Dietetics graduate builds confidence by ‘chasing growth’

Dietetics graduate Jasmyn DeGraff initially struggled to choose a major, feeling constricted by the rigidity of academic disciplines. During her first year at Arizona State University, her perspective changed, as she started to view disciplines less restrictively and realized them to be sandboxes with boundless opportunities.

This mentality would persist throughout her studies, as she began to shift toward thinking more openly about everything, from her studies to her self-talk. 

She also took advantage of the myriad opportunities at her disposal, becoming an involved instructional aide, research assistant and teaching assistant.

“Jasmyn is an exceptional student. She's quiet, but a leader,” College of Health Solutions Associate Teaching Professor Traci Grgich said. “She's currently an (undergraduate teaching assistant) and runs a cooking lab with expertise, and we know we can always count on her to be there and execute the lab efficiently.”

Armed with a growth mindset, DeGraff is prepared to move into further graduate studies within the College of Health Solutions.

Here she answers questions about her journey at ASU.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: Although I initially chose dietetics as my major after touring ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus before COVID — where I was drawn to the interesting courses and structure of the program — my true “aha” moment came during my first year in NTR 150: Introduction to the Professions in Nutrition and Dietetics. 

That class helped me zoom out from just thinking about what classes I’d be taking and allowed me to see the bigger picture. Hearing directly from professionals across the field opened my eyes to the wide range of career paths within dietetics and helped me understand how versatile and impactful this field can be. 

Before college, I struggled to choose a major because nothing ever felt like it fully captured all my interests or allowed me to explore different parts of who I am and what I want to become. But as I learned more about dietetics, I realized it wasn’t limiting — it was expansive. I finally felt like I had found a field that aligned with my passions while giving me the space to discover new ones. Throughout the program, I’ve had the chance to develop these interests, reflect on my experiences and clarify not only my “why” but also which areas of dietetics I’m most drawn to and excited to grow in.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because I saw just how much it had to offer — both in the short term and the long term. From the start, I was drawn to the interactive, hands-on courses and the strong academic and financial support available to students. ASU also provides a wide range of opportunities to gain real-world experience, whether through research, becoming an instructional aide for science courses or engaging with the broader community. 

Beyond that, I’ve seen firsthand how an ASU education can open doors in ways you might not expect. As the child of two ASU alumni who have gone on to thrive in their careers, I know the foundation this university provides can create lasting success and opportunity.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned at ASU — and something that’s held true across many areas of college — is that perfection isn’t the goal. In fact, it’s often the very thing that holds you back from thriving. When I first started college, I felt like I had to walk into every room already operating at an expert level. And when that wasn’t the case, I would shut down. I’d focus so much on what I didn’t know that I couldn’t absorb what I could be learning. 

Now, I approach new experiences with a completely different mindset. I no longer chase perfection — I chase growth, which only happens when I let go of the need to be perfect. I’ve learned that the best outcomes — whether in knowledge, personal growth or overall experience — come from embracing the process and being willing to make mistakes along the way. Adopting this mindset has allowed me to learn more deeply and, just as importantly, build lasting confidence and resilience with every step forward.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: The most important lesson I’ve learned at ASU came from Dr. Mathew Sandoval, my Human Events professor during freshman year. On the very first day of class, he became the catalyst for a shift that allowed me to fully embrace and make the most of my college experience. He encouraged us to reflect on the self-proclaimed narratives we often hide behind — and challenged us to confront and move beyond them. 

For me, that narrative was: I’m quiet and not confident. As a freshman, I believed that wholeheartedly, and that belief alone was holding me back from opportunities that required me to speak up or step into leadership. With Dr. Sandoval’s guidance, I realized the real limitation wasn’t my personality — it was the story I kept telling myself. 

Looking back, someone who saw themselves as “quiet and not confident” wouldn’t have succeeded in Barrett Honors, been a research assistant for two ASU studies, been a (teaching assistant) or an instructional aide who stands in front of a lab full of students helping them navigate challenging anatomy and physiology concepts. But the moment I let go of that limiting narrative, I began to thrive. And for that, I’m forever grateful for Dr. Sandoval’s impact.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Be a sponge. Use this time to absorb as much as you can — not just in the classroom through academics, but outside of it through hands-on experiences, networking and building real connections. There are tons of opportunities out there, and you never know what they might lead to or what they might unlock in you unless you try. 

One of the best parts about college is that it’s a relatively controlled environment where you’re allowed to make mistakes, learn from them and recover. So take advantage of that. Try something new, even if you’re unsure. And if you fail, learn from it, pivot and try something else. This is the time to explore, take risks and build the resilience that will serve you well beyond graduation — when the stakes are often higher and the path to recovery a bit steeper.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I will be attending ASU’s (Master of Science in nutritional science) and Dietetic Internship program, where I plan to specialize in the maternal-child health track. This will provide me with the necessary experience and education to complete the dietetic exam and become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling and eliminating the health disparities in our health care system, with a particular focus on the African American population. This organization would conduct targeted research to identify and address gaps in health care, especially regarding conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans. 

We would develop specific diagnostic metrics for this population, working closely with medical schools and postgraduate programs to ensure their curriculum provides in-depth training on diagnosing and treating conditions across diverse skin tones, body types and genetic factors — areas that are often overlooked in traditional medical education. 

In addition to research and education, the nonprofit would focus on empowering the African American community by providing resources that help individuals understand their health, the direct and indirect factors that impact it, and how they can advocate for themselves. We would also offer financial scholarships to support those who need assistance accessing health care and educational opportunities. This initiative would drive lasting change by raising awareness of disparities, filling critical gaps in health care and empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to take control of their health in a system that hasn’t always been designed to support them.