Sophia Cheung

Which committee did you serve on for the first rotation?
Organizational planning 

What has been your favorite experience so far?
The most memorable project was when I researched dietetic association websites of different states and compared their sponsorship opportunities, costs, deliverables, etc. It was really interesting to see that there are variations in how an association operates even though we are all under the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I learned about factors that may influence how a non-for-profit organization functions such as location, organizational goals/visions, current resources/situation, the people that make up the academy, etc.

What benefits has the program brought you?
The most important benefit the program has brought for me is knowledge. I learned about the rules and regulations that IAND adheres to, the roles and duties of each academy member, and how each member works cohesively to represent and build for the betterment of the whole organization. Organizational planning is highly important to help keep the place running smoothly in the day-to-day operations and to maintain order for the people to effectively work towards the same mission statement.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I hope to work in a managerial position either in a community, clinical, or food service setting. My most ambitious dream is to open a daycare center, focusing on nutrition and wellness with a cultural twist. I envision a place where kids pick produce from a garden, learn to cook a variety of healthy cultural dishes, and display respect, openness, and curiosity when learning about the significance of cultural foods. From this, kids may be equipped with knowledge about the diverse range of healthy foods and may even carry those healthy practices throughout their lifetimes. Tying my future ambitions with my experience from this program, the skills and knowledge learned at the organizational planning rotation helps guide me to have a clearer understanding in how to bring my dreams closer to reality.