End of 2025 Reflections

This year I started a new job and had to learn and spend quite a bit of time embracing a learning attitude. It can be a big pivot when you step out of a role you have done for 13 years into a new space. You feel like a novice and you have to be willing to listen, watch and learn. It can be humbling to take this leap of faith, but I have to say, looking back, I have no regrets!

As I have been reflecting on the things I have learned this year I thought I'd share some of those thoughts:

🖥️ I had to step into a remote position with new coworkers in a remote capacity. I had to learn how to communicate remotely via Teams/email in a new way.

🤝 I had to pivot my network and work to meet new people around the state of Ohio and beyond. I always felt decently well connected in the neonatal nutrition bubble, but expanding that network was a big change this last year. I was amazed how those connections I had helped me navigate new working relationships and opportunities.

🧳 I had the opportunity to travel all around Ohio and also around the country for work-related events and meetings. This was a great experience especially to meet people in person after initially interacting remotely.

🐮I got to learn SO much about dairy foods and expand my knowledge regarding this food commodity that I didn't know before. I knew a lot about human milk and formula and now I have expanded my milk knowledge to better understand cow milk. There is so much neat science and research I have learned about over this last year.

🗣️ I got expand my communication skills through writing, creating content for social media, and giving presentations. I have always enjoyed public speaking and this new job gave me SO many opportunities to grow and cultivate these skills.

❤️ The number of people I have worked with over the last year who love what they do has been so amazing to witness. I fell in love with being a Registered Dietitian all over again this last year. I had struggled previously with being overworked and burned out and really questioning my career choice. This last year helped me be excited for my career path in a way that I haven't felt in awhile.

🗓️ 2025 was a year of learning, growth and moving into a new career pathway. I am so incredibly excited for the future and seeing what 2026 holds!