Future dietician finds nourishing learning environment at STC
Student of the Week: Mariela Gutierrez
Just finished with her first semester at South Texas College, Mariela Gutierrez says she has come to appreciate the interaction with her professors as well as the advantages of small class sizes and community atmosphere on campus.
Attending STC has motivated her to eventually enter a career as a Dietician as she pursues a degree as a Certified Dietary Manager.
“I was accepted into other schools, but I wanted to stay here and help my mom because she works,” Mariela said. “I figured STC would be better for me, especially with the closeness on campus and having one-on-one time with my professors.
“That has been really good, I've liked that so far,” she said. “Everybody is nice and you can find your way around anywhere, or ask anyone for help and they'll help you.”
Born and raised in McAllen and a graduate of McAllen High School, Mariela said she was inspired to enter the medical field by her Anatomy teachers.
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“To students, I would like to tell them to never get discouraged. I did get discouraged at first until I realized I needed to do this, and I did it. I didn't think I'd be able to handle it, or to get through it but I did.”
“Right now, I volunteer at the regional hospital, so I like being in that surrounding, in that environment and helping people,” Mariela said. “I like the idea about being a Dietician. They can work in hospitals, and decide patient meal plans and what they can and cannot eat.”
The Certified Dietary Manager program at STC provides the education requirements needed by dietary personnel to be able to take the credentialing exam to become a Certified Dietary Manager in a non-commercial kitchen. Topics include foodservice management, human resources management, nutrition and medical nutrition therapy, and food safety.
Mariela has been recognized as a student whose work is not only done to standards, but conveys ideas that are sophisticated and well thought out, according to STC English professor Richard Coronado.
“To students, I would like to tell them to never get discouraged,” Mariela said. “I did get discouraged at first until I realized I needed to do this, and I did it. I didn't think I'd be able to handle it, or to get through it but I did.”