7 questions with Lin Wen

1. Why did you choose your course?

I chose to study dietetics because food is such an integral part of our lives. We eat at least 3 main meals a day, and often we do not stop to think about what actually we are putting into our mouths. We are so governed by our hectic schedules that food becomes a silhouette that is more a means of survival, rather than an enjoyable experience.

2. What do you love about your state/Australia/UK?

Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture, so one thing I really love is the widespread availability of coffee here. Also, Melbourne has a really vibrant arts scene, and for an arts lover like myself, I am absolutely thrilled by the idea of festivals and music concerts happening on a regular basis. In addition, I really enjoy the experience of seasons, away from the warm and humid tropics.

3. What are the top 5 items you would bring from Singapore to Australia/UK every semester?

I will definitely bring my personal collection of pens: Mildliner highlighters, Zig markers, Uniball pens, etc, curry and chili powder, my Carebear soft toy, my class of 2011 sweater from school as well as my Polaroid camera. (:

4. Which Singaporean food do you miss the most?

I really miss my bubble tea, which is so ubiquitous in Singapore, yet it is such a rare (and expensive) treat in Melbourne.

5. Which aspect of your course do you like the most?

I really like how involved we get with food, because no one else gets to cook for class (other than chefs I suppose). Learning becomes easier and more fun when you are truly passionate about what you do, and studying about the various foods and cultures of the world is really exciting. I really enjoy cooking and baking, and the next best thing is trying out the food I’ve made.

6. What is one common misconception about your course?

Sometimes, people come up to me and ask me for tips to lose weight, or even blatantly asking, “So you are just going to help people lose weight?” What they do not know, is that dietitians are more of clinical professionals who help with nutritional and eating problems in patients, especially those suffering from diabetes or hypertension, thereby complementing their medical treatments. Helping people lose weight, and that is only if they need to for health reasons, is definitely not our only job scope.

7. What is the most unique food you have tried in Australia/UK?

The most unique Australian food I have tried is kangaroo meat, and while some might gush at me for trying such adorable animals, I must say that they are quite rampant in Australia and kangaroo meat can even be found in supermarkets.

Lin Wen
Monash University
Nutrition and Dietetics Year 1