Sophomore nutrition and dietetics major Andrea Burden was always set on going to college. As a first-generation college student, Burden finds motivation in her struggles.
As the eldest of six children, Burden said she always had to be more mature for her age. She was always taking care of her siblings, making sure they were fed, clean and had their homework done.
With her mom working night shifts and her father passing away at a young age, Burden was the only person besides her grandparents who would be trusted to take care of her siblings.
Burden with her siblings at the start of her sophomore year of college, 2022. Photo provided by Burden.
With Burden’s mother working various jobs, her grandpa working construction and grandma in a factory, the working hard and being responsible came naturally to Burden.
More than anything, Burden wanted to go to college so she could give back to her family.
“They’ve supported me all these years, through many things,” said Burden. “I want to give the same back to them. They deserve a happy life and to not have to go through the struggles I went through during childhood.”
Burden’s motivation for working in nutrition also comes from her desire to help people. You can even find Burden in Bren-Dell Hall helping her peers study for chemistry and anatomy exams.
After graduation, Burden plans to work at a hospital as a dietician and possibly end up owning her own bakery or food service company. Her dream of owning her own business started back in high school after taking multiple entrepreneurship classes.
Burden at the National Leadership Conference in California during her sophomore year of high school. Photo provided by Burden.
At Riverside High School in Quincy, Ohio, Burden was involved in Business Professionals of America. Students involved were asked to design their own businesses and make a business plan to present to judges. The business plan included the motives and qualifications of the business as well as marketing and media strategies.
Students would have the opportunity to compete at regional, state and national levels. Burden was one of the few students to qualify and advance to the National Leadership Conference in California twice with her bakery presentations and business plans.
“Of course, I always did baking,” said Burden. “I had cupcakes, a bubble tea spa, macarons and cakes.”
The presentations of students’ businesses were meant to be competitive. Their presentations would take place in front of judges who would then determine if they would advance to the next round and ultimately qualify for the National Leadership Conference.
Burden’s maturity and drive not only pushed her to qualify for the National Leadership conference, but to continue her next step in helping people by earning a college degree.
“I’m a big helper, I like helping people,” said Burden. “Especially those who are in need and are struggling because I know what that’s like…I try to alleviate those kinds of feelings of doubt and worry.”
Burden continues to encourage others to continue their education despite any struggles they may be facing. She said she loves being a college student and looks forward to her life after graduation.
