What brought you to UPEI? In other words, why did you choose to study here?

What brought me to UPEI was the (Foods and Nutrition) program. I am from Red Lake, a small, remote community in northwestern Ontario. Ontario only has three accredited Universities for Dietetics, so I wanted to explore my options. I applied to the Foods and Nutrition program at UPEI and hoped I would later be accepted into the Integrated Dietetic Internship program. I had never been to PEI prior to moving here for school (talk about jumping in headfirst!) but I quickly grew to love it. I studied at UPEI from 2017 to 2021.

What kinds of support did you receive during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?

During my time at UPEI, I connected with students, faculty members, academic advisors, and professors. I received continued support from my professors and grew to know each other throughout my study. These professors not only provided me with academic supports, but many took interest in my personal life. I also made life-long friends both within and outside of my program of study.

What kinds of opportunities did you experience because you studied at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

Studying at UPEI and being accepted into the Dietetic Internship program allowed me to network with dietitians both on and off the Island. Through the program, I completed practical education placements in PEI and in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. During my time in Cape Breton, I met so many wonderful people, gained valuable knowledge and skills, and travelled throughout the Island. I would not have had that opportunity without UPEI facilitating the placements.

"Applying to university and deciding on your course of study can be intimidating. UPEI clearly laid out the program structure, areas of focus within the program, and the course outline. This made the experience a lot more inviting."

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

PEI is a close-knit province that offers city amenities with the charm of small-town living. Coming from a hometown of about 4,000 people, I wanted a school experience where I didn't feel like a number in a crowd. I wanted the amenities of a city with the feeling of a small town, and that is exactly what Charlottetown embodies.

What would you tell a high school student considering UPEI’s Foods and Nutrition (and dietetic internship) programs?

I would tell any high school student to jump in headfirst into this program. Becoming a dietitian has been so rewarding and if a student is considering this career path in the slightest, then UPEI can help guide them there. Applying to university and deciding on your course of study can be intimidating. UPEI clearly laid out the program structure, areas of focus within the program, and the course outline. This made the experience a lot more inviting.

What is your current role, and how did your program at UPEI prepare you for success there?

I am currently working in a dual position as a Nutrition Services Manager and Dietitian for a long-term care facility in PEI.

The course load at UPEI gave me the foundational knowledge to prepare me for this role, and my practical internship hours pushed me further to becoming more confident and ready when I stepped into this role.

What are some other things about UPEI and your current role I may have missed that are important for students to know?

UPEI is a small university, with several opportunities to network and grow both your education and career. Don't be afraid to seek these opportunities and utilize all the supports UPEI has to offer during your study!