A Clear Passion
As a high school student eager to find a career path aligned with my interests, I chose to attend the University of Pittsburgh for a variety of reasons. Growing up just an hour away from the city, I had always appreciated Pittsburgh’s vibrant community and culture. Pitt’s Oakland campus, with its city-like atmosphere and dynamic environment, felt like the perfect setting where I could thrive. An official tour further revealed the vast opportunities available to Pitt students, including proximity to hospitals for shadowing and networking, a strong reputation in research, and an extensive array of majors and career opportunities.
By the time I arrived at Pitt for my first year, I had a clear passion for helping others and a strong desire to learn. I decided that a career in health care was my ideal path. After extensive research, shadowing various hospitals and private practices, and conversing with health care professionals, I discovered my passion for dentistry. However, I was still uncertain about what being a pre-health student entailed. I quickly realized that meeting the requirements for dental school would be a challenge, and I needed to choose a major that would both fulfill these requirements and enhance my application.
The Perfect Fit
My undergraduate advisor introduced me to the Nutrition Science program, a new initiative designed specifically for pre-health students interested in nutrition and students interested in conducting nutrition research. The moment I learned about this program, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. My long-standing interest in health, fitness, and nutrition—sparked by years of cooking with my Italian parents—made this major particularly appealing. I attended an informational meeting and after engaging with the faculty, including Director and Assistant Professor Lori Cherok, I was convinced this was the right choice. I was accepted into the program and started the curriculum in my junior year.
The Nutrition Science program at Pitt provided everything I needed. Not only did it cover essential courses like organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and physiology, but it also made the learning process enjoyable. I felt a genuine connection to the material and a clear sense of purpose.
During my fourth and final year of undergraduate studies, I completed an internship tailored to my career goals. I worked at the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory and Warrior Human Performance Research Center (NMRL), assisting with participant trials for various research studies. This experience taught me discipline, the significance of research, and the need for precision in my work, all of which strengthened my dental school application.
The intimate atmosphere of the Nutrition Science program was incredibly supportive. In contrast to the large lecture halls, the close-knit community within the program made me feel valued and supported. Dr. Cherok was an invaluable mentor. She guided me through the early stages of my career and helped me find opportunities related to dentistry. The instructors in the program were kind, patient, and skilled, fostering an inspiring and inclusive learning environment. My classmates were equally motivating and intelligent and being surrounded by individuals with similar goals provided a sense of camaraderie and support.
The Best Preparation for a Career in Health Care
Now, one year after graduating from the Nutrition Science program, I am completing my first year of dental school at Pitt. Reflecting on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the Nutrition Science program. It taught me how to balance a rigorous academic schedule with extracurricular responsibilities such as research, internships and shadowing. The program also helped me learn to communicate complex medical topics clearly to patients. I built meaningful connections with instructors and classmates who will continue to support me throughout my career, and most importantly, my perspective on learning has evolved. I have gained confidence and skills that have shaped me into a better student, professional, and colleague. The Nutrition Science program allowed me to meet the requirements for my dream career while nurturing my passion and interests.
My knowledge of nutrition will greatly benefit my future career as a dentist. Understanding the links between nutrition and oral health, particularly concerning obesity and diet, will enable me to approach patient care from a holistic perspective. My goal is to emphasize prevention over palliative care, and my background in nutrition will be an invaluable asset in achieving that aim. In three short years, I will officially be working as a dentist. I am grateful that the Nutrition Science program was such a pivotal aspect of my career this far, and I look forward to translating these learned skills in my professional career!
