Personal Statement
Lola Tait Biggs
Hippocrates said in AD 390 —
“Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food”.
A philosophy that still rings true.
My life changed in September 2009; I left London, arrived in Glasgow and began my degree in dietetics at GCU. My mind was filled with anticipation and excitement for my big step back into academia.
First year involved a continuous flow of new ideas and knowledge with strong reiteration of past studies. New areas of study excited and challenged me, those such as sociology and psychology. An emphasis on reflection skills and the readiness to become a more rounded individual in society only heightened my respect for the programme; this was a new type of learning, which I had not previously experienced. The concoction of modules in level one gave me the right balance between practical application of knowledge, and theoretical exploration. I valued revisiting and strengthening my understanding of human physiology, and relating the in-depth cellular processes involved within human nutrition. Level one also gave rise to the opportunity to be class representative, where I gained insight into my fellow students’ experiences, opinions and challenges they faced. I was able to attend meetings at the Student Association, furthering my experience of university life. Furthermore, level one included the module ‘Foundations for practise in health and social care’; this gave me the opportunity to explore the dynamics of multidisciplinary teams. Within this module I worked within a team of mixed allied health professional students, and had the opportunity to present solely in debate environments. At this point I realised my love for presenting ideas and delivering presentations on current affairs and journals.
Level two arrived and I was ready to continue challenging myself. Summer had allowed me to reflect on my marks achieved, and continuing my Blog (http://lolalivestoeat.blogspot.com) throughout the summer months enhanced my knowledge and kept dietetics on the forefront.
The content of level two was underpinned by the anticipated first clinical placement; throughout the year I was able to meet practising dietitians and guest lecturers from different clinical areas. This was part of the on campus placement, where allocated time was used to build up my portfolio ready for the summer placement. I increased my understanding that dietetics was now more than just about nutrition, it was a profession, a career that I could see myself developing.
Level two involved applying and enriching knowledge obtained from level one, which highlighted the nature of the career, knowledge is always to be built upon. Challenges were faced head on and I continued to broaden my insight by reading and analysing present and past journals with a stronger critique than before.
By the end of my second year, I had a worthy appreciation of the specialist streams, broadened by the breadth of experience gained from my clinical placement. This was placed in Aberdeen, where I experienced a Dietitian’s role in a psychiatric hospital as well as the diverse role within the community caring for those with learning disabilities. I realize I was incredibly fortunate to be able to have such broad polarized experiences in relation to the possible routes my career could take.
Throughout my growing experience in Glasgow, my love for London shone through; my experience in Glasgow was strengthened by the life skills I had learnt in London. I have grown so much in Glasgow and met an array of fantastic people whose lessons have been invaluable. I have gained strong vital insight into a different society and, with that, an understanding of the inevitable sociological factors involved in dietetic care. This is something I feel I can bring with me to London, and transfer into my future studies and career.
London is where I want to reside after graduating, however the opportunity to finish my degree in the hub of the center of London is something I would prize completely. The King’s College London’s excellent reputation for research and teaching facilities across all campuses with the added unrivalled bonus experience of London life, with its location and history is something I would be fortunate to experience. My prior experience of London has given me the life skills and street sense needed for the practicalities of studying within such an influential city. With the grounded fundamental knowledge and experience obtained from GCU, I feel that finishing my degree in Dietetics at King’s would give me the best start to my lifelong career.
When looking on the King’s College London website I came across the following article in the news feed: “Eating disorders and fertility research”. Reading this, I was able to reflect on an experience I’d had sitting in on a dietetic consultation with an outpatient within the eating disorders clinic.
The lady had opened up to me about her feelings towards her dietetic care. She sat with her baby on her lap and spoke about her experiences. She further described the challenges psychologically and financially she had faced when undergoing IVF treatments, and how she wished she had pursued the help from a dietitian prior. She described how invaluable her consultations were and how thankful she was to continue on the road to recovery and be able to bring her son up with a healthy eating attitude.
‘The next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.”
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) British author
And I know I will find this at King’s College London.
