Randi Drasin

Tell us yourself, education, your background, and your current plans.

I am 46 years old and enrolled in the Distance Dietetics Internship Program at Iowa State University. How did I get here? Years after graduating from college with a BA in communications (1986), I returned to school in 2007 and earned a BS degree (August 2009) in dietetics as a distance dietetic student at the University of Northern Colorado. A diagnosis of cervical cancer combined with and failure to obtain an internship in April 2009 was devastating and forced me to change my career plans. After beginning graduate school at California State University at Northridge in January 2010, I was accepted as a distance intern with Iowa State University and began my internship this June. After completing the internship in November 2010 I will take the national registry exam to become a registered dietitian and then resume graduate to earn an MS degree in Dietetics and Food Science.

How did you become interested in nutrition? What is your experience in nutrition?

Involved in gymnastics since childhood, I was primarily a recreational gymnast. In the mid 80’s I became interested in weight training and worked out five to six days a week at a local Gold’s Gym. In 1989 I became a certified fitness trainer, training women in their homes and at the gym. By 1996 I combined my gymnastics and fitness background and began teaching gymnastics to children after school. After being hired as a PE specialist at a private school for K-2nd graders I created Randi’s Fitness for Kids.

Throughout the years I have always chosen to eat and cook healthfully for my family. Having a daughter it became important for me to teach her about eating and living a healthy lifestyle. Thus, my interest in fitness expanded into researching nutrition tips that I could pass on to my students and their parents. After several years of writing newsletters and articles for students, posting them on my web site, and submitting them to other online fitness companies, I started researching the field of dietetics in 2006 and considered becoming a registered dietitian. After talking to an acquaintance, a registered dietitian, I decided that the dietetics program I had picked would work well with my family and business life.

You report being a cancer survivor. How has that experience influenced your life and your plans?

Being diagnosed with cancer was something that is hard to describe. Those feelings and emotions continue to affect me. Prior to my diagnosis, in the final six months of DPD course work, I had applied to several dietetic internships for the April 2009 match. Finding out that I had not received a match and the next day learning that I had cancer was devastating. I could not believe what had happened to me two days in a row. My master plan had been affected and I was not sure how to proceed. However, after a time I forged ahead, completed my BS degree, and planned for graduate school. Although it was hard to get through this time, the support of my family and friends helped me make it through the rough times. I became ready to move forward with a positive attitude. The time off allowed me to breath, think and enjoy my time. Not having assignments due was a blessing… but after a couple of months I was ready to break out the books again and move forward in graduate school…. Funny how that happens …just can’t get enough!!!!

Tells us about Randi’s Fitness for Kids Program.

In 1996 I created a company called Randi’s Fitness for Kids After School Enrichment Program that was originally geared towards after school gymnastics and fitness classes for children. I began the company as a way of being a “stay-at-home-mom” so that I could take my five-year old daughter (now 19 years old) with me and not hire daycare. What started as a little home-based business now employs 15 independent contractors whom I hire to teach fitness and art classes (gymnastics, yoga, hip hop, sports clinics, Pilates, creative cooking (nutrition-oriented, of course), digital photography, fashion design, ceramics, cartooning and more!!!!! My employees are all specialists in their fields. My program is currently located in 10 schools in the Los Angeles area. As a result, 12 years ago I was asked to begin coaching and directing Gymnastics and Cheerleading specialty training camps and to be a PE Specialist for a private school in which I run the kindergarten PE program (I talk about nutrition as well…)

What types of sports nutrition experience have you had?

Since my path has been guided by the fitness industry, one of my long-term goals is to become Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Between weight training, personal training, gymnastics and PE it seems like the right road for me. Although I have not actually worked with a sports figure, team or group… it is something that I plan to learn and train to do after I become a registered dietitian.

What are your professional goals? Once you become a registered dietitian, what kind of work do you want to do?

I would like to have a private practice that specializes in children and teens who have weight problems including obesity, are diabetic, and those who experience disordered eating and body image issues. I would like to earn the CSSD for credibility in working with children and teens on sports teams. I think that targeting this age group is the key to the future. Education at a young age can guide them in developing healthy lifestyles throughout their life span. Additionally, the idea of teaching at the university level is intriguing to me and something I would like to pursue after completing graduate school.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other students?

Yes… It is NEVER too late to go back to school and pursue what you love. It took me many years to find my path. I didn’t have it at 22 years old as a college graduate. It took me working in, and realizing that I did not like the field I had originally chosen and to find my way towards the fitness industry. Then it took creating my company and running it for 11 years to realize that I could expand my horizons and add an additional aspect to Randi’s Fitness. It took guts and tenacity to go back to school and begin all over again. It took time management and dedication to complete the program in two years. And after three years of commitment I am now on my way to becoming a registered dietitian at the ripe old age of 46. Don’t give up on your dreams!

Submitted: 11/3/10