My name is Jacqueline Baker and I am in my second year studying at the University of Alberta and my third year of studies. I transferred here after my first year at Grant MacEwan University to pursue my aspiration of becoming a Dietitian. I grew up in a small town called Beaumont just south of the city. Going from a very small learning environment of approximately twenty students to a University with about two hundred students was quite a shock to me and has taken time to adjust. From approximately grade nine onwards I knew I wanted to work with people to better their health. I decided I wanted to educate individuals about how to eat healthy and follow a healthy lifestyle because in my eyes that is an essential part of life. I have struggled with weight issues for my entire life and learning how to eat properly has helped me get to where I am now; therefore teaching others around me to do the same and seeing them achieve their results and get back their overall health would bring me a lot of joy. An example of educating people on now proper nutrition can bring positively to their lives is through the diagram below:
Once I finish my degree and internship to become a Dietitian I hope to start out working at the University of Alberta hospital to get a wide variety of different experience because I would be dealing with a many unusual issues of patients relating to their health problems. Once I have a few years there, I would like to open up my own office and do consultations a few days a week from home and stay as a casual worker at the University of Alberta. That way I can spend more time with my kids but still maintain the my dream career that I have worked so hard to achieve.
Though school and work takes up the majority of my time, when I have some time to spare I love spending it with my friends and family, as well as spending a lot of time outdoors. I love camping, hiking, playing sports and being physically active. At first when I meet people I tend to be a little quiet but once you get to know me, my true personality comes out which is mostly always very happy and outgoing.
Before starting this class I had never used twitter or had even thought to read blogs to get scientific information on topics that may interest me, but after only a few days I realize it is not only a form of quick communication between individuals, it is also a way to discover new information on topics that may be of interest to you, as well as discuss new information that you have found out about a specific topic. When you write blogs they don't always have to be strictly serious and informative even though they're scientific, you can write in different styles which will attract more people to read them. One blog I read that does this was on the scientopia.org website called
"Word of the Week: Briffit", which mentions how the author doesn't like to dumb down his knowledge just so everyone can understand him as some websites do, instead he will be incorporating new words each week to educate people to broaden their learning curve.
Since the world is becoming more and more reliable on computers, internet and social media before we know it that will be our entire future. I did recently start a new side job selling a product called Vi-Salus which is a protein drink with many of the essential nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. I never really thought of my
website as a blog or social media site, but once learning more about blogging I realize how much this company relies on social media and the web to have their name know and sell their product. I just read today on facebook that the company has
grown 7 folds in the last year
which is incredible, and most of the sales were done through promoting the product on facebook and twitter. Once you become a member you have everyone else with you to work as a team to better everyone’s health, as well as their financial goals. You're able to interact with to everyone to get new information about the product or the business. As Jessica Laccetti had presented in class using interactive videos on how to use twitter and write/receive feedback through blogging (such as the NeuroTribes for scientific blogs) this company does the same. There are different videos you can watch to learn what is in the product and what it does for your body but also on ways of selling it and promoting your business. Before beginning this class I never would have thought about this but now I realize my website has helped me build my business. This type of online interaction, blogging regarding some of the science of food and nutrition, or showing videos on different ways of preparing meals would be a good way to promote my home business; then I can also get feedback and answer questions that any of my clients may have through their journey into a new and healthy lifestyle.
