Anna Lavender
545 Harrow Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934
Phone: 229-472-2013 E-Mail: alavende@utk.edu
Web: annalavender.blogspot.com
Date: October 31, 2011
Your Internship Program/University
Dear Internship Committee:
After researching your Dietetic Internship and speaking with several of your former graduates, I feel that your program is the perfect place for me to develop and practice the knowledge and skills I will need to achieve my professional goals. I also believe that my personal attributes and my commitment to both the Nutrition community and public should make an excellent contribution to your program now and in the future.
In order to succeed in the field of Dietetics it is important to have a strong background and understanding of the Biological and Nutrition Sciences. My Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee provided me with an excellent education in both of these fields. I have challenged myself to gain a complete understanding of my course work and will graduate with a 3.95 GPA (out of 4.0) in my Nutrition Major courses and overall coursework. I also obtained extensive research experience in the lab of Dr. Ling Zhao which has given me an in-depth working knowledge of the biochemical interactions within the body and the ability to analyze and interpret current primary research.
At the core of Dietetics is a commitment to the community and a drive to improve the lives of individuals through education and service. In my Nutrition Blog, sponsored by the Undergraduate Nutrition Student Association (UNSA), I strive to provide my fellow students and the general public with evidence-based nutrition information and recommendations as well as nutritious recipes that will fit their busy lifestyles. Through UNSA I also have be able to participate in many public health volunteering opportunities such as the NEAT Program, the University of Tennessee Volaware Fair, and the Coalition Against Childhood Obesity.
The study of Nutrition must quintessentially be linked with a knowledge and understanding of food and food service. My first hand experience with catering, as a student foodservice worker, and as Student Manager at a university dining hall provided me an extensive understanding of the inner workings of a food service establishment including food preparation, food safety, customer service, recipe development, and purchasing.
Finally, it is crucial that Dietitians are able to combine their knowledge of science, food, and individuals into an ability to assess, diagnose, plan evidenced based interventions, and monitor patients. By working with Registered Dietitians I have been able to practice my clinical skills and learn the important nuances of working with patients and medical documentation. I have learned not only the knowledge fundamentals of nutrition science, but also how this knowledge is applied in a clinical setting.
I am excited about taking the next step in my journey towards a career in Gerontology Dietetics and Long Term Care. There is a growing need in this important field and I feel that my skill set and passion for helping others are best suited for working with the elderly and disabled.
I know that your Internship program will provide me the opportunities and experiences I need in order translate my scholarly training and experience into real world patient care. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Sincerely,
Anna Lavender