BGSU post-traditional student champions healthy eating in underrepresented communities

Stacy Resendez was honored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for her contributions to the field

In high school, Stacy Resendez had tried living as a vegetarian and then as a vegan, but these phases along her dietary and nutritional journey did not give her the clarity she sought, instead creating a thirst for sound, research-based data.

“I needed some knowledge at that point, so I met with a dietitian and I loved the information they gave me,” Resendez said. “It was very scientific. It wasn’t just ‘eat this and don’t eat that’.”

While intrigued by the profession, Resendez was hesitant about attending college.

“I took time to decide, but when I looked into the dietetics options at Bowling Green State University, it was an easy choice. There are so many areas of the field you can go into,” said Resendez, a first-generation student who enrolled at BGSU in 2019, seven years after high school.

She also had closely observed a licensed dietitian working with an ill family member, intensifying her interest in pursuing a career in the field. Resendez said she considers the role of a dietitian as serving their patients and clients while also addressing the need for sound advice to guide the general public’s nutritional choices.

As a future dietetics professional, Resenedez said she aspires to improve education in underrepresented communities, particularly in Latino communities, on following a healthy diet and encouraging the selection of foods that support good health.

Working to that end, Resendez, who is on track to graduate from BGSU in May with a degree in dietetics, has been using her bilingual skills to create infographics on good dietary habits in both English and Spanish. She also is collaborating with a pediatric physician in Texas to develop infographics that stress proper portion sizes and food choices.

“It is so important to educate the public on diet and nutrition, and how to meet the nutritional needs to keep you healthy,” she said.

Resendez was recently honored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics —  the world's largest organization of nutrition and dietetics practitioners — to become a member of the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition interest group. She said she was surprised by the recognition.

“Sometimes, as college students, we underestimate our abilities and the potential impact we can have,” she said.

Beth Williams, director of the BGSU undergraduate programs in nutrition sciences and dietetics, called the honor “a significant achievement.”

“This recognition highlights Stacy's dedication and contributions to the field of dietetics and nutrition, particularly within the Latino and Hispanic communities,” Williams said. “It's a testament to Stacy's hard work and commitment to making a positive impact in her community."

Resendez is currently working on a capstone research project analyzing how eating patterns developed in childhood will later impact the health of the adult.

“I think it will ultimately show that if there is variety in the diet in childhood, that will carry over to being a healthier adult,” she said. “I have had my eyes opened to the potential I have to help people in the future, and I feel so honored and privileged to be in this position.”