​As part of its 60th-anniversary celebrations, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is introducing 60 future healthcare professionals who are currently in their first year. Meet Kirstin Sylvester.

“Don’t stop until you are proud.” That is the message Kirstin Sylvester would put on a massive billboard if she could.

Sylvester is a 23-year old first-year BSc Dietetics student who decided to change trajectory after completing her BA degree in Psychology from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. She was motivated to venture into this new direction because she believes that it has the power to improve the quality of people’s lives. “Dietetics is about empowerment through knowledge about food and nutrition.”

She says her first year has been academically challenging, but rewarding. “Every lecture is an eye opener in the amazing profession that lies ahead.”

She thinks the biggest challenge dieticians currently face, is competing with the abundance of freely available nutrition advice on the internet and social media.

“Information is readily available, but not reliable.”

Though Sylvester doesn’t have a clear idea where she sees herself in 10 years’ time, she’s excited about all the possibilities. “Research is constantly being done and as long as I’m continually learning and pushing myself to be the best dietician, I will be happy.”Fast facts:

• Her pet hate is people sipping or chewing loudly.
• Her aunt, Nicky Newton-King, is an SU-alumna and currently the CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
• In her free time, she relaxes by walking her two Pomeranians along the Sea Point promenade.
• Even dietetics students love chocolate. Sylvester says she enjoys baking, especially her Flake and cherry chocolate cake.