Jujube Yuen - Hong Kong, 6 August, 2024 | Jujube Yuen
A passion for nutrition and dietetics
I decided to pursue nutrition and dietetics because of my previous struggles with food and weight. I was a food lover growing up. However, as I gained weight, classmates at school began to make fun of me, which led me down a path of extreme dieting. Despite losing weight, I found myself constantly hungry, fatigued, and miserable. It took me a long time to heal my relationship with food. Yet, through this process, I became passionate about health and nutrition. I learned that healthy eating does not have to be restrictive and became more aware of misleading health information that can lead to unhealthy relationships with food. Now, I am determined to become a dietitian to help others develop sustainable, evidence-based healthy eating habits.
My goal is to empower people to achieve their health goals without resorting to extreme measures, so they do not have to go through the same struggles I did.
More than just food knowledge
Before starting this course, I thought that a dietitian's job is to provide clients nutrition advice to improve health. However, as I continue to learn, I realised that dietetics goes beyond educating clients on dietary choices. Successful dietetics practice involves building rapport with clients, demonstrating empathy towards their life circumstances, and supporting them throughout their health journey. Prospective students should recognise that dietetics practice is collaborative process. Dietitians must tailor their interventions based on each client's specific circumstances, including their financial and social situations. It is all about working together instead of being the expert.
A dietitian's goal for every client is forming healthy eating habits that can be sustained for life. Therefore, dietitians not only need extensive food knowledge but also effective communication and critical thinking skills to collaborate with clients and tailor recommendations. Dietitians learn various communication theories which they must adapt and combine according to client factors, such as their nutrition knowledge and motivation to change. Developing these essential skills requires significant training and practice, which is why I chose QUT, as it offers plenty of real-world learning opportunities that facilitate the transition from students to health professionals. Real-world learning experiences ensure the provision of safe and person-centred nutrition care and therefore, are indispensable in a dietetics course. I feel well-prepared to start my final year of placement, thanks to the skills and competencies I have developed over my three years of study at QUT.
Informing dietetics practice through research
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to participate in the QUT Vacation Research Experience Scheme (VRES) for the past two summers. During this time, I was involved in a paid research project called the Slow Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) feasibility study, where I served as a research assistant at the Translation Research Institute. I analysed levels of different biomarkers in CKD patients undergoing a low-energy diet and weight management program, aiming to understand the effects of weight loss on CKD. Through this experience, I refined my lab skills, gained valuable insight into the life as a researcher, and developed an interest in research. I find it incredibly meaningful to contribute to the existing evidence which informs dietetics practice.
Building rapport and developing skills
I really enjoy studying at QUT because of its great facilities and numerous opportunities for volunteering and work-integrated learning. I spent most of my time studying at QUT rather than at home as the quiet and motivating environment on campus, especially E Block at Kelvin Grove and P Block at Gardens Point, helped me focus and study effectively. I also had the opportunity to work as part of STIMulate as a Peer Learning Facilitator (PLF) and Student Success Partner, providing peer support to students to help them reach their academic goals. This role has provided me with invaluable experience collaborating with diverse students and allowed me to further develop my skills in building rapport, which is essential for my future career as a dietitian. Through these experiences, I developed a sense of community at QUT.
QUT provides extensive support services, and I have found their learning support, particularly language and writing support, to be incredibly valuable. Before starting this course, I was concerned with my writing ability as I am an international student. Fortunately, the write-up drop-in sessions allowed me to seek assistance and receive feedback from supportive professionals. By attending these sessions regularly during my first and second years, I saw improvements and developed greater confidence in my writing.
Student life and connecting with friends and professors
Attending regular tutorials and lectures enabled me to connect with fellow students in my course. Outside of my course, I also became a member of the College of Excellence (COE), which organises various social and sports events. These activities gave me opportunities to interact with like-minded peers. Fun fact: I met one of my closest friends at a dancing event held by COE! Additionally, I attend regular yoga classes in the QUT gym, where I not only made new friends who became gym buddies but also connected with my professors, who are now yoga friends!
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I chose Brisbane because of its good weather and location. As I settled into this city, I found myself falling more in love with it. This is mainly because of welcoming locals who are always positive, confident, and ready with a smile. A simple 'How's your day, mate?' can truly make a difference, especially on those tough days.
I absolutely recommend QUT to others. My experience at QUT has been nothing short of exceptional. Not only did QUT provide excellent academic support, but QUT also helped me grow into a confident student. The university offered numerous hands-on experiences which shaped me into a professional dietitian today.
Study a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) like Jujube
