Kaila Tench is a May 2022 graduate of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) where she earned a degree in the Dietetic Technician program and also received her Certified Dietary Manager Certificate in December 2021. She is currently employed at Allegheny General Hospital. Kaila completed her first internship at Magee Women's Hospital during the Summer semester of 2021, and recently completed her last internship at the Jewish Community Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. 

How did you choose your major in college? How did you choose CCAC? Did you have a mentor or person who helped guide you through that process? 
I was employed at UPMC Magee Women's hospital for 4 1/2 years as a dietary liaison. During my time there, I had the opportunity to learn about the various diets that are utilized in order to provide patients with nutrition options that correlate with their health conditions. I was inspired by the numerous dietitians that are employed at Magee and grew a love for what they do so well. 

I chose CCAC because the program they offer for dietetics aligned perfectly with the goals I manifested. I give all the credit for my love of nutrition and dietetics to the Food & Nutrition staff at UPMC Magee. I worked under and alongside some amazing individuals who were very supportive at all times, especially my former manager Cameron Speed. 

What student activities were you involved in, while attending college? Were you involved with any activities or work experience outside of school? Any advice for current students about getting involved to gain relevant skills and experience? 
While at CCAC, I was a member of the Dietetic Club. Additionally, outside of school I partake in volunteer work within my community. 

My advice for students that are unsure about getting involved, whether within their current field of study, or simply in their communities, would be to give it a try! 

There is so much gratitude that comes from being a servant to others and gaining knowledge from those around you. 

What skills did you gain from being involved and/or working? 
I gained so many valuable skills from being involved and working, including communication skills when talking to people of all ages, time management, professionalism, problem-solving, and flexibility. 

What special memories, if any, can you share from your time at CCAC? 
I am grateful to have been a part of many memorable moments but my most favorite would have to be the opportunity to provide lunches for essential staff employed at CCAC during my foods lab course. 

Being able to bring light to others and serve those who give their time and services to CCAC's campus gave me an undeniable feeling of gratitude. 

Read more stories, and why community college is so important, on #CommunityCollegeBecause:

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is Director of Student Life and Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), as well as an Instructor for a class on "The Job Search" at CCAC. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.