Jennifer Ray

Nutritional Sciences

Diabetes diagnosis led to lifestyle change, passion for helping others

Hometown

Bethlehem, Ga.

Major

Dietetics

Activities/Honors

• Bill and June Flatt Outstanding Senior Award Recipient
• Melynda Flatt Reid Dietetics Scholarship Recipient
• The Mullis Family Scholarship Recipient
• Presidential Scholar
• Dean’s List
• The National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi)
• Student Dietetics Association

Why I chose my major

I knew I wanted to go back to school for a second undergraduate degree.  However, until 2018, I wasn’t sure which degree program I wanted to pursue. My life changed in March 2018 when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Based on this diagnosis, I made the decision to adjust my diet and make some lifestyle changes. Within nine months, I had lost 40 pounds. My doctor removed the word “diabetic” from my medical chart, and I no longer had to take medications for diabetes or check my blood sugar levels. I believed that if I could change my life by changing my diet, I could help others do the same. In July 2019, I reached out to Dr. Laing regarding the dietetics programs at UGA and she was very helpful. After our conversation, I knew the next step in my life’s journey would take me to UGA and that I would major in dietetics.

What I like most about FACS

There are so many things about FACS that stand out. To me, the most prevalent is the amazing sense of community among the professors and the students. Even though I was an older transfer student, from day one, I felt that I had been accepted into a wonderful and caring community of people.

Post-graduation plans

I plan to work as a school nutrition director while obtaining advanced certification in the field.