Julia Wang
2022 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Diversity Scholarship
Completing a Dietetic Internship at New York University
| “The Foundation's Scholarship is not only a financial and emotional support to needed students, but also a way to concretize dreams, lower the barriers to attain the Registered Dietitian credential and strength the diversity in the dietetics field. Being a recipient of this generosity will help me to expand my nutrition knowledge and afford my Dietetic Internship at my dream university, and achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a RD and wisely use my wisdom to improve nutritional status in the community. Being from a minority group, this scholarship is diversifying and shaping the field to become more racially inclusive. I am extremely proud of the dietetics field and wish to further acknowledge our role in healthcare, as well as the need for diversity and inclusion of minority groups in my future practice.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I learned about the Foundation scholarship through many ways, researching on the Academy's website, joining groups on Reddit and Facebook with other Registered Dietitians and students to be, and through one of my professors during my last year completing the DPD program. There are many good and helpful groups out there and amazing RDs sharing their story! And always speak to your mentors and instructors, they went through similar experiences and struggles and are more than happy to help!
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
My biggest inspiration was my motivation to become a Registered Dietitian and to pursue the Dietetic Internship at my dream institution. I did not wish the financial constraint to be a barrier between me and my goals. Working part time positions while completing my DPD program was sadly insufficient, so I researched external ways that could help me fund my education. At times, during the application, I wondered if I would be able to achieve this, but I am very help that I submitted the application and to be chosen as a recipient!
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
Due to the rotation hours, I will not be able to work part-time as a dietetic technician, which, added to the costs of the Dietetic Internship, will be a financial burden. The Foundation scholarship will help me to alleviate this burden and also motivate me to concentrate and give my best in the graduate courses I am taking for the rotations. As a person of color pursuing the traditional pathway to become a Registered Dietitian, I am extremely proud to be a recipient from the Foundation Diversity Scholarship and feel empowered to represent both my Latino and Asian cultures in the program, as well as exchange my cultural knowledge to my cohort and future colleagues.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
Do not let the fear of competition, probability or insecurity discourage you from applying to the Foundation scholarship or any other opportunities you see. The biggest fear we will encounter is the uncertainty of not knowing what could have happened. Research, apply, ask for references. Give your best and you will never regret it!
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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