Food, Nutrition, and Health Transfer

Kam graduated from the UBC Dietetics program in 2003 and has been working in healthcare for the last 18 years in management and as a clinical dietitian. It was her love for food that made her choose dietetics in the second year of her undergrad (the other option being nursing). Kam completed a dietetic internship at Langara in 2010 and has been a proud advocate of the College and the Food and Nutrition Management program in particular. 

What three pieces of advice would you give to our students who want to become dietitians?

"My advice for students contemplating a career as a dietitian is to volunteer or work part-time in the food services department at a local hospital or long term care facility to get a deeper understanding of how dietitians work with the food services department."

When you are busy at work, how do you generally unwind and de-stress?

 "To de-stress and unwind when not working, Ioften cycle in and around South Vancouver taking advantage of the many bike paths."

Could you share a fun tip about Nutrition? 

"A nutrition tip for families: Nutritious and tasty fruits and veggies don't necessarily have to be fresh.  Canned and frozen foods are picked at the peak of freshness and provide similar benefits as the fresh product- and they last longer!  Check the label for sugar and salt content to ensure you are choosing wisely. Eating well doesn't have to break the bank!"

Romina Codias, is originally from Argentina where she became a Dietitian, then she moved to Canada and now she is graduating from our Nutrition and Food Service Management program.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

"My name is Romina, and I am a dedicated and passionate person with a strong interest in the field of nutrition and food services. I was born in Argentina and obtained my degree as a Dietitian from the University of Chile, where I developed a deep understanding of clinical nutrition. This sparked my curiosity to learn more about food services, especially in the context of hospitalized patients. The inspiration to pursue my studies in Canada arose from the desire to expand my knowledge and explore the intricacies of managing nutrition for larger groups. Additionally, the love and support from my two wonderful children gave me the motivation and courage to embark on this venture. I am driven and enthusiastic, always seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth."

How was your experience studying at Langara College as an international student?

"Studying at Langara College as an international student has been a transformative experience. The college has fostered a welcoming, inclusive environment that nurtures learning and personal growth. The faculty and staff at Langara have been exceptionally supportive, offering guidance and encouragement throughout my academic path. The opportunity to connect with a diverse community of students from various backgrounds and cultures has broadened my perspective and enriched my overall learning experience. Collaborating and learning from individuals with the same passion for nutrition and food services has been truly inspiring."

Which course did you enjoy the most, and which one was the most challenging in your program?

"I have enjoyed many courses throughout my program, and I must mention great professionals such as Charles Go, R.D., and Ph.D. Martha Nelson-Flower. I would also like to highlight the passion and dedication of Nadia Vidas, R.D., in "Nutrition I". Her classes are engaging, informative, and filled with practical knowledge that I find invaluable.

The “Food Production - Quality Standards” course required me to actively participate in various culinary activities and learn cooking techniques. While challenging, the course rewarded me with invaluable skills that are essential for professional success."

What advice would you give to a student starting your program?

"My advice to a student starting the Nutrition and Food Service Management program would be to fully embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Take advantage of the resources and support available at Langara College, including the expertise of faculty, staff, and fellow students. You can rely on Monica Molag R.D. for excellent advice and guidance throughout the program. Actively engage in classroom discussions, ask questions, and participate in practical experiences. Seek out practicum or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field. Stay passionate and motivated, as your drive and enthusiasm will fuel your success in the program and beyond."

What are your career plans after completing your program?

"After completing my program, my career plans revolve around making a positive impact in the field of nutrition management in hospital settings. I aspire to take on leadership roles where I can contribute to promoting optimal health outcomes. Additionally, I am passionate about education and aspire to become a mentor and educator in the field, sharing my knowledge and inspiring others to make informed choices about their nutrition and well-being."

Finally, what activities do you enjoy doing the most?

"Outside of my studies and work, I enjoy engaging in activities that promote self-care and well-being. I have a deep appreciation for nature and enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's going for walks in beautiful parks or hiking in scenic areas. Furthermore, I have a keen interest in exploring different cuisines and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. I value spending quality time with my family, as their support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have this experience in my life."

Ju Chu is a graduating student from the Food Nutrition and Health Transfer (FNHT) program and is looking forward to the next phase of her learning journey at UBC.

Why did you choose the FNHT program? 
"This program is a great pathway for me to get into the Dietetics program at UBC. When I started college, I thought I was going to enter Kinesiology program because I have always been interested in health and well-being, as well as I have been lifting weights for a while. Then I realized my real passion lies in the science of food, how food connects to well-being inside out. This program is a great way for me to get into the Dietetics program and pursue my interest".
What do you like most about this program?
"I love how the curriculum is set out for me, so I don't have to worry about figuring out which courses to take. It also prepares me really well for my third and fourth year at UBC. Moreover, I really enjoy how I can apply what I learn into my own life :)"
What are your plans after you graduate?

"I am hoping to transfer to UBC and from there apply to the Dietetics program. I aim to become a Dietitian and work in the counselling or clinical field".
Some personal feelings about this field? 
"Dietetics is an important yet dynamic field. I believe prevention (especially through diet) is better than cure. However, the Dietetics field hasn't received the attention it deserves yet. I'm hoping to see more positive changes and awareness towards this profession".

Which program are you graduating from?

"Nutrition & Food Service Management program"

What are your career plans after completing your program?
"As an International Educated Dietitian from Mexico, it has been always my goal to be able to work as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in Canada. Thanks to the knowledge and experience acquired in this program and as a Food Service Supervisor worker at Richmond Hospital, I learned a lot about health care and food systems in Canada. Moreover, I was able to fulfill some knowledge gaps and successfully registered with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. Keep working as RD is still on my plans after completing this program".

What activities do you enjoy doing the most?
"I’m passionate about my career and enjoy helping others to improve their quality of life through their diet. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy activities like intuitive cooking, playing board games, bicycling, snowboarding, hiking, and swimming".

What was your favorite spot on campus to study?
"Due to COVID-19, the majority of my courses were online, so I got used to studying from home, which is now my favorite place for that".

Lorri Cinkant is graduating from the Nutrition and Food Service Management Program. She studied the entire program online on Vancouver Island.
How was your experience at Langara College?
It was a challenging and rewarding program.
What are your career plans after completing your program?
I currently work for Island Health and have been for 16 years. After I graduate, I will be looking to apply for a food service supervisor position.
What activities do you enjoy doing the most?
I love spending time with my 17-year-old son, husband, and our beautiful 3-year-old dog. Also, I love to listen to music, ride my mountain bike, cooking, camping, and love to be close to the ocean.
Congratulations Lorri, for this achivement!

Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian?
Hello, I am Tiffany Yeh. I have been a dietitian since 2007. My passion for good foods, science, and helping people led me to pursue my dietetic career. I graduated from the UBC dietetics program and started working as a clinical dietitian at a hospital for over 15 years. During this time, I went to pursue my master's degree in Nutritional Medicine in the UK and conducted a human research trial on the effect of fish oil supplementation on gut hormones. My interest to share my nutrition knowledge inspired me to join the Nutrition & Food Service Management department at Langara in 2017 as an instructor teaching Introduction to Nutrition and Sports Nutrition. I've enjoyed seeing my students taking pride in making positive changes with the nutrition knowledge they learn. This motivated me to recently take on a leadership role as the Vancouver Coastal Health Regional Dietitian Educator.
What three pieces of advice would you give to our students who want to become Dietitian?
I would suggest the students to reach out to a dietitian to learn more about this career path, shadow dietitians in different roles, and connect with the instructors at the dietetic program you are pursuing. Remember, all the instructors at the Nutrition & Food Service Management department are also registered dietitians who you can potentially reach out to.
You must be very busy at work; how do you generally unwind and de-stress?
I like going for a walk, have a good cup of coffee, and take a 5-minute meditation break.
What is your favorite teaching moment at Langara?
My favorite teaching moment is when I receive feedback from the students that they have learned something useful and that they have enjoyed the course.
A fun tip about nutrition
Um...Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?

Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian?

My name is Rebekah Sandhu. In addition to being an instructor at Langara College, I am the Clinical Dietitian Educator for Fraser Health Authority. I love food, cooking, and sharing meals with others. I became a dietitian due to my love for healthcare and helping others.

What three pieces of advice would you give to our students who want to become Dietitian?

A) Grow your critical thinking skills. B) Learn to love food in all its forms. C) Reflect on your own relationship with food and body image. You will bring this into your practice and it will impact the care you provide.

You must be very busy at work; how do you generally unwind and de-stress?

My free time is filled with exploring our beautiful lower mainland with my family. I love being outdoors and exploring new places. On really rainy days, you will find me playing with my daughter at home, curled up with a book, or knitting or crocheting.

What is your favorite teaching moment at Langara?

Watching students grasp a complex concept and present to their peers in an understandable way.

A fun tip about nutrition

I recently started adding vegetables to my overnight oats (think carrot cake overnight oats with shredded carrots and raisins & zucchini bread overnight oats with shredded zucchini). It has been a great way spread out my vegetable intake.

Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian?

Hi my name is Shane Kwong, my career goal was to become a chef, but always had an interest in science. Through the process of becoming a chef I ended up in a CSNM program at Humber and then continued on with Dietetics due to encouragement and support from my professor. It was nothing I ever set out to do, but it was the culmination of a few years of school and work experience that lend to this journey. 
What three pieces of advice would you give to our students who want to become Dietitian?
First, evaluate why you want to become a dietitian and understand it is a difficult road - how worth it is it to you? ex. more school, time, $$
Second, speak with other RD's in different fields to get a better understanding of the role and the variety of environments they can work
Lastly, do not have tunnel vision. Ask yourself what other careers you could pursue and would be of interest. I believe the CSNM program offers an incredible return on investment and see a lot of opportunity career-wise in BC.
You must be very busy at work; how do you generally unwind and de-stress?
Work is busy between teaching, FT work, and 3 young kids there is not even much time to destress. What always works though is a combination of prayer, meditation and exercise. I try to take day by day and am learning not to take myself too seriously and take it easier, which has helped as well. 
What is your favorite teaching moment at Langara?
My favourite teaching moment has to be that I will always be learning in this role. There are so many great people to learn from that the journey of learning will never end!
A fun tip about nutrition
I might cheat with this answer here, but I would say one of the best ways to have more control over your diet would be to learn to cook. Not only is it a lifelong skill, but you can turn out dishes better than restaurants that are also nutritionally dense and (can be) cheaper!

Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian?

My name is Charles and when I first got into university, I honestly didn't really know what I wanted to do with my career.  As I started to learn more about my health, I also started to learn more about the dietetics profession.  At first, my understanding of dietetics was very limited. But as I started to learn more, I experienced dietetics to be so much more than helping clients with weight loss. I have been able to work in a clinical setting, in an administrative role, in a leadership role, and now as an educator.  Dietitians are experts in food, nutrition, and health.  More importantly, dietitians play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of their communities and are stewards of sharing nutrition information. To this day, the variety of opportunities in nutrition and the transferability of so many skills we use each day is why I love the dietetics profession!

Besides teaching at Langara, what is your current focus/job?

Other than my instructional role at Langara, I am a Clinical Operations Manager with Fraser Health supporting a variety of medical units and staff. Although I am in a leadership role, I am still quite involved in dietetics as a UBC Clinical Instructor and still work as a casual dietitian. I have a passion for supporting and advocating for dietitians who want to pursue leadership opportunities within and outside of dietetics - dietitians have such vital skills that can be valuable to any leadership team!  

Your favorite teaching moment at Langara

My favorite teaching moment at Langara is seeing students take something away from the course.  Whether it's information that helps them personally, helps a friend or family member, the translation of knowledge into something that can be applied outside the classroom, or the textbook is incredibly rewarding.  My other favorite teaching moment was when a student told me he wanted to change his career path to one of a Registered Dietitian. Our students the future and the greatest compliment an instructor can have is when a student is inspired by your teaching.

An interesting fact about nutrition

Nutrition can mean something different to everyone! We eat for so many reasons that go beyond calories and macronutrients.

 Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian?
Hello! My name is Stephanie and I am a Registered Dietitian with a lifelong passion for promoting health and wellness. The combination of nutrition and movement have always played an important role in my life. It started during my childhood years as a competitive dancer and continues as a Certified Yoga & Pilates Teacher. My mission is to help people connect mental and physical wellbeing with an enriching experience. 
What three pieces of advice would you give to our students who want to become Dietitian?
Follow your heart! I always encourage students to discover their true passions, even if they lie outside the traditional areas of dietetics. It’s important to explore personal hobbies and find ways to incorporate those skills into a career. For example, if you are creative and enjoy acting, then a dietitian in public speaking might be the perfect fit! 
You must be very busy at work; how do you generally unwind and de-stress?
I love nature. In the winter you can find me on the ski slopes and in the summer I am biking, hiking, or swimming in the ocean. To unwind I practice yoga and Pilates and at times will binge through a Netflix special. 
What is your favorite teaching moment at Langara?
I love translating complicated food science into practical advice for diverse audiences. Finding ways to share nutrition and interacting with students while watching them learn and grow and embed this science into their own lives is very fulfilling. 
A fun tip about nutrition:
The fact that our gut and brain are so deeply connected is fascinating! I love geeking out on the gut microbiome and discovering its evolving science.

Which program are you in and how has your experience been so far?
I’m currently enrolled in the Associate of Science: Food and Nutrition program. While this program has been an exciting new challenge for me, overall it has been a very positive experience. 
What are your career plans after you complete your program?
My current career plan is to become a Dietician! I’ve always had an interest in food and nutrition and I would love to be able to help people with their overall health and nutritional goals.
What are you looking forward to most as the province opens again?
I’m very excited to start travelling again! The last two years have allowed me to explore locally, as well as spend more time with my family, but I’m really looking forward to being able to visit new places across seas.
What is your favorite spot-on campus to study?
My favourite spot to study on campus would be the couches on the upper levels of T-building. The little nooks that overlook the Langara campus are private and have an amazing view - especially at sunset!

Which program are you in and how has your experience been so far?
I am in the second year of the food and nutrition program. It has been a wonderful journey for me in Langara so far. I got a chance to meet with a lot of people in this field. Everyone in Langara is so cooperative. Being an international student, I used to be very skeptical and had a lot of doubts in my first year, but now I have a clear picture of what I want to do in the future.
Do you participate in any school club activities?
To be honest, I have not participated in a lot of school activities so far, but recently I got the opportunity to be one of the three leaders of the nutrition club and I am really looking forward to starting to work with my co-leaders, making connections and enhancing my knowledge and skills.
What are your career plans after you complete your program?
After graduating from this program, I want to transfer to UBC for my dietetics degree. I see myself working as a registered dietitian in the coming future and helping people. There are high chances that I will be working in a clinical setting. After gaining some experience, I want to open my own private practice.
What are you looking forward to most as the province opens again?
As I am new here in Canada, I want to explore different places in Vancouver. I am looking forward to going out and try the fun activities.
What is your favorite spot-on campus to study?
There are so many spots on campus to study. The study spots in T building and the silent study rooms in L building, to name a few. But if I have to pick one, it has to be an empty classroom. Over time, I have found that this works the best for me. I feel more productive when there is no one around in an empty classroom.

Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian?
I grew up with an appreciation for food and fitness. That appreciation turned into a passion for nutrition and wellness during my university career. I completed a degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alberta to become a Registered Dietitian. My appetite for evidence-based medicine and scientific recommendation led me to pursue a post graduate degree on the impact of nutrition and fitness on health. My passion is sports nutrition; I had the opportunity to work with Athletes from various levels including the Recreational, University, Canadian National and Professional.

You have also been working in other dietetic fields? Can you tell us a little bit more?
I began my career as a clinical Registered Dietitian working in long-term care and hospitals. I also worked as a Food Service Director at Saint Paul’s Hospital. I own a private consulting practice where I educate and empower my clients with nutrition knowledge to make healthy lifestyle choices. I thrive on continuously learning and working in a variety of capacities in the dietetic field. Currently, I am working at Langara college as a Nutrition Instructor and an Assistant Department Chair.

You must be very busy at work; how do you generally unwind and de-stress?

• Playing sports with my friends
• Hiking/running with my dog 
• Find every reason possible to travel to new places and try new foods

What is your favorite teaching moment?
My favorite teaching moment is at an instance when a student has just come to understand a concept. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that I have helped that student reach their potential.;

A fun tip about nutrition
How to ripen Avocado? Put an avocado in a brown paper bag with fruits like apples and bananas for a couple days. Apples and Bananas produce ethylene gases which help with the ripening process.

Hello, Danielle. Could you kindly introduce yourself and tell us how you became interested in the Nutrition field?
I've always been interested in nutrition. Especially when I was younger, I loved to cook and learn about new recipes and how foods could be healthy for us. I was also a vegetarian, and being a vegetarian, I knew I had to be extra careful about what I was eating to make sure I had the right nutrients. So learning about that was very influential as well. As I got older, I became more interested in the connection between nutrition and recovery when in the hospital and became passionate about making sure that patients get good quality food when they're in the hospital because it's a really critical time for them to be able to improve their condition and get healthier so that they can go home.​

You've spent more than a decade working in foodservice management. What is one of the most memorable events?
While I was working at Vancouver General Hospital, I had the opportunity to work with our team to revise all of our 80 job routines. It was a huge project, but we managed to get it done and include a lot more safety components and make the jobs a lot more well rounded and satisfying to the employees, which was very rewarding.

What three pieces of advice would you give to our students who want to become Dietitian?
First of all. Volunteer. Spend time with Dietitians or get a job in the food service field. That exposure will be so helpful to you as you are learning and growing because it will help you understand whether this is the right fit for you. I also suggest to have a Plan B, because the dietetics program here in British Columbia is quite small, and It's very difficult to get into. So always have a Plan B about what you would want to do if it doesn't work out (which I would suggest for any career path). Third, talk to your instructors. Attending office hours and asking questions is a really great way to make sure that you understand the material  and that you will be able to get high grades which is required for admission.

You must be very busy at work; how do you generally unwind and de-stress?
I like to spend time with my cat. He is currently learning to walk on a leash so we spend a lot of time in the evenings outside walking around and playing together. ​On the weekends I also try and connect with friends or family members at least once to make sure that I'm fostering those relationships and Fulfilling my social needs.

A fun and/or fascinating fact/tip about nutrition
If you're interested in cutting down some of your meat intake and moving more towards plant based proteins, a great tip is to Half as much meat like ground meat for example in a recipe and substitute the other half with lentils or beans of some sort. Great texture and flavor and you know that you're getting lots of fiber, which most people don't get enough of.

Please introduce yourself and your story of becoming an RD
My name is Ghazal and my story of becoming an RD was not a straightforward path. It took me a while to figure out what I was interested in and one of the undergrad courses I took as an elective was nutrition. That course really grabbed my interest and encouraged me to investigate what possibilities are out there if I changed my major to nutrition. From there I learned about Dietitians, and I started volunteering with various dietitians to better understand the profession. The part that interested me about the profession is that dietitians work in diverse fields including food service, healthcare, business, education, policy, and many many more. I still come across dietitians and get fascinated of unique areas that they work in.

You have also been working as a clinical dietitian. What do you love most about the job?
As a clinical dietitian, I would say the best part is working with the interdisciplinary team as well as the impact we have on the patients. One of the best moments is the aha moment that patients get when I teach them something about nutrition and they see the impact

The other interesting aspect about working in clinical is that there are unique roles in clinical settings that I only learned about this past year. My experience as a clinical dietitian led me to work on a province-wide project to transfer paper charting to electronic charting (who would have thought dietitians work in this area?). And I get to bring in and apply my clinical experience into this project.

What are the most important skills and qualities dietetic interns should have?
Important skills and qualities that it's important for interns to have is to be curious, adaptable and flexible. Curiosity is important to better learn as you're obtaining so much information over internship. So don't be afraid to ask questions, and that also helps us, dietitians, to learn new things as well. Each person's learning style is different, so it helps the preceptors to modify their teaching as needed. In clinical settings, so much happens over the course of the day and learning to be flexible and being able to change your priorities is an important skill to have.

A fun and/or interesting fact/tip about nutrition
Nutrition can be challenging, which makes it interesting. It's not a one-size-fits-all and encourages us to look at a whole picture of an individual. We can't provide the same suggestions to everyone and that's what's interesting, everyone's needs are so different and unique!

Welcome back to Langara, Harjeet! How was your winter break?
My winter break was merry and bright! I celebrated my first Christmas and my birthday as a mom, of a 3 month old! 

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? What drew you to Langara College and our program in particular?
I am 1 part student, 1 part powerlifter, 2 parts geek and 3 parts food enthusiast. I was interested in the Food and Nutrition program at Langara College for the intimate class sizes and the convenient location. I have ambitions to complete my degree in dietetics at UBC and practice in Sports Nutrition.

 What is your favorite studying spot on campus?
My favorite outdoor study spot is the concrete area between the library and the T building. My favorite indoor spots are in the oculus in the T building, and in the library at the spaces next to the windows facing the water pond or the silent study room.

In the next five years, where do you see yourself?
To be a graduate and work in the field. I would like to experience a variety of positions before focusing on Sports Nutrition. My long-term goal is to work independently as a consultant so that I may help others to improve their relationship with food, fitness, and self to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

How have you been preparing for your aforementioned goal(s)?
I took the Sports Nutrition course offered by Langara, and it gave me even greater insight into how diet relates to optimizing performance for exercise and sports. I have engaged in a variety of volunteer opportunities that gave me experience in other areas of Dietetics. I volunteered with the Canadian Diabetes Association (now Diabetes Canada) and ran a few programs for them, which also gave me the opportunity to connect with and learn from other dietitians. Recently, I worked with local Dietitian Claudia Lemay, to develop a pancake recipe for reproduction in Gabon, Africa. She has a non-profit that is dedicated to promoting and providing adequate nutrition in Gabon. She helped the locals to plant and produce beans. The pancakes are to be distributed to 500 underprivileged and undernourished school-aged children every day of the school year.  It was one of my few experiences where I had to consider the food system and economic incentives. The goal for the recipe was to be high in iron, vitamin c and protein, be easy to make, be easily folded or rolled, have a neutral taste - so that it could serve as a base for a variety of fillings, contain 40-45g of dry beans (per serving), and the other ingredients had to be local to equatorial Africa. It was a challenge, but we cooked up a solution!

Meet our instructor, Genevieve Masson

Happy New Year, Nailah. Welcome back! Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself? What drew you to our Nutrition University Transfer program?
Happy new year to you, as well! Here are a few things about me: my name is Nailah, I'm 18 years old, and currently in my first year as a Food & Nutrition student. I come from a big family -- I'm the oldest of five siblings. I love country music with my entire heart, my coffee order is cold brew with oat milk, and you might find me doing calligraphy in my spare time. Cooking and the culinary arts have always been my biggest passion in life. I grew up watching the Food Network and learning how to cook from my parents; I've been fascinated with food ever since. I was drawn to this transfer program when I decided to pursue becoming a foods teacher. I've always known that I wanted to have a career in the food industry, but I wasn't sure exactly what. I looked up to my high school foods teachers so much that I started looking into going to post-secondary education for that same career. I found the Dual Degree Program at UBC for Food, Nutrition & Health with Education and I figured that would be the perfect place for me to end up. I discovered that Langara has this program to transfer into FNH at UBC, and that's how I ended up here :)

You are a new student at Langara. What fascinates you the most about Langara and/or the program?
Based off my first semester at Langara, something that I enjoyed was that the classes I was in were small enough that I was able to get to know my teachers and the people around me a little bit. I appreciated that the teachers I had were so helpful and willing to answer my questions. What fascinated me most about this program was that I'd be able to go to school and study and learn about a topic that I was passionate about, and that it was set up in a way that I am able to transfer into a university in the coming years. 

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself hopefully graduated with my FNH and Education degrees. I also hope to spend a few months in culinary school after graduating from university. My two big dreams are to become a foods teacher and to open my own restaurant. It doesn't really matter which order they happen in, but hopefully in five years those are still my goals and I'm still on my way to accomplishing them.

How have you been preparing for your aforementioned goal(s)?
I feel like I have been preparing for a career in the food industry my whole life. I've been cooking since I was young, which I have also documented on a food blog and my food Instagram page for years. In my last year of high school, I wrote and self-published a plant-based cookbook inspired by my life, and in the process I learned a lot about recipe development, styling/photography, and cooking in general. When it comes to my goal of being a foods teacher specifically, I spent my last two years of high school being a Teaching Assistant in foods classes -- which taught me so much and solidified my decision to pursue this career. I am also going to school to obtain the degrees for this job currently, as you know. When it comes to having my own restaurant, I'm currently working as a line cook at one of my favourite restaurants, where I've been for about six months now. Working there has been such an amazing experience and I've learned so much about what it means to make food for people and how it feels to be behind the scenes at a restaurant.

It's been snowing a lot; how did you spend your winter vacation?
It has been snowing a lot! It was so cool to get a white Christmas this year. I love the holiday season so much. I didn't do anything too out of the ordinary this year. We have a few family traditions that we were able to still do this year, even if they did look a bit different this time around. In general, I just enjoyed having the time off to spend it with family and friends and celebrate together.

Meet our instructor, Nadia Vidas

Could you please introduce yourself and your story coming to Langara?
My name is Zoe and I was a student at Langara from 2013-2015 and 2016-2019. Upon graduating high school in June 2013, I knew I wanted to pursue post-secondary education but wasn't sure in what field. My high school grades were mediocre and not high enough to be accepted into any university, so I enrolled in General Arts at Langara. I knew I liked the arts and decided I would take some courses and see what I enjoyed most. After 2 years, there was still nothing that sparked my interest and so I took one year off to figure out where I wanted to go with my post-secondary career. In 2016, I decided to re-enroll at Langara, but this time in General Sciences. I had heard about the Dietetics program at UBC and acceptance to this program was my goal after completing my prerequisites at Langara. I hadn't taken many science courses in high school and so I had a long ways to go in order to complete all the necessary prerequisites. I'm so thankful I decided to complete these prerequisite courses at Langara. Not only did I save money but the classes are smaller and more hands-on, and I truly believe I received the best education out there.

How did you find your interest in human nutrition?
Throughout my teens I had a love-hate relationship with food. Simply put, I loved food and I was never afraid to try something new, but more times than not I would spend the next few days feeling bloated and nauseous. I spent many hours investigating on my own, searching the internet and asking friends and family for advice. I learned a lot about food and food sensitivities and eventually sought the advice of a dietary professional who was able to diagnose my food sensitivities and put me on a path of discovery and, to my profound relief, recovery. This journey sparked my interest in nutrition and I have been hooked ever since. Along the way I also learned that I was far from alone and met many people who suffered like I did. I realized I wanted to change their lives in the same way mine had been changed. Although my knowledge has grown since then and my views have shifted, I still have the same ultimate goal: to improve people's quality of life through food.

How Langara experience prepared you for your transfer to UBC and your professional life?

Langara was a great stepping stone between high school and university. The smaller class sizes and helpful instructors allowed me to always get the help I needed and not feel overwhelmed being thrown into a lecture hall with 300 other students. The education I received from the courses I took fully prepared me to transfer to UBC and I never once felt unprepared for any 3rd or 4th year courses I have since taken.

Do you have a tip or two for our students who want to have the same successful path as you?
My first piece of advice would be to have patience. In total, I spent 5 years in post-secondary education before I finally transferred to UBC and was accepted into the Dietetics Program. Post-secondary education doesn't always need to start right after high school and be finished 4 years later.

My second piece of advice for those who are interested in UBC Dietetics or a similar professional program is to seek out unique opportunities. The people evaluating your application are looking for originality and uniqueness, not always the highest grades or the most volunteer experience. Find what makes you unique and focus on that.

1) Please introduce yourself and your story of becoming a Dietitian. 

My name is Gaya Murthy, and I am an Instructor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Service Management.

Growing up in a South Asian household, my life revolved around food. Eating with friends and extended families seemed like a perpetual event. My grandmother was the main cook and talked about the connection of food to health, some of which were anecdotal 🙂. Nevertheless, I have always been fascinated with the connection of food to health. Outcome? - I went on to become a Dietitian! My initial education (Bachelors and Masters) was from India, and I must admit that getting registered in Canada was far from walk in the park. I had to go back to school to complete a number of courses, volunteer, complete a practicum and pass a national level exam before I could call myself a dietitian in Canada. Thank goodness for my love for learning, I was able to see the finish line. Sounds cliché but "don't give up" 🙂

2)You have also been working as a Certified Diabetes Educator. How did you find your interest in this focus?

Inspiring and empowering people with evidence based practical knowledge and skills is my passion. This passion led me to my first job in Canada. I worked as a diabetes educator in a Diabetes prevention and management program ithin a Community Health Centre in Toronto, Ontario. I worked with an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, supporting individuals living with or at risk for diabetes.  Since then, I have worked in multiple settings such as academia, research, clinical, community and public health.

3) What is your most memorable experience and/or story from your career in nutrition?

I can think of many memorable experiences. One of the best things I enjoy about being a dietitian is teaching- both in formal and informal settings. “The lightbulb moment”- Seeing students/patients/clients learn, seeing them ‘get it’ is what makes it all worthwhile. When they can make the ‘connection’, they learn something that they have not known before and/or see it differently now, it is an awesome feeling!

4) A fun and/or interesting fact/tip about nutrition

This is not a tip or a fun fact on nutrition but more so my philosophy. I truly believe that food is beyond just nutrients. While I do talk about getting the right nutrients in adequate amounts, you will also hear me say this more often – Food is about comfort, culture, relationships, and the joy that comes with it.

1) Bryan, could you tell us a little about yourself? Why did you decide to study the Nutrition University Transfer program at Langara?
I grew up in North Vancouver and knew that after finishing high school that I wanted to become an automotive mechanic; I enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship training program at a post-secondary institution. During this time, I also worked at a dealership, and they sponsored me for an apprenticeship. After working as a Red Seal certified technician for about five years, I realized that I needed a change, and I was also having health problems because of my dietary habits. I began to educate myself on how I could manage my health issues with healthier food choices, and it led me on the trajectory that I am on today.

2) Where are you in the program? How did Langara’s experience prepare you for your time at UBC and your future career?
I am in my first year of three in the Dietetics major. The first two years have a typical school schedule with six week-long practicum placements in the summers. The last year is an eight-month-long practicum placement somewhere in BC. I feel that what I have learned in courses at Langara has transferred very well to what I’m learning at UBC. During a portion of my tenure at Langara, I was the president of the Langara Biology Club. The team management skills I gained among other skills will help me move forward.

3) Are you working in the Nutrition field? How do you like it so far?
Since going back to in-person classes this fall I have not been working. However, up until this past summer, I worked as a Dietary Aide at Vancouver General Hospital. It was a demanding job but it exposed me to a fast-paced atmosphere within a large health care setting. I firmly believe that having this experience will help me in the future as a Registered Dietitian.

4) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m not 100% sure yet. One of the great things about becoming a Registered Dietitian is that there are many job possibilities. It’s highly likely that once I graduate that I’ll be working in a clinical setting to hone my skills. I do know that eventually, I would like to open my own private practice.

5) The admission to the Dietetics Major is very competitive. Do you have a tip or two for our students who want to have the same successful path like you?
As obvious as it sounds, work hard, be resilient, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Many of the opportunities that came my way were because I attended events, such as information sessions and workshops. It was at events like these where I met people who were able to help me in one way or another towards my goals.

1) Could you please introduce yourself and why did you choose to become a dietitian? 

My name is Charles and I honestly didn't really know what I wanted to do with my career.  As I started to learn more about my health, I also started to learn more about the dietetics profession.  At first my understanding dietetics was very limited.  I only thought dietitians help clients lose weight.  Fast forward many years of experience, I have experienced dietetics to be so much more than helping clients with weight loss. I have been able to work in a clinical setting, in an administrative role, in a leadership role, and now as an educator.  Dietitians are experts in food, nutrition, and health.  More importantly, dietitians play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of their communities and are stewards for sharing nutrition information. To this day, the variety and opportunities to make a difference is why I love working as a dietitian until this day! 

2) Besides teaching at Langara, what is your current focus/job?

Other than my instructional role at Langara, I am currently the Interim Dietitian Practice Coordinator at Vancouver Coastal Health.  I work to support more than 20 dietitians at Vancouver General Hospital in their practice and work to advance the dietetics profession every day. Much of my focus and attention has shifted towards the leadership qualities dietitians bring to the table and am currently looking for further opportunities to advance my career in management and leadership.  

3) Your favorite teaching moment at Langara

My favorite teaching moment at Langara is seeing students take something away from the course.  Whether its information that helps them personally, helps a friend or family member, the translation of knowledge into something that can be applied outside the classroom, or the textbook is incredibly rewarding.  My other favorite teaching moment was when a student told me he wanted to change his career path to one of a Registered Dietitian. Our students the future and the greatest honor an instructor can have is when a student is inspired by your teaching. 

4) An interesting fact about nutrition

Nutrition can mean so many different things to everyone! We eat for so many reasons that go beyond calories and macronutrients.  Appreciating all the aspects of food is such a liberating feeling!

1) Could you tell us a little about your background, and about your decision to study NFSM at Langara?

I graduated ten years ago with a bachelor's in business and communications and wound up working on the operations side of the design industry for many years. Food and nutrition have always been what I dreamt about exploring so one day, I decided to move to Vancouver and take the leap. I decided on Langara because while I was doing my research, I just got all the right answers for me to start my new chapter.

2) What skills from this program will you be able to apply to your career?

It's important for me to bring people together and I thrive on community building. Langara has been so supportive in providing me the right tools and platform to create and build this community and I know I will be using the knowledge gained during this time in my future career.  I started the nutrition club at Langara in the Spring of 2021 amidst the pandemic and although there are/were definitely challenges, the College has helped me through so many hurdles and pointing me in the right direction. Not only is there always a helping hand but I have some of the best mentors and professionals (new friends) helping me every step of the way.

3) What do you like the most about Langara?

I love the tight-knit community at Langara! I think this is one of the best things about Langara. To touch on what I mentioned earlier, I have met so many wonderful people and have made so many friends here at the school. Classes are small so friends are near, professors are accessible, and everyone has the opportunity to build the future they truly want.

4) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself as a dietitian, helping people of all walks of life in my community through food and health. I see myself helping new students (like me at one point!) navigate their way to find their passion and mission as well. This is what is important to me. It takes a village.

5) During the Covid-19, how have you managed to keep in contact with friends and family?

My family lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and so it's been difficult to not see them. Surprisingly, the pandemic has strengthened our relationship because of how often I call home now. I'm so incredibly grateful for technology now- use it!