What?

In the year prior to my application, I shared a few classes with the now 4th year dietetic students. Out of shyness and a lack of context to communicate, I hardly interacted with these students even though I knew that they could be valuable resources in learning about the UBC dietetics program specifically. Today, through the Networking Reflections Assignment, I met with Holly Heximer at a local coffee shop on campus to discuss to program and her experiences. I had a prepared list of questions that I had brewing since my application and she was knowledgable and helpful in answering them. For example, we discussed my decision to opt-out of applying for the Advanced Placement despite having completed a large portion of the third year curriculum. We discussed pros and cons which reinforced my decision. In addition, we discussed various topics ranging from tips to conquering CAPS 301, to her personal goals within the profession and what I can expect in the future years.
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So What?

This Networking Reflections experience was a great way to build a bridge between new incoming dietetic students and those a year ahead in the curriculum. Many of our guest speakers and past volunteer experiences revolve around dietitians who have been in practice for several years and likely attended different universities. This assignment allowed us to connect with students who have very recently stepped over our current tracks at UBC. Holly provided great insight into courses such as CAPS 301, FNH 381, and FNH 340/341 – courses that the dietitian I volunteered with at Vancouver General Hospital did not take during her time at UBC. The information was relevant and applicable towards my degree. Another aspect of importance is that she will be an ongoing resource and friend throughout my degree and could even potentially be a future coworker of mine. This experience reflects the goals of the UBC Health Connect in that it exposes us to other students within the health professional field. There is still much to be learned from networking with students within our own field as with students in other programs.
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Now What?

Holly has offered to be an ongoing resource within the next few years. It is likely that we’ll communicate again in the future, should I have any questions for her. It is comforting to know that she is willing to be this source of information and friendship within the program. I look forward to meeting other 4th and 5th year students in the future and building more networks and friendships as the year progress. Next year, I am absolutely interested in being a mentor/networking partner for incoming students and perhaps being a resource for transfer students looking to apply to the program as I myself was a transfer student from Simon Fraser University. My only wonder is if there is a similar mentorship or networking program to connect (or re-connect) the 4th year students with the interning students? Perhaps they could gain from meeting with a new student (in addition to their previous mentor), who is now completing their internship.

• Year 3