My Life & Philosophy
I’m a Masters of Public Health student trying to navigate life in the nation’s Capitol.
I came to DC with big dreams of transforming the US culture around food. I might not dream quite as big anymore, but am still passionate about improve food quality and access. I landed a job with the American Dietetic Association working in nutrition policy and strategy. I have a stack of staffers business cards on my desk but still need to be pinched whenever I walk into the Capitol for a meeting. Yes, I’ve been invited to the Capitol. No, I have not yet met Michelle O (but call me! I know we’d be BFFs).
I found a love for community food systems, back yard gardening and teaching people how to use produce. Thankfully, I do all of that fun stuff on the side. I completed my practicum internship with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and implemented a community gardening and nutrition curriculum at a low-income housing complex. I’m hoping to continue my career in health education and would be tickled to do so on a farm.
I’m an accidental vegetarian and often try to be vegan. I just can’t give up eggs and cheese. I’m conscious of where my food came from, who produced it, and who will benefit from my hard earned dollars.
I’m not a runner or a cyclist, I just pretend to be. I’m happiest outside, doing something ridiculous.
And yes, I have eaten asphalt. I lost two teeth in the process and don’t recommend it.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the way you try to eat “real” food. I’m just starting to really look into that and look at exactly what I’m intaking in my body. I can’t wait to read more
Hi, I am so glad you commented on my blog so I could find yours! Your blog is beautiful, very professional yet pretty, super well done, I´m jealous!! : ) I can´t wait to read more like Michelle already said… I am doing my first marathon next year (still a long time away… unfortunately Mozambique doesn´t really have any) and am looking forward to following your journey! Take care!
Just found your blog and I am loving it!!!
Hi! Thanks for commenting on my blog – it was a nice surprise!
I love your food philosophy and that you’re trying to make a difference in the world. Can’t wait to get to “know” you better!
Hi! I saw that you’re from Philly from your comment on Jenna’s blog (Eat, Live, Run) and just wanted to say hi. I just started my blog and it goes hand in hand with what you say above. Also, I’ll be attending Drexel in the winter to start the Masters in Human Nutrition program. I’d love to hear about your experience there as an undergrad!
Hey! I saw your comment on another blog talking about an MPH so I wanted to check you out. Congrats on your decision/acceptance! Have you decided where you want to go? I got my B.S. in biological sciences as well & am currently working towards my MPH in global epi. No doubt you will love it wherever you decide. Anyway, I am loving your page & perspective & I look forward to reading more!
I’m so glad to see you have a blog! It was awesome to meet you on Friday — wish we had more time to talk . . . I really enjoyed chatting with you. Best wishes with all of your exciting pursuits! I’d love to get together again sometime if you’re interested!
I love the pic of your shoe + apple. How do you like running in Mizuno’s?
Hi! Thanks for commenting on my blog. I’m looking forward to reading yours as well.
I love the fact that you care about public health. I really think about this a lot also. The thing is, I feel terrible about the state of American general health. No only are we eating less nutritious foods and becoming obese (a whole can of worms there) but we are countering the problems by pill popping and not addressing the core issue.
It’s a real mess, and hopefully with enough people like you, we can try to put obesity and our obsession with poor choices to rest.
I love your story and your food philosophy! I also really admire your 12+ inch haircut. When the time comes to cut my long locks, I’ll definitely donate it. I’m excited to come back and visit your blog.
thanks for your comment!
love the hair donation. i’m planning on doing the same thing as soon as my hair’s long enough (unfortunately it grows super slowly). i’m jealous of all of your travels, for sure! what amazing stories you must have
can’t wait to read more.
I love your philosophy about life. You seem to take everything as it comes, and nothing for granted. Props for going out and doing what you love!!
you have the most beautiful smile! definitely shows what a beautiful heart you have
Sounds like we have very similar views on eating ethically and food politics. Excited to read more!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
A Master’s in Public Health sounds pretty impressive indeed. Good luck
Hi! Are you in grad school at GW??? Love the hair pic!!
I think you are my twin!! I am starting my MPH in January and am addicted to running too!! Stop by my blog I would love to hear from you and any tips you have from your first semester! Look forward to reading!
My friend just told me about your blog, and I’m so glad she did. I have my MPH and am always excited when I find other bloggers with similar education paths. It’s awesome you’re so interested in food policy! I used to work in food safety and am quite passionate about that
Hey! I am actually getting my MsPH too! I am at UNC-Charlotte and this is my first semester. Can’t wait to hear more!
It’s always fun to find another DC blogger, especially one who loves running!! I actually work a block from GW (well for another month or so until my office moves to NE).
So we have two very cool things in common!
1. I’ve donated my hair to locks-of-love 3 times and plan to do so again this coming Spring! It’s such a great organization and I’m so excited to hear you donated your hair!
2. Hooray for being in China! I spent my teen years there. It’s a good place to be.
Glad I came by your site via Alycia’s (FitNFresh).
I stumbled upon your blog and think it’s adorable- keep up the good work! I graduated in May and moved back to the DC area- do any of the local bloggers ever meet up?! That would be fun!
I live in the DC area too. Its nice to find someone writing about similar places and similar names! I cant get to subscribe your blog through RSS!
Hi! Thanks for stopping by and for letting me know about the RSS problem. I’ll try to get it fixed today.
Love your tweets! As a dietetic intern at VA Tech NoVA campus, I appreciate first hand all of the work you do for the Academy office.
I didn’t realize you were local! We’ve had lots of great interns come from you class this year. Good luck with the last few weeks of rotations.