Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign,
[00:00:11] Speaker B: Y'. All, you are listening to Fit to Be tied with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone. And my goodness, how are we in April, Whitney? Like, I know that I always start the show being like, oh, my gosh, how's it almost the end of March? Oh, my goodness. How is it the beginning of April? But I am in such shock with how quickly this semester has gone despite not having had an official spring break. You know, I don't know. I thought it was gonna lag.
[00:00:35] Speaker C: It's really gone surprisingly fast. And April's probably my least favorite month because of all the weather that we have to deal with. But they say April showers or tornadoes bring Mayflowers. I don't know how that works, but, you know, it has, like, not having a spring break. Okay. And I hope nobody higher up is listening to this because I'm not trying to, like, mess this up, but, like, it's actually kept me more focused. Does that make sense? Like, I've been more. Because I didn't have, like, that regular vacation time, and I guess I've kind of taken off a little here and there, like, for longer weekends, but.
[00:01:11] Speaker B: Right.
[00:01:11] Speaker C: But by not having that full week, it's weird that the semester has gone by so quickly. I don't know about you, but it's been okay for me. I mean, I was all right with it.
[00:01:22] Speaker B: Yeah, well, I think you're right because there are so many timeframes, especially depending on if we have a relatively early or late spring break, depending on what's going on. You know, I think that we mentally will kind of define the spring semester by, like, you know, everything that's happening leading up to spring break and then, you know, what happens afterwards. And I think sometimes, you know, whatever happens after spring break, people kind of mentally check out, even though in theory you want people to finish out strong because that's when finals are happening. That's when people graduate. So, yeah, maybe not having that official, like, week long break. Now, I'm not saying, like you said, like, you know, we're not trying to advocate for no spring break, but it was just kind of interesting to experience that.
[00:02:06] Speaker C: Yeah. And, you know, the more I think about it, the more I really enjoyed having a longer Christmas break because it gave me the chance to just kind of totally just shut my brain off from work for a longer period of time and then come back refreshed and ready to go. Whereas when you have spring break again, I feel like I shouldn't be saying this because anybody listening to me is like, what are you doing right now?
[00:02:31] Speaker B: But I don't know.
[00:02:32] Speaker C: It's kind of an interesting little experiment that we done. And I don't know what the plans are. I mean, I haven't looked at any academic calendars for the future. I don't know if this is something that we're going to continue to do or this is just only strictly a Covid related thing. Ashina, have you heard anything or have any idea?
[00:02:49] Speaker B: I have not. I have not.
[00:02:51] Speaker C: Well, and I guess it's kind of one of those things that I'm sure, you know, looking at data and looking at, you know, Covid cases, obviously, because that's, I think, why this was done.
I mean, for me, the students that I work with. And since the beginning of this semester, I have only had one student.
No, I take that back. Two students since the beginning of the semester have to be quarantined because of COVID And there was way, way more last semester. I mean, it was just crazy. So there's got to be something said about maybe the way we've structured our time off and things like that.
[00:03:25] Speaker B: I agree. And you know, I think that with us having that later, starting in terms of the university opening in January versus it being like, okay, you immediately have to go back to work on January 2nd or 3rd, like pushing it to the 7th.
You know how I feel about the Sunday scaries? Like, it took away the Sunday scaries for me, that it wasn't like, come Sunday night, it's like, oh my gosh, I have to like, go back to work tomorrow. It's the beginning of the spring semester.
[00:03:50] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:03:50] Speaker B: Instead it was like deferred to, you know, that Thursday. And I could kind of like feel like there was a little bit of like mental prep time and emotional prep time kind of going back into the semester. But, you know, I think that this is a great segue. Just giving a little preview of what we'll be talking about today. Because, you know, we've had so many guests, you know, over the fall and through the spring that have been coming from the faculty and staff point of view. You know, we've certainly had so many discussions of how it's affected our programming as employees. And, you know, we talk about the student experience to an extent, but we haven't had many conversations directly with our students as far as, you know, how they felt about COVID You know, how students actually liked the hybrid model. Have they been craving to go back in person? Have they felt safer being in a virtual platform? How has it affected those that are in academic programs where they're, you know, in different site placements for, for different things. So it's going to be kind of nice for us to talk with a quote unquote, real life student today and talk about those experiences and, and just some, you know, just some other things related to health when it comes to the student experience too that we don't normally think about. But that's my little like, teaser. Now we got to take a break. You know how I am about getting you hydrated. So grab a beverage, use the restroom, wash your hands, do what you gotta do. You will catch us on the flip side. You're listening to Fit to Be Tied with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7, the capstone.
[00:05:25] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
Welcome back.
[00:05:32] Speaker C: You're listening to Fit to Be Tied on this lovely Sunday afternoon, Easter Sunday afternoon. Right. So.
[00:05:38] Speaker B: Yes, yes, I know. How could we forget that?
[00:05:40] Speaker C: It is, I know, like, it's gonna be crazy. Look, I have to just out myself. I love Easter candy. I love just the, this like, sweetness, like I get on sugar highs. I love it so much. Which I found a new Reese's cup that is amazing. I'm just going to tell our listeners it's, it's the Reese's Marshmallow, but it doesn't, it's not marshmallow because I don't eat marshmallow because I like being a vegetarian and animal parts and all that kind of stuff. It's just the, just the, the kind of, the flavor of it and have the white top on it. It is so good. It's the best thing.
[00:06:15] Speaker B: Okay, well, you know, and I'm sitting here, it's it. You guys can't see it, but I've got some, definitely have some jelly bean action that's happening. So, so I can get into some Easter candy too. You know, it's like. Yeah, yeah. You know, I have mixed feelings about peeps. Like, I don't know, like they're festive, but I will not actually eat them. Yeah, no, yeah, no, that, yeah, like
[00:06:38] Speaker C: I said, marshmallows, I can stay away from that, you know, but this flavor of these Reese's Cups, it's almost like a really sweet white chocolate.
I'm sure it'll be on sale tomorrow. You can go grab some.
[00:06:50] Speaker B: Well, that was a great endorsement.
[00:06:53] Speaker C: We're not allowed to do that.
[00:06:54] Speaker A: Sorry.
[00:06:56] Speaker B: You just shared your opinion, your personal experience.
Well, okay, so before the break, you know, I was mentioning that we had a student on and you know, we have to Go with our normal track record of having the most amazing people on the show. So when I was thinking about having students, this is a student that I've personally had the pleasure of knowing since their freshman year. It's actually one of our students that's involved in Project Health and is a senior in nutrition. So without further ado, Ms. Maddie Cheever, thank you for joining us today.
[00:07:27] Speaker A: Thank you so much for having me. What a wonderful intro there. I am the most appreciative that you asked me. This is such an honor. So thank you so much.
[00:07:35] Speaker B: Absolutely. Now, Maddie, tell us a little bit about yourself. Just as far as you know, where you're from, you know, what brought you to, what made you decide to major in nutrition. We're just going to figuratively hand the mic over to you.
[00:07:53] Speaker A: Wonderful. Yeah. So a little bit about me.
So my name is Maddie. I consider myself from everywhere. I am a military brat, so I move every one, two to three years.
So I graduated high school in California and since then my parents have lived in three, four other states and now we're in Colorado, which is very fun.
So, yeah, go Navy.
What brought me to ua? So I actually didn't know that SEC schools existed until senior year. I didn't apply to really anything except for Bama. So we're all tied to that.
And I'm going to be super duper honest. I didn't have to write an essay, so that was exciting. I was like, okay, I'm just going to apply. Why not?
And then of course I toured and well, who doesn't fall in love here? And that was pretty much the end of that. I had never lived in the south at this point, so it was really something I was interested in trying.
And then, yeah, regarding nutrition, I was diagnosed with diabetes on November 3, 2012 at 10:30am Eastern Time. A very stressful time. I have it burned into my memory. But, you know, I'm so grateful for my support team. Of course my mom was there and yeah, so I kind of got into learning about a little later once I got over the why me? Right.
I started learning about how macronutrients affect my blood sugar and I did some self experimentation with a continuous glucose monitor which tracks my blood sugar every five minutes for anyone who is not aware.
And yeah, so I did a healthy lifestyle competition for two years in a row in California. I made it to the international competition. It was wonderful experience and it really taught me about myself and how I take care of my body and how I can influence my blood sugar. And it was just from there on, I was like, oh, my gosh, I've got to know everything about nutrition. And then I found just so many other things to be interested in once I started taking my classes. There hasn't been a nutrition class that was like, oh, yeah, maybe I don't like nutrition. No. Every single class I've had has confirmed that this is for me.
[00:09:53] Speaker C: You know, that is so, you know, mind blowing to me that, you know, in 2012, I mean, how old were you in 2012?
[00:10:01] Speaker A: I had just turned 14. That was eighth grade for me. 14.
[00:10:05] Speaker C: And, you know, being diagnosed with something like that, and it's kind of like, I'm guessing at 14. I mean, for myself, I didn't really know much about diabetes at 14. I don't think I really learned about it until I took some nutrition classes in college. And I was like, oh, so that's what's going on, you know, but it kind of sounded like that, you know, as much of a quote, unquote traumatic experience that was because we can all learn from those things and grow. You really did grow into having this. This passion to learn as much as you could about nutrition, and it interests you. And I think that is so cool that you took something that, you know, was really scary and, you know, confusing and like, you said, why me? And then all of a sudden you're like, but hold up, I'm gonna learn about this, and I'm going to learn how to control it and do all the things I need to do. I'm kind of curious, just kind of segueing away from that just for a second, you know, aside from nutrition and being an army brat and, like, moving all around, what are some other things that you're interested in doing? Just as, you know, being a student at the University of Alabama, what are some other extracurricular activities that you're involved in?
[00:11:14] Speaker A: Sure, yeah. So I am in a sorority that has been a wonderful opportunity. I've gotten to help hold a leadership position every single year. I love it. It has been so wonderful to get to just love on the women in there and connect with all of Panhellenic and then all of the other sorority and fraternity communities. It's been a wonderful time. So I do that.
I was actually a competitive ballroom dancer for the team here for two years. I also did some club stuff.
Yeah, it's a fun time.
It's unofficial now, but I do have someone. Someone else in the nutrition program. Just absolute superstar. He studied dance in Columbia for a little while. So he and I Dance now. And we just dance for fun. Just trying to learn some kizomba, which is just a really, really good time. And then I am involved with Project Health. I've been in that since my freshman year. I found them on one of the first weeks, and I think I scared them. I went up to one of the tabling events and I said, what are you guys doing? They're like, this is what we're doing. They explained everything. And I said, I will be of you, and I will be one of you as soon as I can. And so I bothered them every single week. And then here I am. Now I do a lot of the data analysis, and I feel very privileged to be able to be in that spot.
[00:12:26] Speaker B: Well, you have. There's like, you know, and I've known you for so long, and I, you know, just remember the dancing thing. And, you know, I have all these questions because, you know, at first I'm like, okay, you've moved around everywhere. Like, what's the favorite state that, you know, your family has lived in? Like, what's your favorite ballroom dance? So it's so answer those questions for me. Just so I'm not like this puppy dog that's like, tell me more, tell me more.
[00:12:45] Speaker C: I know. I'm so interested to have all these questions, not even related to nutrition or anything.
[00:12:50] Speaker A: Yeah.
So, okay. So I lived on an island in California off the coast of San Diego. It's called Coronado. It is stunning. 75 and sunny every single day. My backyard was a beach that is by far the coolest place I have lived. However, I will say.
What was that? Yeah, it's pretty cool, right?
But I will, hands down, say that my people I found, like, most of my people, I guess I collect people from everywhere, right? But most of my people come from Virginia. They are a part of my heart. And so I really appreciate Virginia, specifically Virginia beach for some of my people.
Let me see, what was one of your other questions? A dance?
[00:13:26] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:13:27] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:13:28] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:13:28] Speaker A: Yes. So like I said, I've been learning kizomba, and my dance partner is so patient and kind. He is stellar. And I'm learning one day at a time. But prior to that, I got into it to learn swing dancing. But then I showed up and they were like, we're rumba today. Fell in love with rumba and then started doing a lot of the Latin dances. But then I fell in love with the American dances. You have the tango, waltz, foxtrot, and then I love the salsa and cha cha. Anything, really.
I actually also really like Line dancing. I would go a lot in Virginia. I do actually teach some line dancing now, so I am hoping that maybe I can get paid to be a line dancing instructor someday. So y' all let me know if you know anything.
[00:14:12] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:14:12] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh. Filipinos love some line d. Oh, my gosh. My family would hire you in a minute to, like, create some, like, new choreography for them, because, like, it's literally all they do, like, all the time. And I'm the, like, weirdo that does not line dance with them, so. That's amazing. Sorry.
[00:14:28] Speaker C: No, I think that's awesome. And, you know, I'm also curious, Maddie. You know, you've lived all these different places that have different food.
I'm curious, like, what your favorite type of food is.
[00:14:39] Speaker A: Yes. So there is not a food that I really don't like. I will eat anything at all. I love food. But I will say I really, really love Asian cuisine. I really like Vietnamese food, anything that's from Japan. My parents met and married in Japan, so we have a lot of influences from there in our cooking. And, yeah, I will not shy away from any food, though.
[00:15:06] Speaker B: That is amazing. And, you know, just thank you for entertaining mine and Whitney's questions that have
[00:15:10] Speaker A: been a little off topic.
[00:15:12] Speaker B: We warned you about that ahead of time. But, you know, it's time for a break. But I do want to say, you know, when we back from the break, we would love to talk more about your experiences as a student with type 1 diabetes and also to, you know, how Covid has affected your academic program, you know, what your experience has been from the student perspective. So I'm going to hush up now. Y' all catch us after the break. You're listening to Fit to Be Tied with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone.
[00:15:46] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:15:53] Speaker C: Happy Sunday. You're listening to Fit to Be Tied. And, you know, as always, we just always have such great conversation on this show. Nah, we'll see you. We do have a tendency to veer away from our topics quite a bit because just certain things interest us. So she know we're gonna have to get on track when we get our executive director of the rec center on here and Dr. Pope. We're gonna have to be a little bit more focused, I think.
[00:16:16] Speaker A: But who?
[00:16:17] Speaker C: We're fun. We have a good time. But, Maddie, you've just been, you know, enlightening us about your life and all the places you've been, the food and school and all that kind of stuff. And, you know, Sheena left us with kind of a, you know, a thought about COVID And, like, you know, it's gonna be in our thoughts and something we're gonna be kind of thinking about and how things have changed and shifted and all that. But I do think we're getting, you know, we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel kind of thing. But, you know, with COVID how has that affected you academically, with your program and, you know, specifically as a nutrition student in your rotation assignment? How has that looked?
[00:16:56] Speaker A: Sure. Yeah. So it has been a bit different.
At the start of COVID let's say mid March. Right.
We kind of got shut down. You know, everyone was really confused. We didn't know what was going on. And so usually between.
If you're talking about a traditional four years of college between junior and senior year, which is I'm now a senior, you do a rotation where you go and you find an internship experience or something similar and you complete some assignments related.
So most people's got canceled. I had been applying to go to Alaska. That didn't end up working out. So I actually did a totally online rotation. And at first I was a little bummed because, like, oh, man. Like, I don't get to meet new people, go to Alaska. But it was actually really cool. And I was able to start a blog and a YouTube, and that is something I'll carry with me throughout. So that was a really great privilege. So I feel like Covid has affected a lot of stuff. We're online. We have a lot of protective equipment that I wear at the hospital when I'm working. But I will say that it is, you know, we're all doing well, and I feel so privileged to be able to continue to do what we're doing.
[00:18:08] Speaker B: That's awesome.
[00:18:09] Speaker C: And, Maddie, you said you have a YouTube channel. I was just checking, trying to find it, because I like.
YouTube's my favorite thing in the whole wide world. And so I subscribe to, like, tons of channels.
[00:18:19] Speaker A: Oh, yeah.
[00:18:20] Speaker C: If I just put your name in and search, will it pull it up?
[00:18:23] Speaker A: It probably won't. Try Cheever Wellness. That is my title. I have a video up right now for the Dexcom and the T Slim insulin pump, and I'm planning on doing some more. I've got. Got it in the works, but.
[00:18:36] Speaker C: Oh, I see you.
Yeah, I'm going to subscribe. There you go.
[00:18:41] Speaker B: Okay. And then after this, I'm going to have to hop onto. I'm not as good as at multitasking as Whitney is So I'm going to wait.
[00:18:48] Speaker C: It might be good at that. I don't know. Because then I don't ever pay attention to anything.
[00:18:53] Speaker B: No, no, no, no. We're gonna. We're gonna call it a strength, so that's what we're gonna do. And, you know, I think based on the topic that you just mentioned with. With those videos, it's a great segue into having more conversation about what it's been like as a college student and trying to have as much of a normal college experience as possible while also navigating type 1 diabetes. How did that feel for you coming into your freshman year? Do you feel diabetes did play a big role in terms of how you would plan, you know, your life that. That first year here at ua?
[00:19:28] Speaker A: Yeah. So I will say I am privileged to come from a great family who, you know, they're very supportive, wonderful. They always help take care of me.
It's. There was a lot of stress. There still is always some stress. But I'm, again, grateful because I got to transition still and have that support. But, yeah. So let's see some of the. I mean, one of the biggest challenges that I think I was navigating food, and I. I'm pretty good with the simple math. I can calculate my carbohydrates. No big deal.
But, you know, not always knowing what was going to be served and then going in and, you know, usually I'll take some insulin before I eat. And then it was like, okay, well, I don't know what I'm going to have, so I'm just going to take it when I get there. It was kind of messy with my blood sugars a little bit. I remember I. The first time I came to Sheena was first semester of my freshman year. And I came to her office was like, help me. And honestly, for 20 minutes, we cried, and she gave me a little therap session, and we sorted out my life. Ish. And then I was able to kind of get back on track with food. You know, you have to take care of yourself for yourself before you can pour into anything else. And that's where I started to kind of get back with it. And I got into the college Diabetes Network and just kind of met some people and had had a good time there. So, yeah, it's. You know, getting my supplies was really challenging. I was very stressed. Insulin has to be refrigerated. And so there was a time at the. Unfortunately, when my insulin got shipped to Ferg, I wasn't able to pick it up. That Day, it was not refrigerated. It all spoiled, so we had to do new stuff. So that's kind of a stressful thing. And making sure that no one steals the equipment. Yeah. Because, I mean, it's expensive stuff. We all know diabetes costs a lot, and if you don't, it does.
So, yeah, that was definitely something that I had to look into. And, you know, making sure I had snacks and could wake myself up in the middle of the night if I was having a low blood sugar.
There's actually a sharing thing that you can do through the Dexcom. And so I was sharing my blood sugar with my mom, and so she could call me if I needed help with doing that. And I love my mom. She is hands down the most amazing woman in the world. No offense to the rest of us, but she is it. I love her so much, but she loves me so much, too. And so she would call and text and be like, hey, your blood sugar is going low. You need to eat something. And I can feel it. And I am very aware of that. And so I always make sure I'm getting it down. So I did have to tell her, hey, I would like to be a little bit more independent with my care. But, you know, the fact that she was there to support me and love me throughout it was more than I could ask for.
[00:22:07] Speaker C: It really sounds like, you know, you mentioned this before in the start of the show, and then you've mentioned it, you know, in this segment, just with Sheena's help and your mom, like, that support system. And that is something that, you know, I think is really important for people to understand whatever type of, you know, new disease or whatever it is that you're dealing with or it can be anything. I mean, we talk about fitness all the time, how you need to have a support system to keep you motivated and disciplined and all this kind of stuff. You know, it's got to take a lot of time, especially in the initial stages of, you know, planning, because we talk all the time, you know, my perspective on fitness, about how you have to plan your week out and make that time. Sheena's always talking about, you know, nutrition and making sure that you're planning out your meals. So how much time does it take you? I mean, when you're sitting here and, you know, you have a week, I'm sure it's better now because you know how to do it, but, like, how much time does it typically take you to plan out your week or your day or whatever?
[00:23:11] Speaker A: So, you know, I haven't calculated it specifically. I know there's a study out there, which I just think this is interesting to know, but I think it's Cornell University maybe. And they said that you make approximately 200 plus 225 food choices a day without any issues there. Right. And so I imagine that I make a lot of choices with food, a lot more than 200 for the diabetes. Of course, I have to choose insulin, choose this time, that time, what I mean, with more considerations than most.
But yeah, you know, I saw the Dexcom that I wear. I wear it on my arm. I have to change that every 10 days. And then I have to change my insulin pump every three to four days. It's like a five, five minute process. I've gotten it down. So it's nothing too crazy, but it is one of those things I have to be conscious of. I work in Birmingham at the VA for my rotations right now. And so, you know, if I have to be conscious, If I have 10 units of insulin, that's not going to get me through my work day. I have to prepared. I have to either change my pump before I go or bring my stuff with me.
So I really am dependent on an insulin pump. Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent, and that is definitely the case for me. So it takes a lot of time, but it is, you know, I have my systems now, so all is well.
[00:24:26] Speaker B: Yeah, now, you know, with rotations and then even before starting rotations. And just in your regular academic classes, did you feel like you needed to let your instructors know ahead of time about your health condition? You know, were there certain, certain accommodations that you try to go ahead and set up for yourself for health success?
[00:24:48] Speaker A: Absolutely. I tell every single person who has a disability that counts, go to the office of Disability Services, go get them to help you. It will be great.
You're required or we used to do paper and now it's online, so it's a little different. But you used to do a paper accommodation. You'd have to take it to your professor. So I made it a point to meet every single professor I've ever had in the first week of my classes. And let me tell you guys, that was a game changer. They cared about me, I cared about them. It just. It absolutely made the experience so much better. And yeah, so they help make sure, you know, testing or I have access to food and water during class. So, you know, if I ever need a snack, none of my professors are gonna say, I can't because I really need it.
[00:25:32] Speaker B: So, no, that is huge. And I love the fact that you've, you know, advocated and advertised, you know, just the services that we have with ODS and telling students, hey, like, make sure you utilize this if you need it. So I think that that leaves us on a great point before our next break. You know, Maddie, we've, we're so lucky to have you for another break just so we can pick your brain about additional topics. But you guys run to the restroom, wash your hands, do all the things you are listening to Fit to Be Tied with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstone.
[00:26:09] Speaker A: WVUA, Tuscaloosa,
[00:26:16] Speaker C: you're listening to fit to be tied on 90.7 the capstone. And once again, great conversation, great people. And we have Maddie with us today, a student with ua and we're just talking about her managing her diabetes. And you really don't think about students dealing with diabetes. I know this is going to sound like really small, close minded that I'm saying this, but I always think of like older adults. It's like my first go to of like most of the people I know that have diabetes are a little bit later in life. And it's usually type 2 diabetes. I just don't really have a lot of people that I'm close to right now with type 1 diabetes. And you know, Maddie, being a student and you know, navigating your way through campus and resources, I mean, ODS has been great. They have been accommodating you and ODS is always great. Even when I've worked with them, when I'm teaching classes for students, they're really helpful and easy to work with and I just want to give everybody that great experience. But what are some other resources on campus or any other helpful tools that you found besides Sheena? Because obviously we know Sheena is super helpful.
[00:27:23] Speaker A: Yes, Sheena is a rock star.
So I think that obviously my nutrition classes do put me at an advantage. I've been able to learn a lot more about diabetes. And on your point about thinking about older adults or thinking about someone who might be a bit overweight or something like that, totally understandable. If I didn't have diabetes, I don't know that I'd be sitting here today. Of course I'm privileged to be here, but I don't know that I'd know either. And type one, type Fun is definitely very different from type two. And it is what it is. It's a learning process. I don't expect anyone to know anything about it. I do get the, oh, you're type One, but you're skinny and you're young and I'm like, well, let me explain. But anyways, yeah, so that's totally normal. And a lot of resources on campus do help with that too. And so like I said before, I am a part of the College Diabetes Network. They've been a great resource. Not that we're all super duper active or anything, but I just feel like if I really need something, I can go to them.
Something else too is we in my sorority, we made a group chat with all the diabetics and we like, instantly we all just kind of connect. And I'm not shy. I'll tell anyone anything. And so for me, just being vocal about where I'm at and what I need is a great thing to do.
My professors are a resource as well. Obviously they have some smarts, but they also have hearts, too. And so, you know, there have been times during class where I'll take a test and my blood sugar is low and then my insulin pump beeps and everyone's like, oh my gosh, someone's cheating. That's a cell phone.
It's not. It's.
I can't help it. But they've been, They've been great. They've always been understanding, so that's really cool.
I go to an endocrinologist off campus, but they have a lot of on campus connections. So I feel like if I really needed some help, the student health center would be more than willing to connect me through. They have helped me get an emerg prescription before, but yeah, so those are some of the things I do. I think just making my own network was the best thing for me because, you know, every person is very unique and we all require individual care, and that's what worked best for me.
[00:29:31] Speaker B: Well, you know, it's funny because I get to be on the. Greet me with the College Diabetes Network as one of your advisors. And I'm sure you know that conversation can be similar to the one that you have with your sorority sisters, too, that are also diabetic, just in terms terms of having those shared experiences and even in some ways, you know, pulling in that humor that's needed at times, you know, as it relates to the struggles that, you know, that you're navigating as a college student with, with diabetes. But I've loved to see that conversation and especially too, when it's come to getting opinions about who else has been struggling with getting supplies, you know, all the things or. And then even just going off topic with. With those conversations.
So I've loved being able to watch that. So I think the fact that you've been able to have those that are having shared experiences to talk with is awesome.
[00:30:31] Speaker A: Yeah. Thank you. It has definitely been a privilege to meet people. And I wear my Dexcom on my arm. I made that choice consciously my junior year of high school because I want people to ask me about it. I want to be their resource.
Like I said, I'm not shy. I'll tell you anything. I'll talk for hours. Some people feel kind of, you know, oh, hey, is it okay if I ask about it? It's like, yeah, you want to touch it? Whatever you want to do, I'll show you everything. I'll tell you everything.
And so just. Yeah, just being open about it has been a really good advantage. And I highly recommend to anyone, you know, tell people where you're at. Let them know it's okay. We're all human. We all need help.
There is no one who is fully, fully independent. We all rely on each other. We live in this world together. So, yeah, that's my biggest piece of advice for anyone is just own it. Be you, own it. Find your people and. And expand.
[00:31:20] Speaker C: Maddie, I'm curious, too. You know, just thinking about campus dining services and food. Have you been able to take advantage, like, going to the Ferg or any other places? You can tell I don't get out much because I'm like, I love my ramen noodles, and, I mean, it's terrible, but anyway. But, like, you know, have they been super accommodating to you?
[00:31:40] Speaker A: So it's actually been a really good experience in the sorority. I have been on the food committee, so we do the menu planning for the past two years. I think I've done that two and a half years.
Unfortunately, with my rotations, I don't get to eat there very much because I am gone from Tuscaloosa before 6am and I'm back after 6pm so it's a full day. So I do miss the meals now. But, yeah, I lived in the house for two years, and I got really close with all of the food service staff that we had. They were awesome. They were my people. I could always ask questions.
And if they ever needed.
If I ever needed help, they were more than willing. They actually put my serve certification. They framed it and put it in the kitchen so that I could always come in if even if there was an inspector, I could come in. That was always really fun. Cool. Yeah.
[00:32:30] Speaker B: That's awesome.
And, you know, I think just kind of switching gears a little bit so that we can, you know, cover everything we want to talk about with you and may even do this for. For our last segment. You know, Maddie, you've been involved in Project Health and how has that experience been for you? And do, like, it's opened your eyes to have a better understanding of what some, you know, what are the major college health concerns, you know, because I think when we think about what health concerns are for an individual in general, there's definitely a stark difference between what a student might be concerned with versus an employee on campus.
[00:33:09] Speaker A: Yes, I totally, totally agree with you. So I actually got to work with the office of, well, Bama for about a year. Covid shut it down. But I was working actively with them for a while. And essentially my goal was to understand health habits. Right. Of the faculty and staff here. And I quickly realized, oh, my gosh, the focus of these adults, these real humans. I am a child. They are real human.
It was so different from what I've experienced with Project Health. It's really cool. For anyone who's not aware of Project Health, you know, we do peer health education and outreach, right? And so we're focused on the college campus. We're focused on, you know, the young 20s and what we need to do. And it's.
I feel like in the adults that I got to chat with through Alabama, it was a lot more preventative or, oh, I want to avoid this disease or that disease, or I want to like, lose these pounds or something like that.
But then with the younger population, I think we have a very different mindset and that's. I think it's clear to see that through some of the objectives of Project Health. And, you know, if anyone's interested in anything health, please just check out Project Health. It's such a great organization. It is hands down, my favorite part of my college experience for my extracurriculars. I love it.
But yeah, it's definitely been.
I noticed that we want to be preventative, right? We want to take care of ourselves. But we were preventative in Project Health a lot of the time with short term things, you know, making sure you're doing productive drinking habits or sexual health, you know, being safe then. But it's interesting because now I'm like, okay, I'm about to be a graduated adult and I have to pay taxes, and I also have to be preventative for when I'm 60. I want to be well. And so I have to think about that now.
[00:34:57] Speaker C: And the shift is definitely like, I think what you guys do in Project Health is. It's perfect because you're targeting a demographic. Like you said, it's those like, short term, little health preventative goals. And then hopefully those little behavior changes will start to, to kind of go into other phases. So, you know, as you. I mean, things change. And you know, when you're in college, you think about things very differently than like me and Sheena, who are like the old farts now. And so the way we think and we're like, oh, we have like, you know, to watch all these things. But I think what you guys do at Project Health is amazing. And, you know, it's. I don't think our, like, all of our students have really been able to take advantage of all the things that you have to offer, you know?
[00:35:39] Speaker A: Yeah, it is something that I just, you know, I've been there for years and I still want more. They are awesome. And I highly recommend to anyone. And yeah, it's just been great. It really has been.
[00:35:50] Speaker B: Well, on that note, y', all, we gotta take another break. But Maddie, would you be so gracious as to spend our last five minutes with us on the show? Would that be okay with you?
[00:36:00] Speaker A: I would love nothing more.
[00:36:02] Speaker B: Okay, perfect. Okay, so she's still with us, y'. All. We're taking a break. You are listening to Fit to be Tied with Sheen and Whitney on 90.7 the Capstown.
[00:36:15] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:36:21] Speaker C: You're listening to Fit to be Tied. And we have had a great show today. And I mean, I, I feel like every time we have a show, I learn more information and I become a more well rounded, better individual. I'm not gonna lie. Like, every single time we get that talking with anybody we have on the show, I learned just one nugget, two nuggets, whatever, of information. And it just enlightens me. So, Maddie, thank you for being on our show. And it's awesome to have a student on because like Sheena said in the beginning, we always have faculty staff on and we try to get students on, but we just have had such a busy schedule. But you know, with that being said and having a busy schedule, Sheena and I always like to kind of throw self care out there because we all need to find ways to take care of ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, because we need to create that margin and that barrier within our daily schedule. So Maddie, for you, being a student that's doing, you know, you're driving to Birmingham, you're part of a sorority, you're trying to graduate, like, how do you practice self care? What does that look like for you?
[00:37:29] Speaker A: Yeah, so, you know, it looks different every day. Sometimes I feel like I need something. Other things. Times I need other things. And so it really just depends. So something that I have been appreciative of is that. So I kind of mentioned it before the show, but I got in a car accident in January and that really kind of flipped my world a little bit for a second. I'm well now, so all is well. But I did actually get to get a new car because Libby, my Jeep died.
[00:37:59] Speaker C: Jeep Liberty? You had a Jeep? Oh, I used to drive a Jeep Liberty is my favorite.
It was a good car.
[00:38:05] Speaker A: She was a good one. But yes. So now I have a radio, which is really exciting. So sometimes I'll just go in my car, I'll put the seat heater on and I'll just blast some music and sing and I just, I love to sing and I, you know, sometimes I'll play the ukulele if I want to. Just be musical and into it.
Dance is always something for sure. If I'm. If I'm crying sometimes I'll put on a line dance and then by the end of the song, I'm smiling. I know that sounds. It kind of. It probably looks kind of psycho, but it's, you know, that's something I do. And I really kind of.
I have been very specific with my choices about my time with my people. I am, you know, I have.
I want to be with good people and I want to spend my time well. And so, you know, I used to be like, oh my gosh, if I'm not being productive, I'm wrong. Or, you know, I have to work, work, work. Go, go, go, go, go. No, you know what if I want to have a whole Saturday, go to the walk, get something from the farmers market. Who knows, maybe I'll buy another plant and come back home, cook all day just because I want to cook something fun, hang out with my friends, you know, go to the pool with appropriate SPF protection, anything, I will do it. And I am not. I don't feel bad about it anymore. You know, I make that choice. And of course I get my stuff done to be able to make those choices. But I understand now that I am a priority as we all are in our lives. If I don't have, have me, I. There is nothing left. So I, you know, I take care of myself and I just try to fill it with things I love and people I love.
[00:39:40] Speaker B: That's a lot of good. Like quotable like, statements in there, you know, so I'm just. I'm definitely geeking out over that. I.
A good cathartic cry, like, feels so good to me. I don't know. Like, Wendy, do you like to cry? Like, that sounds like such a weird question, but, like, do you feel better after a cry?
[00:40:02] Speaker C: You know, I think if it's in a. I'm not a big crier. I'm very stoic when it comes to stuff because I feel like I have to kind of maintain, you know, some type of strong face for others around me. But I mean, when it happens, yeah, I feel great because it's all the emotion that builds up and sometimes you just can't help it and you just let it out. But that's interesting, Sheena, that, you know, you just like. I mean, would you say that that's your way of having, like, some self care, like, just to have a good cry?
[00:40:27] Speaker B: I think so. And I've had to explain that to my husband because, you know, he's a fixer and so frustrated when I'm. When I'm crying and I'm like, dude, like, you cannot say or do anything. Like, don't touch me. Like, just let me cry. And then like, literally in like five minutes, I'll be like, okay, now let's go to target. I'm good. Like, you know, like, I just had to get that out of my system, you know, like, it feels good to, like, have that, like, heavy breathing and you know, like.
And then. Okay, I'm done. So. Yeah, anyways, but on that note, after I just freaked everybody out with my crying noise. Maddie, thank you so much for on the show with us this afternoon.
[00:41:07] Speaker A: Thank you for having me. This has been absolutely wonderful and you all are stellar people. So it is, like I said, it's just an honor to be here.
[00:41:14] Speaker B: Well, thank you. Well, Whitney, pleasure as always. And I guess, you know, we'll catch each other next week. You guys have been listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and Whitney on 90.7, the capstone.
[00:41:30] Speaker A: Wvuafm tuscaloosa.
