My internship at the YMCA Hilltop in Pittsburgh is coming to an end today and I have nothing but positive experiences to share. At the beginning of the summer, I was excited to help empower these children, but I didn’t realize how large of a mark they would leave on me. (See Jenny’s first post)

This photo features Daijon picking tomatoes for the showcase we had last week. The showcase celebrated projects like DJ 101 and Robokids in which the kids participated in. One highlight of the summer was meeting President and CEO of YMCA of the Greater Pittsburgh Area, Rig Riggins, because he was so thrilled to hear about my project at the community garden.

Veggies from the YMCA Showcase

My main project was teaching the kids how to grow vegetables at the community garden. Some of my favorite moments was seeing their faces light up after picking something and saying “Miss Jenny, look at what I grew!!” The garden not only increases overall food security in the Hilltop area, it also encourages them to try different herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

Some of the staff and kids

I also had the opportunity being a student dietitian for Dr. Barclay’s Camp for Kids with Diabetes at Camp Fitch in Erie, PA. Prior to camp, I was nervous since I had minimal knowledge about diabetes. After being welcomed with open arms by the medical staff from Saint Vincent Hospital and the Dietitians, Renee and Darlene (a PSU alum!) I felt like I was in the right hands.

On a typical day, I discussed menu items with kitchen staff and prepared meal sheets with carbohydrate content for the campers, led games on diabetes management, and performed 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM blood glucose checks. On the first day, I realized how important my job was in monitoring their blood glucose level so they could have fun and be safe. By the end of the week, I became more confident and knowledgeable about what to do when someone has hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

The Dietitians

The Campers

Where I spent my free time

I can’t believe how fast this summer flew by, but I am excited to head back to my home away from home in just a few days. I look forward to being a T.A. for Nutrition 100 and being on the executive board for UNICEF and the Student Nutrition Association this year!