This past month, I was lucky enough to participate in a virtual presentation with the sixth graders at the Holy Cross Middle School in Champaign for FSHN 329. Due to COVID, this was the first time ever that this event was through Zoom!

As much as I am all for doing these types of events in person, it actually went really well for being virtual. It was so awesome being able to collaborate with three group members to put together a presentation that was suitable for the sixth graders. Our presentation was on “Building Healthy Habits During A Pandemic” and we taught the students exactly what a healthy habit was, heathy snack swaps, and why exercise is beneficial during such a sedentary time. The kids really loved our presentation because we made it engaging for them and had activities throughout that they participated in.

They were all so eager to answer our questions and share their thoughts and when we had the follow-along workout video, they loved getting up and doing it! As a future dietitian, this was my first exposure to actually teaching people about nutrition. I think it gave me a great look into what my profession can potentially look like, if I do choose the route of working with kids. It was awesome being able to share my knowledge and love for nutrition with others so that they too can benefit from good nutrition in the long run.

Although this event was part of my class, I would have done something like this in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity. Seeing others learn from my information and get something out of it makes me feel like I am doing something right. I hope in the near future I will be able to participate in an event like this again.

Bryn Grossman is an ACES junior studying Food Science and Human Nutrition with a concentration in dietetics.