'Small talk'

Whilst other parents in the room were asking me 'How university is going?' one father was telling me about his bowel movements. So much for small talk?

He has suffered with cancer for many years now. Many types of cancer. I don't know the specifics but I do know he had intestinal cancer and only has 20% of his GIT remaining. He's casually chit chatting about his B12 injections, supplement regime and how he has to be aware that any complacency can lead to becoming severely malnourished.

I'm on my third glass of sangria by this point. So when he mentions 'Ileum' I mentally high five myself for recognising a word. But by the time he reaches Jujenum, I'm shaking my head with confusion. I realise this as I'm now inserting 'Mmmm' where words existed just minutes before.

Whilst nodding over-enthusiastically I realise two things....

1. I probably should have stopped at one glass of Sangria.
2. I have a lot to learn.

Today;

Someone I really admire was asked the question:
"What are you most scared of?"


Their response.
"Gaining weight"


Can't say I really admire her so much anymore. 


I found that interesting.

Want to be elsewhere. Travelling. Just saying.

There is more to education than books. I want a well rounded knowledge. I want to travel.

(I'm very demanding). 

Things I learn

For dietitians, knowledge is undoubtedly important. In fact, you would achieve as much as a frog in a sock without knowledge. But if information is the piece of machinery, then communication and relationship building are the batteries. Being unable to teach, communicate or verbalise what you know is about as useful as having a bird without wings. I don't know about you, but I'd consider a bird without flight, a bit of a bird-failure. And a dietician without communication skills, would probably hang out at all the same parties. 

Here is a quote by someone famous, which I may or may not have stolen from brainyquotes.com (Hint: I did).

'The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people' - Theodore ROOSEVELT

Of all people to trust, I thought roosevelt was a pretty solid option to go with.  If you're going to listen to anyone, listen to someone who inspired Dale Carnegie, author of the American classic How to Win Friends And Influence People. Both men advocated the need for great interpersonal skills. Both played by the same key principles. And that is; give honest and sincere appreciation, be genuinely interested in other people, smile and be a good listener. 


Its believed that being a good dietician involves knowing how to help people. Being a great (NAH, brilliant) dietician is about more than just wanting to effect change. 

Communicate the information in an easy to understand AND you genuinely care. And if you can handle that, then forgot AA Batteries. Success will put you on the door list AND want to hang out. You're in. 

Starting point

The new generation; University blogging. 

Can't guarantee this blog/journal will be school appropriate or will turn out to be what is supposed to. I am just going to get some things down, try not to think about it too much and hope my internet doesn't crash mid-post. 

Best of luck to all involved. 

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