Transparent. Authentic. These are more than words. They’re expectations. So in the spirit of authenticity and transparency, it’s time I tell you the real reason I became a dietitian. I didn’t become a dietitian for you. I did it for me. And the good news? We both benefit. Let me explain.
So here’s the story. I was an athlete in high school. Captain or co-captain of my volleyball and basketball teams, and active in track. As an all-conference volleyball player my senior year, I was invited to a volleyball tour in Europe along with a couple of my other teammates. London, Denmark, so many exciting places to play the sport I love. Here’s the thing. I got sick. Doctor said don’t worry, you can go, take the prescribed medicine. Off I went. Got to London. Saw the changing of the guard at the palace, getting sicker by the hour. The team, made up of athletes from a variety of places, checked into the University. I missed dinner, sleeping through it (very out of character for me). They realized how sick I was and off I went in a taxi (who drove on the sidewalk like a lunatic, but I digress) to a community doctor. This doctor proceeded to inform me that I needed to return home immediately on a medical emergency flight, without get to play even one minute of volleyball in Europe.
Because of this experience, dietetics became my major because I wanted to learn as much as possible about current food and nutrition science to help ensure I would never get that sick ever again. My parents valued balanced eating and we grew up with that foundation, so changing to this major made perfect sense to me. Never mind what my career would be, I’d figure that out later. So when you meet me and I teach you how to make choices that support your health and still let you enjoy your meals and lifestyle while being authentic to your heritage, taste buds, budget and goals, it’s for real. Because I am living it, too.
Everyone has a story. This is a big piece of mine. Lucky for us, this knowledge I apply to myself also means I can help you. Forget calling me the food police. My knowledge is proactive, not judgmental. So let’s talk food and nutrition. Because it’s personal to me, too.
Kim Kirchherr 
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