By Desiree Williams
Alexa Pratt, 24, is a Fishers resident and a Fishers High School graduate. She finished classes in December 2012, then spent one semester volunteering in a neonatal intensive care unit until graduation in June 2013.
Q: What was your favorite subject in high school and why?
A: In high school, I really enjoyed my art classes. I have always preferred 3-D art, so I took jewelry and ceramics classes. Because I was taking quite a few AP courses, these art classes were a welcome break in the middle of the day. I got to express myself creatively and use my hands to create some really fun pieces that I still have.
Q: Who has been your most influential teacher throughout school and why?
A: My most influential teacher has been Mr. Bradley Jackson. Not only was he my history teacher at Riverside Junior High, but he also was a mentor that I am so grateful to have had. I was lucky enough to also work with him while volunteering for National Junior Honors Society. He showed me the importance of putting others before yourself, and he helped me to grow as a person as I prepared for high school. He made an impact on my life that is hard to put into words, but anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him knows how uniquely special he is.
Q: Can you tell me about your collegiate experiences?
A: I attended Indiana University in Bloomington from 2013 to 2017. I studied dietetics with minors in psychology and gender studies. While at IU, I was part of the Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as a peer mentor for the Body Project. I also helped found the first on-campus food pantry called the Crimson Cupboard.
Q: Why did you choose dietetics?
A: I chose to study nutrition because it allows me to combine my love of science and food with my desire to help others live happier and healthier lives.
Q: What was your path post-graduation?
A: After graduating from IU, I completed my dietetic internship, basically a residency that is required to become a registered dietitian, at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Conn. This was a yearlong program during which I worked full-time at the hospital while completing course work and additional projects in the community.
Q: Tell me more about your role as a registered dietitian.
A: I provide nutrition counseling to people that could benefit from making lifestyle changes to help manage their conditions such as diabetes, coronary artery disease (and) GI conditions (among others).
Q: Do you have any advice for younger students?
A: Seek out mentors in your field of interest, and don’t wait to start. It’s never too early to start learning from those who have experience and insight.
