Hi everyone! I write to you today as a new woman.
Last week was a doozy. On Friday, I presented my thesis and graduated with my Master’s in Public Health.
Time to celebrate. I’ve completely finished my Dietetic Internship (9 months of working in a public health department/hospital/corporate wellness at Nike), received my Verification Statement, graduated with a Master’s, and can sit for the RD (Registered Dietitian) exam, though I’ll take some time to study after the holiday craziness is over. Grad school – I loved you and all, but I am so relieved to finally be a normal human being again. So long, academia.
What a ride it’s been – 28 long and challenging, sleep-deprived months through UNC’s Coordinated Program. My cohort is pretty much amazing and full of all-stars. I can’t wait to see where each person ends up and how he/she changes the world in nutrition and public health. Thank you for the memories, UNC! I also can’t thank my family and husband enough for all of their support and understanding. And all of you who have reached out with comments, texts, messages, calls, etc. – THANK YOU, you have no idea how much I appreciate that!
And, you just can’t leave Chapel Hill without a stop at Merritt’s for their famous BLT’s. Seriously, these sandwiches are legit!
After traveling back and unpacking, the rest of the weekend was quite relaxing. The weather was gorgeous here – 75 degrees in December! I took advantage with some long runs. We also cleaned out the garage, slept in, addressed sooo many Christmas cards, and cooked some yummies.
On Sunday, I made this quinoa brittle, which turned out fantastic. I subbed peanuts for the pecans since I’m allergic. I think this would be a great addition to any holiday party or a homemade gift idea!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and for those of you in finals, good luck! You are almost there!
was the highlight of your weekend?
Tell me your most favorite accomplishment!
That is incredible! Congratulations, Sarah! I know that you worked hard and now you deserve some relaxation and holiday fun. We had a very warm weekend too. I have a suspicion is will be over soon. It looks like you have lovely trails to run on. That BLT does look good and so does your brittle. That’s something I haven’t had in a very long time. Thanks for linking with us!
Thank you so much! I hope your recovery continues to go well!
I am so excited for you! I know you must feel so proud- as you should! You’ve done the hard part- the exam will be a breeze. I am so glad you started this blog for me to follow along, as I am about year and half behind you. I’m looking forward to getting together- I’m wanting all the details 😀
I am already drooling thinking about what I’ll order at sunflour. Thank you so much for reading, Kate. I look forward to your positive comments every morning 🙂
My highlight was watching you deliver your thesis and seeing you graduate!
Dawww..Meant the world having you there!
Congratulations Sarah! Now you can enjoy the holidays, then knock that exam out of the way! Merry Christmas and the Best in 2016!
Thank you Bridget! Best holiday wishes to you and the family!
How exciting – congratulations!!!! I recently finished studies at Georgetown for Health Coaching. Loved it but happy to be done with all the work. Excited to see where you go from here! And that BLT – OMG I almost faceplanted into the screen 🙂
Wow, congratulations to you too! I bet you feel great being done 🙂 BLT’s are so simple but can be oh so delicious!
That is wonderful Sarah all of your hard work has paid off! I can not imagine all the long hours you had to put in! Now you can sit back and enjoy the holidays. Then you can focus on sitting for your exam in 2016! So glad to have you join us again for the Weekly Wrap! Have an awesome week!!!
Thank you for having me at Weekly Wrap, Tricia! Have a great week!
Huge HUGE congratulations to you!! This is no small feat and truly an amazing accomplishment. I’ve seen family and friends delve years of their lives into their thesis so I know how much time and work it takes. I hope you only continue to treat yourself this week as you can now enjoy more of the things you love. Have a wonderful week!
You’re so sweet. Thank you so much!!
Oh gosh what a week! Congratulations not only for your accomplishments of last week but for your accomplishments of the last 28 months! Well done you!
I hope you get in some time now to put your feet up, relax and enjoy the holidays before you have to tackle your studies again.
Btw this sandwich looks to die for!
If you are ever in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh, NC area, you must go and get yoself one!
Congrats on graduating, this must be so exciting for you! That BLT is looking absolutely delicious, I need it!! And that quinoa bark you made looks unread, I never thought of doing anything like that!
It was actually pretty easy and well worth it 🙂 I think it would be a great studying snack!
CONGRATS Sarah!!! So so exciting 🙂 Very much looking forward to continuing to follow along and to see what the post-graduation path looks like for you 🙂 In the meantime, enjoy the well-deserved REST!
Thanks Jacklyn! I look forward to following your journey too 🙂 Good luck with the rest of your finals!
First of all, HUGE congrats to you! What an amazing accomplishment. And secondly, quinoa brittle! I need that.
Thank you, Jen! Yes, you definitely need to make this brittle!
New to your blog…but what a post to visit your site! Congrats on your graduation! You quinoa brittle look yummy. Did you see the recipe for quinoa chicken soup in Runner’s World? It look delicious too. I’m going to try that too.
Thank you Rebecca! I had not seen that recipe but just looked it up. My husband is starting to come down with a cold, so think we may be making this soon. Love seeing new uses for quinoa 🙂
Congratulations. What fantastic news for you!! I bet it feels wonderful to be done.
That quinoa brittle is super intriguing.
Happy Monday and thanks for linking up.
My husband was convinced it tasted just like peanut brittle. It’s pretty addictive.
WOOOO you go girl! Congrats!!
Thanks Sara!
CONGRATULATIONS! What a huge accomplishment. I hope you get some time to rest and relax a bit over this holiday season 🙂
P.S. The RD exam will just be a breeze at this point 😉
Thanks! I hope so..just have to get the motivation to study!
SO MANY congratulations. Enjoy your success and your break! And I love quinoa brittle. I’ve had it a few times and really liked it!
It’s dangerously addictive. I need to make more!
That is so fabulous! Congratulations!! What a way to end a year!! And lucky you with the beautiful weather and those gorgeous trails!!
Thanks, Paula! Yes, we have been spoiled with the weather lately – I’m not sure how long these 75 degree days will last but I’m loving it!
Wow – what an accomplishment!! Congrats on putting in all that hard work. What a fabulous way to end the year!
Definitely couldn’t come at a better time 😉
Congratulations!!! So exciting! Enjoy your much needed break! I’m looking forward to being where you are…in like 18 months 🙂 xoxo
I obviously found this post way late, but belated congrats! I’m starting the UNC MPH/RD program this fall 😀
Thanks Michelle. Congratulations for getting admitted to the program! You will love it. Let me know if you have any questions in the meantime 🙂