One huge suggestion I would like to make to all CNR students is to take advantage of student groups! Joining a student group is a great way to get involved on campus and meet fellow students with similar interests at the same time (not to mention it helps build that resume). My junior year I joined the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) and looking back on what a wonderful experience it has been, I wish I had joined sooner.

Since I am a dietetics major and love nutrition, I decided that I wanted to get involved in something at Cal that would supplement my education. When I heard about SDA I knew it was perfect for me. SDA is a student run group that promotes nutrition on campus in various ways and is open to ALL majors. Some of the benefits of joining SDA are gaining experience in promoting nutrition awareness and answering nutrition related questions while tabling in the dinning commons; getting to know the faculty at SDA hosted student/faculty luncheons; networking with local professionals through contact with BADA (our local dietetic association); making friends with other UC Berkeley students who are also interested in nutrition; and much, much more.

There are various leadership opportunities in SDA as well. Currently, I am the SDA's Co-President and love it! Along with the other Co-President, I plan/facilitate SDA's weekly meetings, help organize our events, and basically keep everything organized. Being a part of SDA has helped me apply my nutrition knowledge and also gain important leadership and interpersonal skills. If you have an interest in nutrition, I highly suggest checking it out. The meetings are held every Monday from 4-5pm in room 120 Morgan. Stop by and enjoy delicious and nutritious food! For more information check out our website: http://nature.berkeley.edu/sda/

After getting involved on campus I decided I also wanted to get involved in the community. I am currently volunteering and working at Children's Hospital and Research Center, Oakland. I have volunteered for a couple different nutrition and fitness programs and work as a Dietitian Assistant. It is a really friendly and positive environment and very rewarding. There are many different kinds of volunteer/job opportunities, so if you have any interest at all you should check out the Children's Hospital website: http://www.childrenshospitaloakland.org/

Extracurriculars are a way to build your resume but more importantly are opportunities to have some fun outside of class! I suggest choosing your extracurriculars wisely since there is only so much time we have outside of class/studying. If you have any questions about my extracurriculars or would like some suggestions, come chat with me at my office hours, Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am.