2913 Hunter Hill Ct.

Jacksonville, FL 32246
September 25, 2018

Ms. Elizabeth Robinson M.Ed., R.D., L.D.N.

VUMC Dietetic Internship Program Director
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1211 Medical Center Drive,
Nashville, TN 37232

Dear Ms. Robinson,

I have taken a roundabout way on my journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. I received my

Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of South Florida. After
graduation, I started exploring agricultural initiatives wanting to make a difference in the lives of the people in
my community. I soon found food to be a foundation for health and I had a growing desire to understand
human health and nutrition. This was especially important for me because my family has a wide-ranging
history of disease, many of which are related to diet. I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and
Dietetics at the University of North Florida to expand upon my understanding of the interrelationship between
food and health. Over the course of my undergraduate experience I have developed a precise vision for my
goals as a future RD. I see myself starting out as a clinical dietician in a critical care setting. The opportunity
to participate as an intern at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a perfect channel to help me reach my
goal since there are many specialty sectors including a level 3 burn unit. The exposure and experience I would
receive at the VUMC internship would set me up to be a leader in the field of dietetics.
My work experience and skills set suggests greater focus on community initiatives. This is because
my community is important to me and health promotion is a vital avenue in educating the public on how food
consumed affects health. However, my desire to learn and pursue the role of a critical care dietitian is
amplified by the skills acquired in those same experiences. Firstly, as a writer for my school’s NutriNews
magazine I have developed excellent writing skills which translates into my communication abilities as well as
my creative, and critical thinking capabilities. Furthermore, as the Lend-A-Green Coordinator I have
coordinated students to volunteer with the school pantry and garden, educated students about nutrition,
developed recipes and meal plans for the produce I’ve grown in the Lend-a-Wing plots, cultured relationships
with Jacksonville community leaders, and maintained a professional profile as an innovator within student
government. In extension to that, I am conducting and managing a research project that I developed with the
guidance of my MNT professor. The leadership, research, communication, time management and adaptability
skills I’ve learned in these experiences can be applied to critical situations in the hospital that require detailed
focus and patient centered care. The VUMC dietetic internship offers the potential to become an innovative
future focused dietitian in the food Mecca that is Nashville Tennessee. This city is booming with food and
nutrition fixated activities yearning for exploration and expansion by the dietetics practice. Being a part of the
2019 intern team would be a high-ranking distinction that would not be taken lightly.
I am very confident that I can be the dietetic intern you are seeking. Please see my accompanying
resume for details of my experience and education. Feel free to call (305) 332-4148 or email
KeaMSchwarz@gmail.com me with any questions you may have. Thank you for your time. I look forward to
hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kea Schwarz