7 Things About Marissa Thiry

Marissa Thiry is a senior foods and nutrition major with a passion for food and health.

She is a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and Student Nutrition Organization.

1. Why did you choose SDSU?

I’ve always loved travelling and seeing new parts of the world. I was born on the East Coast and grew up in the Midwest, so the logical next step would be the West Coast. Growing up in Chicago, I felt that college was the perfect opportunity to try somewhere new. If you can’t move when you’re young, when can you move?

2. What inspired you to declare your major?

When I was in high school, I started getting really into running. I started logging longer runs while training for a half marathon. It didn’t take me long to realize how my eating habits affected my running. I developed a strong curiosity around food and its functionality in the body, and knew I wanted to make a career out of it.

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

In January this year, my older brother was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After months of chemotherapy treatments and long hospital stays, we were all so thankful to hear that he had officially beaten the disease! A few weeks after, he wrote a blog post regarding his new outlook on life. He spoke of how cancer was the best thing that ever happened to him because it gave him clarity about what truly matters in life, like friends and family. Although it wasn’t advice directed specifically for me, his optimistic outlook has affected me everyday since I read the post. His positive words and actions remind me everyday of what is important, and the way I want to live my own life. 

4. What are your future goals?

Later in the year I will be applying to dietetic internships all across the country. If all goes as planned, I will be selected for an internship and start in the fall. Right now, I am looking at programs from South Carolina to Texas to Colorado and everywhere in between, so I’m pretty stoked to see where I’ll be living this time next year! After the internship, I will take an exam to become a Registered Dietitian. Ideally, I will enter the Peace Corps for a few years soon after, to assist with a Health Program in a malnourished country before truly entering the Big Kid World in the Food Industry. My dream job, way WAY down the road, would be to own my own restaurant! 

5. What is the first website you look at every day?

I’m an e-mail junkie. It’s actually pretty embarrassing, I literally go to the library early to answer emails before class. I have a personal email address, work email address, and email address for my position in Delta Gamma. I can’t go more than a few hours without checking my email- Fear of Missing Out, I think, is the medical diagnosis for it. 

6. What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?

Delta Gamma has made the biggest impact on my life at SDSU. Entering college, I believed so many negative stereotypes about Greek Life, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. This year alone, I have had the opportunity to be involved in fundraising efforts that raised over $2,000 for the American Cancer Society through SDSU Relay for Life, and over $2,600 for the Foundation Fighting Blindness through the San Diego Vision Walk. You simply cannot find an opportunity to give back to the community anywhere else like you can find at San Diego State University.  I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved in something on campus they feel passionate about — it truly is a rewarding experience!
 
7. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

I am obsessed with chameleons. I have no idea how the obsession developed, but I am completely infatuated with chameleons.  I may actually get one for myself as a personal graduation gift.

Bonus Questions

1. What city would you like to visit or visit again?

Out of the United States, I have always wanted to travel to Italy. In the country, probably New York or Denver. I lived in upstate New York when I was younger, but I’d love to live in the city. New York and Denver are on the top of the ‘must-live’ list.

2.  What kind of music do you listen to/what are your favorite bands?

I’m a total country-lover by default, growing up in the Midwest. But I’m also a mega nerd and have a record player in my room with albums ranging from Beatles, to Mumford & Sons, and the Beach Boys. I also listen to Christmas music 12 months a year ... so take that information as you will.