If you want to make your dreams a reality, sitting idle isn't the way to do it – put yourself out there and take charge! Two-time UC nutrition and dietetics graduate Kate Gemmell has done just that, proving that hard work and dedication are the keys to getting the most out of life.

"I am now a sports dietitian at ACT Academy of Sport, and a dietitian at Nutrition Australia," Kate says. "I got both jobs as a result of my placements and internships organised by UC." As a dietitian with the ACT Academy of Sport, Kate is critical in developing dietary and educational guidelines for Canberra's best athletes. Using her clinical laboratory training, Kate also interprets her clients' pathology tests, helping create custom dietary plans to meet their nutritional needs.

Kate also puts her cooking skills to the test as a consultant dietitian with Nutrition Australia, a non-profit organisation which advocates for community health and nutrition education. Kate puts on cooking demonstration and classes, and helps in meal planning and menu selection. Kate is also a nutritional consultation with several clinics around Canberra, doing anything from holding cooking workshops to private diet consults with athletes.

Outside of work, Kate was a 2013 Special Olympics Swimming nutrition coach, and also a volunteer Red Cross Meals on Wheels delivery driver. She is an active member with the Dietitians Association of Australia and the Sports Dietitians Association.

"I once dreamt about becoming a sports dietitian and working with athletes. Fast-forward seven years and my dream is a reality," Kate says. "Believe in yourself and you can reach your dreams."