Volunteer Experience
Mentor in the "Fed Up with Food" program (2011- 2013; 100 hours)
A few years ago, I walked by a poster near the food court at my university and realized that my past experiences could help those who were currently struggling with an eating disorder. With the Women's Services & Resources program as a mentor, I get to meet with my mentee at least once a week outside of group, and talk about whatever would be helpful for her. In this program, we openly share our experiences and we all work together to lift each other up through esteem-building exercises. I may not be able to be the only influence to the world, but I can be a good influence to one. In this group, I try to build the other girls up by sharing my experiences, but I know I have been positively influenced by the girls in this group as well.
Other volunteering hours with the Women's Services & Resources Center include the following: Recapturing Beauty Campaign, and running a 5k for the Voices of Courage campaign, NEDA Week (see second picture at: http://universe.byu.edu/beta/2013/02/12/eating-disorders-everybody-knows-somebody/)
A few years ago, I walked by a poster near the food court at my university and realized that my past experiences could help those who were currently struggling with an eating disorder. With the Women's Services & Resources program as a mentor, I get to meet with my mentee at least once a week outside of group, and talk about whatever would be helpful for her. In this program, we openly share our experiences and we all work together to lift each other up through esteem-building exercises. I may not be able to be the only influence to the world, but I can be a good influence to one. In this group, I try to build the other girls up by sharing my experiences, but I know I have been positively influenced by the girls in this group as well.
Other volunteering hours with the Women's Services & Resources Center include the following: Recapturing Beauty Campaign, and running a 5k for the Voices of Courage campaign, NEDA Week (see second picture at: http://universe.byu.edu/beta/2013/02/12/eating-disorders-everybody-knows-somebody/)
BYU Nutrition Coach (150 hours) I love to work with people, especially one on one. I took this opportunity to get to know faculty and students at an intimate level here through the BYU Wellness program. Creating good relationships with people takes time, but they are so rewarding when you do. In one sense, I view my relationship with food similarly. In order to have a healthy relationship with food, one has to be respectful to one's body and listen to its needs. As a nutrition coach, I had the opportunity to get to know and teach some faculty and students who were interested in creating healthier eating habits. I have developed better teaching skills and have gained an even greater passion for teaching people about nutrition and health. Talking to others helps me realize that each situation is different and my views have been broadened to the many ideas people have about nutrition and how to make changes in their lives. One solution may work for one client, while it may not help another person at all. The adventure is always there, and being a coach helped me to stay curious about nutrition and the role it plays in our lives.
Sunday Activities Co-Chair (2012-2013)
Each month for a year, I planned a meal for my congregation of nearly 150 people. With my co-chair and committee of six members, we brainstormed ideas, planned out quantities for the ingredients for the meal, then created handouts to advertise the event to the congregation. With our allotted budget, my co-chair and I purchased large quantities of food the day before the meal. The day of, we organized our supplies and food and prepared the food for a buffet service. With very little supervision, I took initiative in my position, and this experience stretched me in many ways by learning from my own mistakes and helped me to better prepare for the future. All of the meals turned out well, and one of my favorites was the imitation "Cafe Rio" salads. It was definitely a feat to portion out the assignments, but the people loved it, and many told me they would love to have that meal again.
Publicity Co-Chair (2013-Present)
My partner and I work together to publicize the events that happen in our congregation. We attend a weekly council meeting where the calendar and our efforts to invite members to certain events are discussed. I put together the program handout for our Sunday meetings weekly, and post reminders or details to some of upcoming events on our Facebook group page on the other days of the week. With a group as large as 200 members, it can be a challenge to keep everyone informed. We also utilize a website that allows us to send mass texts to people in the group. By using various forms of announcements, we do our best to keep people informed and ready to participate. Of course, communication among the leaders is key, but sending the right message across to the group that large is a skill that can only be developed through experience.
Each month for a year, I planned a meal for my congregation of nearly 150 people. With my co-chair and committee of six members, we brainstormed ideas, planned out quantities for the ingredients for the meal, then created handouts to advertise the event to the congregation. With our allotted budget, my co-chair and I purchased large quantities of food the day before the meal. The day of, we organized our supplies and food and prepared the food for a buffet service. With very little supervision, I took initiative in my position, and this experience stretched me in many ways by learning from my own mistakes and helped me to better prepare for the future. All of the meals turned out well, and one of my favorites was the imitation "Cafe Rio" salads. It was definitely a feat to portion out the assignments, but the people loved it, and many told me they would love to have that meal again.
Publicity Co-Chair (2013-Present)
My partner and I work together to publicize the events that happen in our congregation. We attend a weekly council meeting where the calendar and our efforts to invite members to certain events are discussed. I put together the program handout for our Sunday meetings weekly, and post reminders or details to some of upcoming events on our Facebook group page on the other days of the week. With a group as large as 200 members, it can be a challenge to keep everyone informed. We also utilize a website that allows us to send mass texts to people in the group. By using various forms of announcements, we do our best to keep people informed and ready to participate. Of course, communication among the leaders is key, but sending the right message across to the group that large is a skill that can only be developed through experience.