Dietetics student aspires to be a leader in the healthcare industry
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EmailStudent Madeline Marcero finds ways to serve and connect with others while at Michigan State University.
Madeline Marcero chose to study dietetics based on her early interests in health, well-being and fitness. She is pursuing a minor in health promotion and has a passion to spread body acceptance and appreciation through health and nutrition.
“I realized that I could turn this passion of mine into my future career and help others with the care and assistance they are looking for,” Marcero said. “This major has allowed me to build on my compassion and empathy in taking care of others and providing them with the assistance needed regarding their health.”
A campus tour of Michigan State University (MSU) helped her decide to come to East Lansing, Michigan.
“I decided to come to MSU to pursue this dream of mine because of the overall atmosphere this campus offers. When touring this campus, I felt as if I belonged here and that my voice mattered, which was a very welcoming feeling.”
Marcero is one of the 2021 CANR Alumni Association Scholarship awardees.
Name: Madeline (Maddie) Marcero
Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Major: Dietetics, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Expected graduation date: May 2022
Who or what inspired your interest in the major you selected?
I have always been a very athletic individual and this made me prioritize my nutrition in order to feel my best and perform my best. As I grew up, I took the initiative to do my own research and work to learn about proper nutrition to fuel my body in order to feel my best, both mentally and physically. I began to realize the importance of food and exercise in regard to overall health, and became inspired to take what I have learned and help others do the same.
What has been one of your best experiences within your major so far?
My best experiences within my major so far are all the various opportunities that are available to me as an undergraduate student. I joined the Food and Nutrition Association, Peer Body Project at MSU [a workshop through College of Education that helps challenge cultural standards of female beauty] and Spartans Empower Body Acceptance student club.
I have been fortunate enough to learn so much more than the information I have learned in the classroom. Through my classes, clubs, organizations and other involvements, I have been able to connect with an amazing community who inspire me to be my best. I have formed lasting relationships with my professors and peers within my major, which have helped me succeed tremendously.
What do you want others to know about this major?
The dietetics major requires a lot of hard work, time and determination, but it is extremely rewarding and has taught me so much more than the information relevant to my major.
This major has allowed me to build on my compassion and empathy in taking care of others and providing them with the assistance needed regarding their health. This major has taught me that serving others is a major leadership role within the healthcare field, and I aspire to be the best leader I can be!
What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?
The best thing about being an MSU student are the relationships formed throughout my years. I have formed connections with people I would never have imagined to meet, and I know will last me a lifetime. The memories I have gained at MSU have been some of the best in my life and I wouldn’t trade for anything.
There are so many ways to get involved on MSU’s campus. I recommend getting involved, as you never know what you may discover about yourself and all the various options available.
Any thoughts or advice for current or new students?
Get to know your professors and peers! Finding things that interest you and people that understand you are what have been my favorite part of being a student at MSU, so do not be afraid to put yourself out there.
What are your future plans?
After graduating, my future plans include completing my dietetic internship combined with a master’s degree. I aspire to complete my internship in another state besides Michigan to expand my horizons and open myself up to new experiences, environments and people!
Currently, I am most interested in sports nutrition or becoming a registered dietitian specialized in eating disorders, but am keeping an open mind as I gain more experience in my field.
