Spring 2025

Practicum & Community Experience

This page highlights my practicum and volunteer experiences completed during the Spring 2025 semester as part of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. These experiences reflect my growth in foodservice systems, nutrition communication, and community engagement. From working with South San ISD’s child nutrition department to supporting outreach and education through UTSA's Nutrition and Dietetics program, I’ve gained valuable hands-on skills that will support my future career as a Registered Dietitian.

Foodservice Practicum – South San ISD

Summary of Work:

Participated in planning and execution of a school district-wide cycle menu, aligning with USDA guidelines and student preferences.
Facilitated a bilingual in-service training for staff, focusing on the distinctions between food contact vs. non-food contact surfaces.
Engaged in discussions around budget management, inventory waste, and sustainability, including student food waste trends.

Reflection:
This rotation gave me insight into the operational and financial challenges of running a large school nutrition program. I developed stronger communication skills when training foodservice staff, and deepened my understanding of how federal guidelines and school policies impact daily food production. This experience helped build confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to institutional foodservice environments.

Community Engagement -UTSA Nutrition & Dietetics Department

Activities: Volunteer & Academic Outreach Projects

Summary of Work:

Co-developed UTSA’s first edition of the “Nutri-News” newsletter and authored a featured science-based article, “Ask the RD-to-Be.”
Created social media-ready infographics for National Kidney Month and National Cherry Month, promoting awareness of chronic disease and seasonal nutrition.
Supported the UTSA Nutrition & Dietetics Information Session as a student ambassador, helping potential applicants understand program expectations and opportunities.
Contributed to a community-facing nutrition script and video, educating elementary-aged students about the health benefits of pomegranates.

Reflection:
Through these projects, I strengthened my science communication, digital design, and community outreach skills. I learned how to translate complex nutrition concepts into clear, engaging content for a general audience, and felt especially proud to represent the program during recruitment events. These activities reinforced my passion for public health nutrition and student mentorship.