Student Corner Interview

Amy Goodson
Dietetic Intern
Graduate Student, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX 

Amy - tell us about yourself, your background, and why you chose the Exercise and Sports Nutrition Master's Program at Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX?

I am currently finishing my last year of graduate school in the Exercise and Sports Nutrition (ESN) Program at TWU Denton. My original degree is in speech communications with a minor in kinesiology from Texas Christian University (TCU).  I've always been very interested in fitness and nutrition.  I became an aerobics instructor in 2000 and a personal trainer in 2003.

During my senior year at TCU, I found out about the ESN program at Texas Woman's University and met with Nancy DiMarco, PhD, RD, Professor, Food and Nutrition Sciences, to learn more.  I wanted to join the program and become an RD; but that meant 45 hours of undergraduate nutrition and food science classes, 42 hours of graduate school, and a 6-month full-time internship. Although intimidating, I started as soon as I graduated from TCU. I'm so glad I did.  I'm finishing my dietetic internship, will take the RD exam in February, and have two more classes to complete my Master's Degree in Exercise and Sports Nutrition.  It's been tons of hard work, but now that I'm nearing the end, I can't wait to see what lies ahead. 

Exercise and nutrition are integrated and the foundation to a healthy and happy life. I love to help people see this connection - it drives my passion for teaching. I try to make exercise fun and help people see that nutrition is not a "diet," but a lifestyle of health and wellness. I enjoy giving presentations because many people don't know how to be healthy or that improving health doesn't require a lot of time. Education is important so that people have the ability and knowledge to make healthy decisions.

How did you obtain an enrichment experience with Roberta Anding, Sports Dietitian for the
Houston Texans professional football team?

As a dietetic intern, we chose an "enhancement week" during our 25-week internship.  When I spoke with Dr. Nancy DiMarco about finding an experience in sports nutrition she recommended Roberta Anding, MS, RD. Besides her expertise in sports dietetics, Roberta is a Clinical Dietitian in Adolescent/Sports Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and an instructor in the Department of Kinesiology at Rice University. I contacted Roberta and spent one week with her at the Texans' football team training camp in the summer of 2005. 

What were your personal goals for this experience? Were they achieved? Did anything occur beyond your expectations?

My goals were to:
    1) Learn more about sports nutrition and its application in professional athletics and
        adolescent medicine
    2) Participate in developing and analyzing menus for athletes
    3) Work with eating disordered outpatients and understand how recommendations are
        made for them
    4) Create a handout for the nutrition/fitness section of the Houston Texans' website
    5) Become more familiar with fluid and recovery recommendations for athletes.

All of my goals were achieved.  I learned a great deal just being with Roberta.  I felt like a sponge soaking up information she provided while we were traveling, at the field, and at the hospital clinic. It was amazing to be with someone who knows so much about sports nutrition and is eager to share. 

What types of experiences did you have?

- Attended Texans' pre-game meal and practice, pre-season game, workout with Dan Riley (head strength coach for Texans') and observed recovery drink mixing and distribution

- Created 1-week menu for Texans' and handout for team website

- Analyzed smoothie nutrients and made recommendations for dining at a Chicago restaurant

- Created handout for the Rice University Football Team in Houston, TX

- Helped conduct pre-season physicals for the Houston Ballet and provide nutrition information

- Participated in clinic and case conferences for Texas Children's Hospital Adolescent Sports Medicine Clinic

- Observed in-patient eating disorder program

- Attended journal club for Texas Children's Hospital Dietitians

- Attended planning meeting for the National Center for Performing Arts in Houston, to be built to benefit athletes around the world

- Attended a call-in radio talk show which spotlighted Roberta and Dan Riley

Were you financially compensated for any of the work or was the work done as a volunteer?
Did you receive feedback regarding your performance and the quality of your work?

My work was considered an experience as part of our Dietetic Internship program - not volunteer or paid. I considered each project a stepping-stone to become a registered dietitian. Roberta provided feedback and guided my projects. Though Roberta is an extremely busy professional, she kindly took time to help and teach me. 

What were your most satisfying experiences?

Although I loved every part of the experience, one of the best parts was learning from someone who has a great wealth of knowledge in sports nutrition.  I saw how concepts learned at college were applied to "real-life" sports nutrition. I learned every second of the day and could not replace those hours of just listening.

What have you gained from this experience that will benefit you as you continue your sports nutrition studies at TWU?

I have a better grasp on how to apply my "book-knowledge." My experience with Roberta provided the opportunity to interact with an elite sports dietitian working in the pro-football environment.

Has this experience affected your career goals? If so, how?

It has instilled a passion for what is to come in my life and nutrition career. I have ideas for my future path and know I'm going in the right direction. I haven't finalized career goals because I'm finishing my Masters degree and waiting to see what "comes my way".

Would you recommend an experience such this to other sports nutrition students? If yes, why?

Oh my goodness - YES!  All aspiring sports nutrition students should have a chance to get their feet wet and "run" with an experienced sports dietitian in a collegiate or professional sports setting.

Is there anything else about this experience that you would like to share with other students?

When you interact with experienced sports dietitians, ask questions. No book can replace such learning. If you're willing to make mistakes, gain knowledge and work hard, you'll have the experience of your life.