Health and Nutrition Educator – Amanda Bodenheimer

Like many students in Meredith’s graduate programs, Amanda Bodenheimer, ’14, juggled multiple responsibilities while pursuing her Master of Science in nutrition degree.

“Being an adult student in a demanding master’s program while maintaining a full-time job and other obligations is tough,” said Amanda. “But when you believe in what you’re working for, it’s worth it.”

Amanda used her strengths – her focus, determination, and always giving her best effort – to reach her goal. And she had some great experiences along the way.

As one of three students on the Nutrition Graduate Student Association (NGSA) leadership team, she played a big part in bringing Vivian Howard, owner of Chef & the Farmer restaurant in Kinston, N.C., and star of the PBS docuseries A Chef’s Life, to campus (pictured above, center). Amanda spent the day with the chef, who spoke to two nutrition classes and gave a public talk in a packed Kresge Auditorium.

“NGSA played a critical role in making the event run smoothly,” Amanda recalled. “It was a crazy day with lots of running around – but I really got to bond with my classmates and meeting Vivian was great.”

“The best was at the end of the night, stepping back and observing the standing room-only event that resulted from the hard work that was put in,” she said. “I was really proud of Meredith and our program that night.”

Another proud moment for Amanda was when she was inducted into the Kappa Omicron Nu honor society. She praised Meredith’s intimate learning environment for making her achievement possible.

“Because the program is small, the faculty and staff really got to know me. That’s not something you can easily find in larger institutions,” said Amanda. “Meredith provided me with a strong foundation, vast knowledge, and the confidence to make a difference in the nutrition field.”