Senior Interdisciplinary Health Sciences major Joan Biyok, an Air Force ROTC cadet and current intern at the Chez Veterans Center, recently organized and facilitated the Nutrition Workshop in partnership with McKinley Health Center. As part of her internship, Joan played a key role in coordinating this evidence-based program, helping bring meaningful wellness education to military-connected students and the broader campus community.

One of the most memorable moments of the workshop for Joan was the discussion about popular diet trends—and how many of them are misleading or entirely false. The McKinley team emphasized how quickly inaccurate health information spreads on social media and encouraged participants to seek out credible, evidence-based sources when making decisions about their health. For Joan, this message resonated strongly. As both a future Air Force officer and a student juggling academics, leadership training, and personal responsibilities, she understood how vital it is to make informed choices about nutrition and well-being. The reminder that “trendy” diets can negatively impact health reinforced the importance of critical thinking and reliable information.

The workshop also offered a range of practical takeaways, many of which Joan found both relatable and actionable. She learned how distractions, such as watching TV or scrolling through a phone, can interfere with recognizing fullness cues, leading to mindless overeating. The facilitators introduced the concept of a personal “hunger scale,” highlighted common challenges students face (like unintentionally skipping meals on busy days), and discussed strategies such as meal prepping to maintain energy and focus. Participants were also encouraged to rethink stress-snacking by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their day—an insight that helped Joan recognize where her own habits could improve.

Stepping back, Joan reflected on how these insights apply not only to herself but to students navigating the many transitions that come with higher education. Nutrition plays a critical role in academic performance, emotional regulation, physical readiness, and overall resilience, especially for military-connected students managing unique stressors and responsibilities. She saw clearly how small, intentional changes can support both immediate well-being and long-term success.

In organizing this workshop, Joan also witnessed firsthand the value of collaboration between the Chez Veterans Center and campus partners like McKinley Health Center. Programs like this exemplify the center’s drive to positively impact the lives of Veteran and military-connected students. By creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and develop skills that enhance their academic and personal success, the center continues to honor the values and experiences of those it serves.

For Joan, helping lead this workshop was not just a requirement of her internship, it was an experience that deepened her understanding of wellness, strengthened her connection to her community, and reinforced her commitment to supporting others as she prepares for her future Air Force career.