I'd like to introduce our new Summer Intern, Ashley Legieza! Ashley is currently studying Nutrition & Dietetics at Penn State. Be on the look-out for an upcoming future blog post from Ashley right here at StefHealthTips.com. Read the interview below to learn more about Ashley:
Where do you go to school and what is your major?
I go the Pennsylvania State University and my major is Nutrition with the Dietetics option.
What sparked your interest in nutrition? The transition into the college lifestyle was tough for me. The dining situation was the biggest barrier I had and therefore struggled with my weight freshman year and realized that my personal health was not a priority at the time. When I came back to Long Island the next summer, I focused on creating balanced meals that would fuel my busy days at school as well as be simple and easy to make. By the end of that summer I felt like a completely person. I quickly realized how important nutrition is and how it has had such a huge impact on me physically, mentally, and performance-wise during school.
How do you plan to incorporate nutrition into your career? I am currently following the path to become a Registered Dietitian. I want to use nutrition to help clients and those around me feel their best. I also believe that nutrition education is becoming increasingly important and I want to help inform children and adults how to live a healthy lifestyle.
What do you hope to gain from this internship? From this internship I hope to learn more about the daily tasks that a Registered Dietician accomplishes. Throughout my weekly projects I also hope to learn more about the connection between nutrition and specific activities (ex: nutrition and exercise for weight loss or post-workout nutrition and muscle gain). I also hope to gain communication and writing skills through my weekly projects.
Fun Facts Time!
Favorite Food: Ice Cream; coming from NY I also have to love pizza!
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Singer: Luke Bryan
Favorite Holiday: I love Thanksgiving because it is focused around family and food! I love the tradition that surrounds Thanksgiving and how families usually make similar meals, but incorporate their own unique changes to the recipes and make some for friends and neighbors to try.
Other fun fact: I love to travel, especially outside of the United States, and experience different foods and cultures that each country has to offer.