Kaitlyn Leonard

Nutritional Sciences

Nutritional sciences major says college is a 'family full of opportunity'

Hometown

Cumming, Ga.

Major/Minor

Nutritional Sciences, minor in Spanish

Activities/Honors

Alpha Delta Pi sorority, PNS executive member (PR Chair and Secretary), Mercy Health Center administrative volunteer and team leader, Grace Athens intern, SFL executive member (pregnancy center volunteer coordinator), Zell Miller Scholarship recipient, Order of Omega honors society

Why did you choose your major?

I wanted an undergraduate degree that was useful in and out of the realm of healthcare. Nutritional sciences is useful in my day-to-day activities as it keeps me well-informed on what I should eat to be the healthiest and most energized version of myself. Food is fuel for the human body, and I wanted a deeper dive into the impact that nutrition has whether it be good or poor and how that relates back to healthcare. I want to help eliminate the prevalence of lifestyle diseases through education and understanding.

Why did you want to be a FACS Ambassador?

I became a FACS Ambassador because I genuinely love my college and want to advocate more for my major. I believe all healthcare professionals should take at least one nutrition course as so much of health is dependent on diet. There are diet-related/correlated diseases and with knowledge of proper nutrition, healthcare providers can better instruct their patients on how to stay and become more healthy. I was perplexed on why so many science degrees didn’t require nutrition.

What do you like most about FACS?

The relevance of FACS majors in the real world. Families are the foundation for society and consumers are the drivers of the economy. I love its emphasis on people in terms of the courses offered, but also how FACS is so much more than a college: It’s a family full of opportunity.

What advice would you give to new students?

Try everything! Through experience, I discovered what I liked and didn’t like whether it be through an on-campus organization or through shadowing. You are never too young or “inexperienced” to apply to that one job or to intern at that one medical clinic. Be bold, build connections and get uncomfortable. College goes by so quickly and the sooner you expose yourself to everything it has to offer, the more time you have to grow and build your character.

What is your favorite place to study on campus?

Snelling’s study nook!

What is one thing you wish more people knew about FACS?

I wish more people knew about how accommodating FACS majors are to pre-health students. Chemistry and biology degrees are some of the most common degrees and while they are incredibly important, I think nutritional sciences, dietetics and HDFS majors are often overlooked and could bring a new and important perspective as undergraduate degrees.