Sometimes, discovering your calling takes you farther than you ever imagined. For Wildcat, Sara Becker, a passion for nutrition and a heart for serving others have opened doors to opportunities far beyond the classroom, transforming her academic journey into something greater than she initially envisioned.
Through her education at Abilene Christian University (ACU), Sara has discovered that nutrition is about more than understanding food and its impact on the body. It’s about recognizing the needs of others and using her knowledge and skills to improve their health and strengthen communities. What began as an interest in healthcare has grown into a deeper sense of purpose, inspiring Sara to combine her faith, education and passion for service to uplift the communities in Uganda.
An Unexpected Beginning
Sara’s journey to ACU began unexpectedly. During high school, she had never heard of the university until her friend invited her to a campus visit. What started as a simple trip quickly became something more meaningful. From the moment she arrived, she felt at home.
Although her college experience began during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sara learned to adapt to the challenges of higher education and to continue exploring her academic interests. Initially, she planned to pursue a career in medicine as a gynecologist; however, halfway through her first semester, Sara began to question whether that was the right path for her. It wasn’t until her sophomore year, when she enrolled in an introductory nutrition course, that everything began to fall into place.
The course sparked an interest that would ultimately reshape her life. Sara found a passion for understanding how nutrition influences health and how the knowledge could help individuals and communities. Determined to follow that passion, she shifted her focus toward becoming a registered dietitian and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. After completing her undergraduate degree at ACU’s residential campus, she decided to continue her education with the university’s online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship.
“Knowing the professors that I had in my bachelor’s program, I felt super confident in entering a master’s program,” she shared.
Turning Research Into Meaningful Change
While studying nutrition, Sara knew she wanted to experience working with people from different cultures. In 2024, she traveled to Uganda through ACU’s online program, not knowing how much the experience would influence her future.
“I was excited! I learned about East African culture. During that time, I just felt that God placed it in my heart to do something more with this,” Sara recalled.
While in Uganda, she worked alongside Hope Speaks, an organization that serves children with disabilities and their families. As she became more involved, she noticed that some children were experiencing severe protein malnutrition. Seeing this firsthand inspired her to consider how her education could help address an immediate need. Sara began asking the question: What if they could develop a nutritional supplement using ingredients native to Uganda?
That question became the foundation of a research project focused on developing an affordable, locally sourced supplement to support children experiencing malnutrition. The result was a four-ingredient supplement that uses groundnuts, a protein- and calorie-rich food, as a key ingredient. Designed to provide additional nutritional support, the supplement can be mixed with water or incorporated into snacks, offering families a flexible way to include it in a child’s diet.
What began as a research idea has since transformed into a larger initiative. The supplement received a patent, and Sara has raised more than $25,000 to support the project. She also plans to publish research highlighting the supplement’s development and its potential to address nutritional challenges.
Growing Through Education, Faith and Community
Beyond her experiences in Uganda, Sara credits ACU’s close-knit learning environment for helping her grow personally and professionally. One of her favorite aspects of the university has been the smaller class sizes and the relationships she has developed with faculty. She appreciates having professors who take the time to learn students’ names, understand their interests and encourage them throughout their academic journey.
Her education has also extended beyond nutrition. With a minor in entrepreneurship, Sara developed a broader understanding of business and how innovative ideas can become powerful initiatives. Inspired in part by her mother’s business background, she decided to put her knowledge into practice by launching her own business during college, Crumble Cats Cookies, a name inspired by ACU’s Wildcat mascot.
What began as an entrepreneurial venture also became an opportunity for Sara to address nutritional needs within the ACU community. Through Crumble Cats Cookies, she offered gluten-free and high-protein cookies as alternative snack options for students with celiac disease, food allergies or specific dietary needs. By combining her passion for nutrition with her entrepreneurial skills, Sara discovered another way to turn her education into action while making a positive difference in the lives of those around her. She also runs a blog that offers an intimate look at her journey to becoming a registered dietitian.
Following Her Heart and Calling Back to Uganda
As Sara looks toward the future, her plans are taking her back to the country that helped shape her calling.
After her first visit to Uganda in 2024, Sara returned the following summer, deepening her connection to the community and strengthening her desire to continue her work there. Now, she’s preparing to move to Uganda for the next one to two years, where she hopes to build on her experiences and explore more ways to use her education to touch lives. Although she isn’t certain where her career will ultimately lead, Sara feels confident about where she’s called to serve right now.
“Right now, my heart is with Uganda,” she reaffirmed.
Her long-term aspirations remain open; she hopes to continue working with children and families in Uganda or eventually return to the United States to work with pregnant women and children. Regardless of where her journey leads, Sara stays committed to using her knowledge to improve the well-being of others. Rather than feeling pressured to have every detail of her future planned, she’s embracing the opportunities ahead and trusting that faith and experience will guide her.
“Give Yourself a Fighting Chance”
When asked what advice she would offer prospective students considering ACU’s online programs, her message centered on perseverance, confidence and the importance of believing in yourself. “It’s never too late,” she said, reflecting on the classmates she’s had of different ages and backgrounds.
Her own experience has taught her that pursuing an education requires more than academic ability. It also requires the courage to move forward, especially when the path ahead feels uncertain.
“Give yourself a fighting chance,” Sara said. “During my time at ACU, I questioned myself a lot. I realized that I had to find my confidence from within. If I didn’t give myself that fighting chance, I wouldn’t have been able to have half the opportunities that I have now.”
For Sara Becker, education has become a gateway to experiences she never anticipated, from conducting nutrition research and exploring entrepreneurship to preparing for a life of service in Uganda. Her journey is a reminder that discovering your purpose doesn’t always happen all at once. Sometimes, it begins with a single course, an unexpected opportunity or the courage to follow where God is leading.
If you’re passionate about nutrition, healthcare and making a difference, explore ACU’s online M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program or visit our website to see how your education can prepare you for a career and life of purpose.