Interview with Joycelyn Huynh - OHEA Mentorship Program

Joycelyn Huynh and her OHEA Mentor Erin MacGregor at the 2018 OHEA Conference at Brescia University College in London, Ontario.

Joycelyn Huynh is a third year student at Brescia University College from Markham, Ontario. She is completing her Bachelor of Science with an Honours Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics, with the aspiration of becoming a Registered Dietitian in the future. She is also pursuing a Certificate in Digital Communications. Joy has been a part of the Brescia University College Students' Council going on three years and is the Incoming Chief Communications Officer (CCO) for the 2018-2019 Council. She has also been the Second Year and Third Year Representative on the Students' Human Ecology Association (SHEA) Executive Team for the last two years. In her free time, Joy likes to explore London and Toronto to try new foods with her friends. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I can find the simplest things absolutely hilarious. I also love Yelp and Groupon. 

How did you hear about the OHEA Mentorship Program?
I believe I saw it on social media. 

Why did you choose to be involved in the Mentorship Program?
I have already been involved in a couple of mentorship programs with other associations and believe it is such a great opportunity to learn from professionals and expand my network. 

Who is your mentor?
My mentor is Erin MacGregor. She is currently a Professional Home Economist, a Registered Dietitian at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and co-founded a business, How to Eat. 
Her LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-macgregor-80643327/

Can you tell us about how you and your mentor first connected?
As I am currently in London and she is in Toronto, we first connected through a phone call. 

How has your relationship with your mentor developed during your involvement in the program?
Although we only connect about once a month on the phone, I had a couple of opportunities to meet her in person and actually got to see her speak at the 2018 OHEA Conference on March 24th. I am comfortable enough to ask her any questions regarding professional development. Throughout the year, my mentor has been an excellent resource to me!

​How have you benefited from your mentoring experience so far?
I am more knowledgeable about the field of dietetics (especially clinical dietetics) and understand the process of internships and applications. I now know what I need to do in order to obtain a spot in the field I want to work in. Most of all, I've learned about life experiences!

What would you say to a student considering the OHEA Mentorship Program?
As my mentor and I only connected about once a month for an hour (with some e-mailing), it never got in the way of school. Step out of your comfort zone and do it!