Minors are pretty much a blessing in disguise, because there is not as much pressure compared to major classes and the idea of your future career. Minors are fun, because you’re taking these classes because you want to, not necessarily because you have too.
The story to how I became a nutrition minor is kind of funny. I was originally majoring in nutrition. But after my first semester of chemistry my freshman year, I realized I was not about to work my butt off just to get by in chemistry for the next three years. So I decided to minor in nutrition instead, and it is actually the best choice I could have made.
If there’s anything I’ve learned through this minor, it’s that nutrition classes are so hard. I don’t think any of my major classes have been nearly as challenging as my nutrition courses. Some of the topics nutrition covers are so complex, and your brain has to work a certain way to actually understand the concepts. If you’ve taken life cycle nutrition, you understand.
Besides the challenging classes, I’ve actually learned beneficial information that doesn’t just come from a textbook or lecture slides. I’ve learned the importance of a healthy lifestyle and how to teach and influence others how they can live a longer life. I’ve learned about diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc) and how nutrition affects their lives.
One of my favorite things I’ve learned throughout all of my classes is that sugar is more addicting than cocaine. Crazy right?
I’m currently taking my final nutrition class, before I complete the minor, and we’re learning about nutrition within the community. Three years ago I could not have told you the communal influence that nutrition has in this world. I had no idea that I would be taking a class where I would be learning about public policy and studying the different types of organizations that manage health care.
Whether I use nutrition in my future career or not, I know that I will carry what I’ve learned through these classes with me in my daily life. I’ve learned so much about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and I only hope that I can influence others to live healthier lifestyles too.
