Halfway Through at ISU

Wow, I can't believe I'm halfway done. Four weeks has flown by. I've grown so much as an individual and learned an incredible amount. I feel like I'm trying to pack everything in now. Dianne has presented so many different materials to me to read. This past week I read two that really stood out. One on grit and one on what defines and makes a productive person. I also read a lot of Molly Kellogg's interview tips and Marion Nestle's blog on food politics. I also spent a lot of time this week learning the ins and outs of produce as well as specifics of food safety. Dianne also spent some time going over the work that CDS does with childcare and the school lunch program. Eventually we will be meeting with someone from Metcalf School in order to coordinate the food service.

One of the things that stood out the most to me this week was a three hour meeting to discuss details of opening and operating two new places in the Bone Student Center. Just seeing the four leaders bouncing ideas off of each other and getting to contribute to this huge project was a great opportunity.

Another thing I'm working on is a spreadsheet for campers with specific food needs so that they know what they can eat and the chefs know what to prepare. Holly, the dietetic intern, and I also picked up on Justine's work identifying sesame containing products. We have to flag many recipes and ingredients as "possible sesame" considering that "spice" or "natural flavoring" could contain sesame. Later we will have to contact the manufacturers to confirm they do or do not contain sesame.

Thursday I went out with another dietetic intern and her friends for Mexican food. It is great to immerse myself into my time here and get to know some other people. Friday I had the day off so I started my day at Einstein's with a cup of coffee and a bagel. I then spent the day in the quad reading.

Saturday I went to the farmers market with Justine. It took place in the streets, which I found odd. The produce was absolutely beautiful and I truly enjoyed it. Holly and I worked at catering. It was an eventful night with two weddings, but I would say everything ran smoothly. We worked front of the house so we got to wear the white button up shirts and CDS aprons as we cleared tables and filled pitchers. It was a lot of waiting around for people to eat.

I managed to celebrate the Fourth of July despite being so far from home and my normal Fourth of July activities. I had to get some ice cream so I tried out the local ice cream shop, which I will be returning to. One of my favorite things to do here is to try all of the local food places. Later that day, I went with Justine and yet another dietetic intern to a very small town nearby to listen to live music and watch a spectacular firework show. It was a great end to truly a fun packed week.