Julia Pittman
Nutritional Sciences
Life on the farm instilled an early passion for nutrition
- Hometown
Nicholson, Ga.
- Major
Dietetics. Minors: Human development and family science; Culinary science and nutrition
- Activities/Honors
- Dean’s List
- Presidential Scholar
- GACAA Family Scholarship 3x recipient
- Zell Miller Scholarship
- Camp Kudzu Volunteer
- Volunteer/worked at the Athens YMCA for the past four years
- Why I chose my major
I grew up on my family's beef cattle farm, and we have a large summer garden every year. I rode on tractors, played on hay bales and helped work cattle. I started snapping green beans, shucking corn, and watching my mom can and put up vegetables every summer from an early age. It was instilled in me the importance of knowing where food comes from and appreciating what farmers do. I also participated in multiple sports growing up and learned how important it is to stay active. At 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Living with diabetes has led me to be fascinated with how different foods help fuel the body. Comparing the nutrition labels of different foods and experimenting with recipes is something I love to do. Since middle school, I knew I wanted to help others living with diabetes as well. Pursuing a major in dietetics just made the most sense for me. It combines my agriculture background and passions for food and helping others.
- What I like most about FACS
What I like most about FACS is how connected you are to everyone. Even though we are at a large university, being in FACS made it feel like I was in a small school, and I know many people in my major. My professors are also amazing people who have helped and supported me while I have been here.
- Post-graduation plans
Following graduation, I will be finishing my master’s degree in nutritional sciences here at UGA online, as well as completing my dietetic internship through Sodexo. From there, I plan to become a Registered Dietitian and hope to work in either the clinical or community setting.
