Christmas in the Springtime

Dear Santa,

Do you want to know what I want more than anything in the world right now?

Two letters. That's right, the letters "R" and "D" after my name. I can see it now... Monica, Registered Dietitian. Especially after attending workshops for 2.5 days in order to attain my Certificate of Training for Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, and being surrounded by Dietetics Professionals from all over the nation. Especially now after networking with people who genuinely love what they do. I want it now more than ever.

I've been a good girl. I promise. I've been doing anything and everything that crosses my path just to get to Emerald City. And frankly, I've never been this sure about wanting something in my life!


The conference was held about ten minutes east from my hometown. A historic little city they call Evanston. Trendy little place with a handful of family-owned businesses. It was held in the grand ballroom of Hotel Orrington. One of the questions in the evaluation survey asked why I decided to come and I wrote: "For me. For fun." I didn't have to go to this conference. After all, it did cost me $345 which I wasn't even sure was going to be reimbursed by my job. I'm at that point in my life when I want to explore the possibilities. My ambition is driving me to unexplored territory, and I'm loving everything about it. I get to "do me" now, finally. I get to do whatever I want. And it's scary. It's really, really scary.

I really got to know one of the dietitians who attended the workshops. I shall call her "Koko." Koko is 28 years old, married, and loves traveling. Koko attained her Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and did her dietetic internship at Ball State University. Koko gave me some really great advice about things I should consider if I don't get into an internship the first time around. "Look for the programs that are still accepting applications, and CALL THEM RIGHT AWAY."

Koko asked me a question I've been subconsciously avoiding for some time now: "So you mean to tell me, that if you do get into an internship in Boston, Seattle or Florida, you're willing to just leave everything and start a new life? On your own?"

Monica: (pauses, ponders, and exclaims confidently) "Yes."

And for the sake of paying it forward, I leave you with this:

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." -Mario Andretti

So if it isn't too much, this Christmas, I'd like just that.

Love,
Monica, (RD)