Hello everyone! My name is Amanda Hawkins and I’m an intern in Region 10 based out of Houston, Texas. Beginning my internship during the COVID-19 pandemic has been anything but easy, while consequently helping me grow. With hospital policies barring interns from entering, my rotation schedule had to be adjusted and I began with my community rotation. Finding sites and preceptors at late notice during coronavirus was incredibly challenging, but I knew I wanted to get the most of my internship experience, regardless of the pandemic. With this determination, I pushed through my nerves and fears to research sites, find email addresses, find connections, and often resort to cold-calling locations to be put in contact with the nutrition team and ask about opportunities. I was met with overwhelming rejection time and time again, both for the safety of clients and due to the fast approaching timeline. I had to become continually more creative in the opportunities I looked for and work through the anxieties with only have a couple weeks planned ahead at a time.
Thankfully with this diligence and the support of my director I was eventually able to secure opportunities with the Montgomery County Food Bank, Canyons School District, and working virtually with a private practice dietitian. I am so grateful for the internship team putting together virtual learning opportunities as well. These served me well when there was a week between sites and only a few days of the week that the site could have me there. I’ve also had to rely on these virtual learning opportunities for the long-term care rotation as there were no sites in my area accepting interns. The great determination it took to find opportunities for community in the face of restrictions was incredibly difficult and draining, but it pushed me to do and be more than I thought I could. Through it I have become more confident in reaching out with no connection, asking for opportunities, and showing the benefit I can bring.
I’m beyond pleased that the hospital’s policies have opened up for me and I will be beginning my clinical and food service management rotations shortly. After my experiences with community, I know I’m ready for new challenges to present themselves and am excited to see how I learn and grow through them!
I’m beyond pleased that the hospital’s policies have opened up for me and I will be beginning my clinical and food service management rotations shortly. After my experiences with community, I know I’m ready for new challenges to present themselves and am excited to see how I learn and grow through them!
