The eager group of eight new pre-dietetics majors started OSU last fall, bringing all the anticipation, questions, and uncertainty of typical first year students. They are wrapping up their first year at OSU with more confidence, connections and direction, thanks to LinC Learn, a small group seminar that met in conjunction with a larger class fall and winter terms.
Their weekly meetings included orientation to campus life, tours of the department to meet faculty and staff, and early exposure to lessons in their major. “I have learned what is expected of me as a student and I have made great connections in our department,” says first year student Layne Collins. “I have also met some great girls – we sat together in our larger classes and studied for tests together as a group. LinC has really helped me succeed academically.”
According to lead faculty member Ingrid Skoog, “They simply couldn’t imagine not being together another term, so during spring term, they created a nutrition project that tested their menu planning, nutrition, and cooking skills.”
After a year of on-campus eating options, many of them will be cooking for themselves this summer or next year if they move off campus. “We want them to learn healthy cooking and eating habits early,” explains Skoog an alumni of the program and dietetics instructor who is also OSU Director of Sports Nutrition working with athletic teams.
Each student invited two guests to the final “cook off” during which they created and enjoyed 12 dishes including pizza snacks, curried chicken salad, Santa Fe quinoa salad, and a grand finale of angel food cake layered with fresh fruit. They compiled all the recipes in their booklet Quick, Cheap and Easy: Recipes for the college student that features tips on getting enough protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and veges; lunch box and portable foods; and guidelines on portion sizes.
“This is an amazing team…each of them reaffirms my belief in our young people today – in their passion, energy, perseverance, and their ability to dream,” beams Skoog who will welcome another group of new students this fall.