An academic, a volunteer, and a dancer; Bedford native Ellen Palmer is a Mount student who is determined to succeed. Just two practicum placements away from graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics), she has recently been awarded the Dietitians of Canada Undergraduate Student Award.
“I’m really excited and honored to be receiving this award,” says Ellen. “To be able to win such a prestigious prize is definitely a big step for me.”
The Dietitians of Canada Undergraduate Student Award, sponsored by Mead Johnson Nutrition, is a national award worth $2,500 for academic excellence and both personal and professional potential in the dietetic profession. Ellen has also been sponsored to attend the National Dietitians of Canada Conference in Montreal.
“Academically, I have very high personal standards,” says Ellen. “My goal for my undergraduate degree was to retain a high GPA so I could renew my scholarship every year. It’s great to be recognized nationally for my work.”
Along with being a high achiever in academics, Ellen is also an accomplished highland dancer.
“I’ve been highland dancing for most of my life,” Ellen says. “I’ve danced in events across Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.”
Ellen has also been involved outside the classroom during her time at the Mount. She is a member of the Mount’s student branch of Canadian Association of Food Service Professionals (CAFP) and the Mount’s peer nutrition counseling group, Student Nutrition Services. Looking back, Ellen could not be more pleased.
“My time at the Mount has helped me discover that I love a challenge,” says Ellen. “The more challenging something is, the more I enjoy it. As a student in Applied Human Nutrition, it has been so great to go to school each day loving what I am learning.”