We’re thrilled to welcome you back to our Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN): Day in the Life series! This series is part of our innovative UF/FSHN Careers Advancement Project (CAP), which captures what it’s really like to earn degrees in food science, nutritional sciences, and dietetics. This project can help you discover your career passion through learning about the daily lives of students and professionals in food science and human nutrition.
Today’s topic: experience a day in the life of a dietetics undergraduate student at UF/FSHN.
Our guest is Avery Little, a soon-to-be third-year undergraduate student in the dietetics program at the University of Florida. Avery is also a winner of the FSHN Rising Star Award this past April. In this day-in-the-life feature, Avery describes a sample day during the second year of her program and shares her goal of pursuing sports dietetics.
Meet Our UF/FSHN CAP Guest
Name: Avery Little
Year: Junior/Third Year
Major: Dietetics
Minor: Food Science
Certificate: Sports Management
Hometown: Atlantic Beach, Florida
Why I chose my major: I made the decision to be a dietetics major while applying to UF. I have been a competitive athlete for most of my childhood and therefore always understood the importance of fueling and recovery for the body. I also love to cook, especially with my mom, and wanted to learn more about how food and nutrition benefit our health. Also, I called the FSHN advising department while applying to college and the welcoming and excited response from the wonderful advisors was so encouraging. I just knew dietetics was the right major for me.
Why I chose to come to UF: UF was always my dream school. I attended a college preparatory high school and therefore was surrounded by competitive and academically motivated students. I wanted to find this environment in my future university as well. Additionally, I love the culture and variety of clubs, sports and opportunities UF offers. Attending the University of Florida has truly changed my life.
Hobbies: Growing up in Atlantic Beach, most of my time outside of school was spent at the beach. I love to surf and coached at a surf camp over the summers. I also love spending time with my family and dogs, especially our family game nights. At school, I love to workout, whether that is cycle classes, weightlifting, running or going on walks with friends.
Future plans: I aspire to be a registered dietitian, specializing in sports nutrition. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I plan and hope to attend the University of Florida for my masters in dietetics.
Final thoughts: From my classes, work experiences, and personal life, I have learned about the importance of nutrition in impacting mental and physical health. I love to prioritize nutrition and have found joy in cooking and teaching others about nutrition. Also, I have learned how important it is to lean on others. Since the dietetics major is so niche, I have found true friends and classmates through my experiences with the FSHN Department. I would truly recommend attending all opportunities and events held by the department as they are such a good way to make connections with others.
Day in the Life: Avery Little, Dietetics Undergraduate Student
| Time: AM | MORNING ACTIVITIES |
| 6:30 |
Wake up
I make my breakfast the night before; recently I have been loving overnight oats with my morning coffee. |
| 7:30-10:30 |
Prepare for Lift Group at the Basketball Complex
I arrive at the basketball practice complex and prepare supplements and protein shakes for the athletes during their lift and practice. I stay here during the lift to maintain a presence of nutrition and answer any questions from the players. Once a week, I do inventory and reorganize any supplements or snacks at the fuel bar. I love this experience and working with such motivating staff and athletes! |
| 11:30 |
Lunch I often prep my lunch beforehand, especially if my day is busy. One thing on my meal rotation in the past few weeks has been chicken Caesar salad, I even make my own salad dressing! |
| Time: PM | AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES |
| 12:30-1:45 |
Organic Chemistry Lecture |
| 2:00-4:00 |
Work at Fuel Bar in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium I also work as a student manager for FuelinGators and support the performance dietitians of the athletic teams at UF. At the fuel bar, I set out supplements, snacks and restock the fuel fridges. I often answer questions and make nutrition fun! |
| 4:00-5:30 | Study at library
Taking organic chemistry this summer, I spend a lot of time reviewing lectures and studying. My favorite study spot has been the fourth floor of Marston looking over the Century Tower. It makes me still feel like I am outside without being in the heat. |
| 6:00-7:00 | Cycle class
I try to be active at least once a day and love going to cycle classes or lifting weights with my friends at Southwest Rec. |
| 7:30 |
Dinner I love cooking so making dinner is something I look forward to. Recently I have been really enjoying Mexican street corn chicken tacos. |
| 8:00-10:00 |
Movie night with roommates Winding down after a long day is super important so I always make time to read a book or spend some quality time with my roommates. |
| 10:30 |
Lights out! |
Interested in learning more about studies and careers in Food Science and Human Nutrition? Check out our UF/FSHN CAP series:
(1) What Can I Do with My Degree?
(2) Day in the Life
(3) Letters to Myself: Words of Advice and Encouragement
Learn more about FSHN’s renowned programs below!
Undergraduate Programs:
Dietetics
Food Science
Nutritional Sciences
Graduate Programs:
M.S. Dietetic Internship Program
M.S. Food Science and Human Nutrition
Ph.D. Food Science
Ph.D. Nutritional Sciences
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