One year ago, I officially became a Registered Dietitian. As I look back on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude for all the experiences, lessons, and incredible people I’ve met along the way.
Before diving into my professional journey, I want to share a story that taught me the power of resilience. After countless hours of studying, I was ready to pass the Registered Dietitian exam, but I missed the mark by just two points. It was a devastating moment. Yet, I learned the true meaning of the short quote: "never give up." With the unwavering support of my friends and co-workers, I regrouped, studied harder, and finally passed. That experience shaped my approach to life and my work—always pushing forward, no matter the setbacks.
Officially becoming a registered dietitian was a moment of pride and growth!
This setback taught me some valuable lessons:
You’re so much more capable than you think at achieving your goals.
Rest is extremely important.
Ask for help when needed.
Being vulnerable is a strength.
I was offered a full-time position shortly after my clinical internship ended and I couldn’t have been happier to accept. This journey has been nothing short of transformative and filled with opportunities to make an impact. From day one, I jumped right into contributing monthly to our hospital-wide internal newsletter, which lead me to contribute to our organization-wide internal newsletter reaching an audience of over 85,000. I’ve had the privilege of presenting to various groups of people with chronic conditions, a humbling and eye-opening experience that I continue to do on a monthly basis.
I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge with so many patients and help others understand the profound impact nutrition can have on their well-being and how food can be part of their healing journey.
Recently, I was honored to deliver several corporate wellness presentations, helping professionals integrate mindful eating into their busy schedules. One of my most memorable moments was presenting to cancer survivors at The Gilda’s Club of Westchester. We explored cancer-fighting foods, debunked myths, and shared practical tips for staying nourished during treatment and beyond. During National Nutrition Month, I coordinated with a local farmers market, providing information on SNAP benefits to support underprivileged community members post-hospital stay. It was a powerful reminder that access to healthy food is a key part of recovery and wellness.
I’ve also had the privilege of attending the NJAND conference, where I connected with so many brilliant and supportive dietitians who have become invaluable to my growth. I was honored to take on the role of Communications Co-Chair, allowing me to merge my passion for communication with my work in nutrition. This role has opened doors to new challenges and collaborations that I am excited to continue exploring.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned this past year, is that my profession is more than just sharing facts about food—it’s about meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and finding ways to empower them on their health journey.
A significant part of my work is in the clinical setting, some of the patient I support are post-stroke, on tube feeds or receiving parenteral nutrition. I work closely with cancer patients and those who are malnourished, helping them maintain or regain strength through carefully managed nutrition plans. The role of a dietitian in a hospital is crucial—we ensure that nutrition is an integral part of patient care, especially for those facing critical health challenges. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference proper nutrition can make in a patient’s recovery and overall well-being.
As I celebrate my first year as a Registered Dietitian, I’m more committed than ever to growing and expanding my knowledge in the field of nutrition. The journey doesn’t stop here—continuing to learn is essential to providing the best care possible. Next week, I’ll be attending FNCE (Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo), the largest event for nutrition professionals in the U.S. I’m thrilled to dive into the latest research, gain new insights, and connect with leaders and fellow dietitians to keep advancing in this ever-evolving field.
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to realize that being a Registered Dietitian isn’t only about providing information—it’s about truly listening, offering support, and empowering others to take control of their health.
I’m incredibly excited to see what year two brings, and I’m even more eager to continue helping people along their health journeys. Each new year brings opportunities to grow together, and I’m committed to learning more so I can better serve and help others live their healthiest life.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! Let's make this next chapter even more impactful!
xo,
Samantha
Comments