One of the most rewarding experiences of my career was to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Mentor Match program in August 2012. And the time, I had no idea that for several years now, I have been the top mentor across the country!
I began this journey when I was told that, as a member of what was then named the Member Value Committee, I was expected to participate. It was easy enough to register and I found myself with my first mentee very quickly. Megan and I clicked immediately and we went on to have a formal relationship for a number of years.
Earlier this year, she gave me credit both on Instagram and during a talk of dietetic interns for saving her gobs of money and time. Megan had asked about needing to obtain a Masters Degree in Business Administration before going into private practice – she had assumed that she did – and I told her she absolutely did NOT need that! She was shocked, yet relieved, and has since created a very thriving entrepreneurial practice based in Florida.
As Linda Farr writes in her President’s Page, “Mentoring is an essential step in the development of members, our profession’s diversity and inclusivity, and our organization’s future.”
I am proud to be a mentor with about 50 current and past mentees in my eight years so far. Below is the January 2021 President’s Page of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. See my quotes beneath the arrow on page two.
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