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For Those In College...

ciavyn

By ciavyn
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted

I'm way too old to be in college...however, that is exactly what I'm doing. I take part in a low-residency grad program with Wilkes University. We stay on campus for one week,twice a year, and needless to say, my next residency had me beside myself with fear over what I would eat. They charge us for the meal plan and we eat fatty, gluten-laden foods all week.

Long story short, with trepidation I called the food service department and asked if they had suggestions or if I should have the meal plan removed and try to eat in my room (while all my other cohort/class members eat together in the raucous, exciting venue of the cafeteria). :( The food service manager - the boss - was baffled why I was so worried. They regularly accommodate students with Celiac, and have no problem cooking me up special meals with special utensils and plates. He insisted they had no problem whatsoever doing it, and gave me the chef's direct line so I can coordinate with him based on what I can eat, since I have other food issues as well.

Can we say shocked? So perhaps it's worth talking to your school - see what they may be willing to do for you. Mine is being incredible about it, and now I can't wait to stay on campus next year! :D

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Cessairskye Newbie
Cessairskye
Posted

That is AWESOME that you were able to talk to them and get better than expected results. Many times the food and nutrition services department at a college is part of the learning process for students of culinary, hospitality and nutrition and having the opportunity to make changes for folks like ourselves is a great learning opportunity for their students.

You have to let us know what yummy meals they come up with for you!!

Skye

ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted
  • Author

Seriously, Skye, I was shocked. The guy said to me, And why do you think this is a big deal? I about fell out of my chair. I love this school, anyway, because of how they value their students, and this is yet one more time they prove my loyalty right. Very cool.

AKcollegestudent Apprentice
AKcollegestudent
Posted
Seriously, Skye, I was shocked. The guy said to me, And why do you think this is a big deal? I about fell out of my chair. I love this school, anyway, because of how they value their students, and this is yet one more time they prove my loyalty right. Very cool.

Can I switch to your school? I've been sick since fall semester started because even after repeated discussions--and planning, and time out of my day--my school has not gotten better about accommodating my issues. Anyway, I'm glad that it worked out so well.

ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted
  • Author

AK - I'd take it to the next level if you can. I talked to the chef yesterday, and he said to come in when I get there, and we can discuss, I can look at ingredients, and he will do everything he can.

See who's heads up that department, and who is the head of that person. There are more students than just you with issues - Wilkes assures me they have many students who diabetic, celiac, one allergic to onions, etc. And they accommodate them to the best of their ability. I don't expect them to be perfect, but it they make the effort, and I can have input, I'm thrilled.

Of course, I'm also not in my twenties anymore, and I have no problem being noisy about things. :lol:

And yes, Wilkes is currently accepting students, and they are wonderful! They treat their grad students as though we are bestowing liquid gold upon their campus. I've seriously never been catered to like this. I don't know how they are with their undergrad, but I can't imagine it is that much different. Truly an awesome college experience.

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted
Of course, I'm also not in my twenties anymore, and I have no problem being noisy about things. :lol:

Well said.

avceliacmom Newbie
avceliacmom
Posted
I'm way too old to be in college...however, that is exactly what I'm doing. I take part in a low-residency grad program with Wilkes University. We stay on campus for one week,twice a year, and needless to say, my next residency had me beside myself with fear over what I would eat. They charge us for the meal plan and we eat fatty, gluten-laden foods all week.

Long story short, with trepidation I called the food service department and asked if they had suggestions or if I should have the meal plan removed and try to eat in my room (while all my other cohort/class members eat together in the raucous, exciting venue of the cafeteria). :( The food service manager - the boss - was baffled why I was so worried. They regularly accommodate students with Celiac, and have no problem cooking me up special meals with special utensils and plates. He insisted they had no problem whatsoever doing it, and gave me the chef's direct line so I can coordinate with him based on what I can eat, since I have other food issues as well.

Can we say shocked? So perhaps it's worth talking to your school - see what they may be willing to do for you. Mine is being incredible about it, and now I can't wait to stay on campus next year! :D

My daughter's university is also very informed and cooperative, but she doesn't take advantage of it and still eats whatever gluten-free items are available!! So she eats lots of salad and grilled meats. On the plus side, she's lost weight and feels great. But on the minus side, she takes too many risks and unfortunately has gotten sick a couple of times in her first semester (violent vomiting until everything is purged then needs a day to recover). Any ideas on how I can convince her it's not worth getting so sick? I tried the Celiac Disease Foundation's motto, "when in doubt, do without" but that's not making much of an impression. <_<

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ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted
  • Author

You know the old saying...you can lead a horse to water...She'll have to decide when she's had enough of being sick. I felt like crap for years, but no one ever mentioned this way of life to me. Then two years ago, when my symptoms were beginning to get really, really bad, a friend of mine told me to try it, as it saved his life. Nope, way too restricting. Two years later, I'm not making it to the bathroom in time, regularly publicly embarrassed by my GI symptoms, and starting to get scared because everything I eat is making me sick. Now, it's worth it to me, and I'm sticking to it because I feel better.

It's tough in college, if you've always been part of a crowd, so to speak. As a lifelong loner, I don't mind sticking out so much, and now I'm too old to care, anyway. But when you are young, used to fitting in, to look like a dork, not be able to party with your friends and travel in that wonderful carefree way of young adults...that is hard. She'll have to decide what it's worth, and then she'll discover who her friends truly are.

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