Humphrey currently works as a catering manager for a PEI food services company, with plans to become a food scientist in the near future

What brought you to UPEI? In other words, why did you choose to study here?

This is an interesting story for me. I was born and raised in Kenya in a small town called Thika in Kiambu County (formerly Central Province). I moved from Kenya to California in 2015 to pursue a culinary and food science education but decided to find a less expensive university in Canada. I did thorough research, and UPEI's tuition was most affordable.

What helped me choose UPEI was the smaller student population, which makes the student-to-faculty ratio the best compared to my school in California. It was difficult to schedule meetings with professors there. When I met Dr. Jennifer Taylor, who showed me UPEI's great Foods and Nutrition program with its integrated dietetics internship, I fell in love with UPEI. It was the best and hardest decision I have ever made. 

What kinds of support did you receive during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?

During my time at UPEI, I met great classmates and professors. I made great friends from school, which resulted in long-term friendships outside campus. I got lots of support, especially from Dr. Taylor, who helped me succeed in my studies and was my academic advisor.

"When I met Dr. Jennifer Taylor, who showed me UPEI's great Foods and Nutrition program with its integrated dietetics internship, I fell in love with UPEI. It was the best and hardest decision I have ever made."

What kinds of opportunities did you experience because you studied at UPEI?

Being at UPEI provided many opportunities on and off campus. Throughout the program, I got job opportunities as a teacher assistant for Foods and Nutrition classes, and a research assistant position as well—talk about "I don't run toward success and opportunities, they run toward me"—off campus, my education and knowledge allowed me to work as a dietary service worker and nutrition services assistant, which landed me my current job as a catering manager. 

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

UPEI is the only university in PEI—and PEI is the smallest province in Canada—so I had a great student experience that was totally different from when I was living in the vast, densely populated city of Los Angeles. My small communities in PEI and at UPEI gave me a sense of satisfaction that I will be able to achieve all my goals with the help of my professors and peers. I also love how UPEI and PEI are getting more diverse, which makes networking easy and provides opportunities to make great friends.

What would you tell a high school student considering UPEI's Foods and Nutrition (and dietetic internship) programs?

Never be afraid to seek help from your professors if you're not sure about a specific career after graduation. Also, professors are always available to help you with anything—there are never right or wrong questions to ask—ask them anything. They will do their best to help or even refer you to the right resources. It is also okay to be confused about what you want to do after your degree or even change careers. Trust me, if I were to get every dollar for changing my career plan, I would be a billionaire now. Take your time, follow your heart and your timeline. 

There are many job and career opportunities for graduates of the Foods and Nutrition degree program to pursue: foods and nutrition professors, nutritionists, food service supervisors and managers, food scientists (my future career goal), food inspection workers, and many more. You can always talk to UPEI's academic advisors, any Foods and Nutrition professors, and UPEI Career Services for career advice.