. It shows that I am part of a community that sees my effort and my struggles, and that is there to support me when I need it.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
My academic advisor, who is a registered dietitian, thought I would be a good candidate and encouraged me to apply.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
All throughout my undergraduate studies I have worked full time at whichever job I could find to cover housing and food. Because of this I was unable to participate in any extracurricular activities or get any experience in the dietetics and nutrition field. For graduate school, I wanted to do things differently. I decided to apply for the Academy Foundation scholarship in hopes of alleviating some of the financial burden associated with school so that I could focus my time and attention in making myself a stronger candidate for the dietetic internship.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
Receiving this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden and reduce the number of hours that I will need to work throughout the semester. The extra free time will be devoted to activities that complement and enhance the knowledge acquired in the classroom. Advocating for dietetics students’ needs as a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, fighting food insecurity as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, and developing leadership skills through participation in the Academy of Leaders Program, are some of the activities that I will be able to participate on this academic year as a result of the free time that this scholarship made possible.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
Believe in yourself and in all the hard work that you have put into becoming a registered dietitian. Start your application early and give yourself enough time to complete it and review it. Ask a mentor, professor, or academic advisor to review your application before submitting it. Ask for letters of recommendations from people who know you best and can talk about your qualities and accomplishments in more detail.
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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