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Student
Florida International University
Hello :)
My nickname is Nili and I'm completing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in Psychology at Florida International University. My interest in nutrition arose when I began to ‘experiment’ and draw personal conclusions on how food affected my teenage acne. This interest turned into a passion when my grandpa was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Several weeks at the hospital allowed me to see how his Dietitian changed his diet and the effects it had on his appetite, hunger, etc. I remember thinking: “Wow, food has magic powers.” Throughout my college years, as I am now a Senior, my views on food have stayed somewhat similar (I still think food is magical), but other topics like; Health at Every Size, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Health Disparities, and Food Insecurity have shown me how Nutrition is more than weight loss or giving out meal plans. Some of these Nutrition topics were presented to me by Dietitians on Social Media. They were (and still are) fighting and debunking myths and damaging ideologies of diet culture. This prompted me to be part of the change and create my IG account @fueledbynili. Having meaningful interactions through it has taught me that people are genuinely curious and misinformed. The power we have as a future professionals in the field is indescribable.
Research is at the core of our profession. Once I understood this there was no going back- I began volunteering my freshman year with my department in various projects and hope to continue until I graduate. And then, God willing; P.h.D awaits!