Grace Stetsko, a master’s student in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University positively impacted her community while at CSU.
Coming to CSU from Eastern Michigan, Stetsko found her energy in the Colorado Rockies. “When I decided I wanted to pursue dietetics, I noticed that CSU had a strong graduate program and as a bonus, I would be close to great skiing,” she said.
Stetsko kept busy with jobs and volunteer pursuits while at CSU.
She worked as a personal trainer for the campus recreation center, she helped manage the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition’s social media accounts during her time as an administrative assistant, she worked with students as a graduate teaching assistant in multiple undergraduate FSHN courses, and she volunteered for CSU’s Growing Food Security initiative.
Finding support
Stetsko’s path in graduating from CSU was not easy, she notes that the support from others helped her cross the finish line.
“I have struggled with health issues for a few years now, that have progressively worsened. Thankfully, I am now receiving care from a team of healthcare professionals who are eager to problem solve with me,” Stetsko said. “My fiancé, parents, and siblings are amazing, and have done as much as they possibly can to support my well-being.”
The faculty at CSU are not only experts in their respective fields, but they are also curious and eager to learn about the fields they are not experts in. This is a trait that Stetsko values and believes contributes to the growth of understanding in academia.
“The best professors I had at CSU, aside from being phenomenal teachers, reminded their students that school is not the most important thing by offering compassion, flexibility, and sometimes even just saying it,” Stetsko said.
Improving the lives of others
Stetsko’s time at CSU is highlighted by her commitment to serving her community, including developing modules and programs to help individuals across the lifespan.
“As a graduate teaching assistant for undergraduate nutrition science and metabolism courses, I had the opportunity to volunteer with CSU’s Growing Food Security initiative, where I was involved in planting, maintaining, and harvesting produce for distribution to CSU students through the food pantry on campus. As part of my Plan B Thesis, I worked with Assistant Professor James Peth in the FSHN department to develop modules for the Integrative Wellness Coaching Program that is coming soon,” Stetsko said.
Alena Clark, instructor in the FSHN department, provides students with firsthand experiences to help make the world a better place. Stetsko applied the skills she learned in Clark’s classes to positively impact the lives of others.
“One of my favorite projects during my time at CSU was developing a nutrition education handout for patients recovering from cancer for distribution at UC Health,” Stetsko said. “This felt like a very practical application of the skills I have been developing throughout the program. I am most proud of managing an immense workload while completing my degree.”
Remembering community
As a graduate student, Stetsko had the unique opportunity to build relationships with other members in her cohort who are in a similar place in their lives. Stetsko is leaving CSU having established incredible relationships with her peers.
“I have been part of the most wonderful graduate student cohort. We have built a phenomenal support system within each other, and I will miss them all very much,” Stetsko said.
As an administrative assistant for the department, Stetsko also made connections with various staff members.
“I am sad to leave my FSHN officemates – Karen Hanawalt, Zara Hopkins, Paula Coleman, Cliff Choury, and Pam Cox – and I am so grateful to them for making work a lot more fun,” Stetsko said.
CSU is close to some of the best recreational outdoor activities in the country, Stetsko will miss “being around the corner from the many ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park.”
Future plans
After her graduation in the spring of 2024, Stetsko will be returning home to Michigan where she will start the William Beaumont Hospital Dietetic Internship.
“I look forward to diving deeper into medical nutrition therapy while being closer to family,” she said.
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
