Jinaka Coker

Nutritional Sciences

Nurse of 20 years pursued dietetics to help son

Hometown

I currently live in Toccoa, GA with my twins, but I call Tennessee home.

Major

Dietetics

Activities/Honors

Does being a full-time mom to twins count?

Why I chose my major

I have been a nurse for over 20 years and have empathy and compassion for my patients then and now. However, after my son became ill, he had to have a gastric sleeve at 16, and he struggled with being a "normal" teenager and being able to eat what he wanted, and I did not know how to help him.  This was when my interest in dietetics began.  Two years later, I had a gastric bypass so we could take this journey together. Through our journeys, I found that everyone's bodies react to food differently, and my desire to learn and educate other bariatric patients began.

What I like most about FACS

Dr. Laing has been amazing. Any time I had a question she would either know the answer or find the answer for me. Plus, she went over and above making sure we were communicating even when I wasn't in her class that semester.

Post-graduation Plans

I currently do not have any plans due to health issues.