Meet our featured beauty with brains Vandana Gujadhur, a dietician based in Sydney, Australia. Here is an interview with her.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised on the beautiful Island of Mauritius. I grew up surrounded by nature, clean air, and home-grown food in an Indian cultured family where I am the 5th generation from Bihar, India.
2. What difficulties did you face in reaching where you are today and how did you overcome them?
As a DAUGHTER: In our culture, daughter is the pride of the family, any step she takes, right or wrong; the fingers are pointed at her parents. I was a rebellious kid growing up amid a different culture to a strict caring Indian family. But today I thank my parents for being how they were as I have never let them down!
As a STUDENT: I traveled very far from my family to study in Canada. I received an academic scholarship to pursue my studies based on merit and then went through several competitive interviews to get hold of a dietetic internship to become a Dietitian. It was very difficult from day 1 as I knew absolutely nobody and had no family in Canada. I believed in myself and gave it my best and the rest just happened!
As a WIFE: I got married right after university and life was not as easy as my husband and I were in long-distance marriage for a very long time as we both are career-oriented individuals. Although it was tough, we both were happy souls as none of us had to give up our passion for doing something we love.
As a New MOTHER: I recently became a new mom and this is my new career and the world’s toughest one! Childbirth was not easy on me and I am sure I am not alone! Along with recovering from childbirth, I am the only person raising my son at home so that my husband can go to work. There is a saying that goes, it takes a village to raise a child, but I am mostly the only village to my son for the past 7 months as I care for him 24 hours. Feeding, nappy change, and always responding to him etc… It is exhausting to function with limited sleep but it is so rewarding at the end of the day as it reminds me, he is the best career promotion I could ever have!
As a MOMPRENEUR: In addition to caring for my son, I also manage my private practice as a Dietitian. It is a tough juggle, but if you love what you do, it becomes enjoyment!
As a TRAVELLER: I have taken countless planes and lived in many countries so far. I lived my childhood in Mauritius, my student life in India and Canada and now my motherhood in Australia. Each life stage, new country, new adaptations, and making a new support system is not easy. The answer is just to keep myself happy and my surrounding will be happy!
The ability to overcome any barriers and difficulties that come my way comes from my parents. I have seen them be the best in what they do and I want to do the same!
3. As a Dietitian, do you always eat healthy?
Absolutely NOT! haha, Yes I am a Dietitian but before that I am a normal human being with taste buds just like everyone, I believe in not depriving myself of anything I like. The only key is when, how and where to have anything. I am a big time chocoholic, and currently, I enjoy my chocolate with the world’s claimed best coffee, that is, the coffee in Australia, I just LOVE it!
4. What do you want to tell young women thinking
about their careers?
Be the Trendsetter, not a follower! Be ambitious and don’t let anything stop you! Just do what your heart says! And just give your best in your career, whether it is salaried(office) or non-salaried (mom), you will make mistakes, and that’s okay!
Feel free to check out her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Vandana-Gujadhur-RD-248654872409875/
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