Guelph Grad Q&A: Sarah Ribey

Guelph Grad Follows Passion for Health and Nutrition

Driven by a passion for nutrition and a dream of becoming a doctor, Sarah Ribey chose to major in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph. The program proved to be both rewarding and provided Sarah with the foundational skills she needed to get into medical school.

 Keep reading to learn more about Sarah’s U of G experience, including being a member of the varsity women’s rowing team. 

Interview with Sarah Ribey

Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph?

I’m from Atikokan, ON and graduated the University of Guelph last spring (2024). During my time at U of G, I was a member of the varsity women’s rowing team and competed at the provincial and national level. I am now in first-year at medical school at NOSM U. I chose to study Applied Human Nutrition because I was passionate about nutrition and leading a healthy lifestyle in high school, and I thought it would be a great undergrad degree before applying to med school. 

What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?

II really liked the clinical nutrition courses that talked about the pathophysiology of various diseases and the treatment, mainly nutrition, for these diseases. Being that I wanted to be a doctor, these courses were very interesting and rewarding to me. 

Where are you currently working and what is your role?

I am currently a first-year student at NOSMU’s MD program.

How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?

Applied Human Nutrition provided me the foundational skills to study medicine, being that I learned about the pathophysiology of various diseases and treatments for these, valuable interviewing and communication skills for patients, and research experience. I found this program rewarding and easy to succeed in (being that GPA is a huge part of getting into med school). 

What advice would you give someone considering the Applied Human Nutrition program or applying to the University of Guelph?

I would definitely recommend the AHN program to anyone, especially if you’re interested in nutrition and/or being a registered dietitian as the program is accredited with PDEP. University of Guelph was a great atmosphere full of wonderful people, experiences, activities, and classes. I am so glad I chose to go to U of G, as the city is very student-centred, and it is easy to get anywhere! 

Bonus Questions

Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?

To be honest, I mostly cooked at home and didn’t eat too much on campus, but when I lived in residence in first-year I lived off Mom’s kitchen. Really whatever they had to offer I would choose; they had great vegetarian options! 

In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?

The quiet study floor of the library! 

What was your pre-exam ritual? 

I would study for finals all semester. I am not a crammer, so I always felt very prepared for my exams as I had been studying for months.

What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G? 

1. The rowing team
2. The food on campus  
3. The fitness centre  
4. The amount of activities and clubs to be a part of.  
5. The beautiful buildings and scenery!