How it Started

Years ago I conducted a study, as part of my dissertation, to explore the impact of the quality of life of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) on their community/nutrition educators. While the program was designed to promote healthier lifestyles in low-income communities through nutrition education, what fascinated me the most was the incredible personal growth experienced by the educators. Through interviews across eight states and one U.S. territory, I uncovered stories of improved mental health, boosted confidence, and renewed life purpose—insights that go beyond just health lessons.

Building Self-Confidence through Health Engagement

For example, one of the most remarkable findings was how educators gained self-confidence through their work in health-related roles. More than three-quarters of the adults I interviewed, along with many of their supervisors, expressed that their roles as educators significantly boosted their self-esteem. They weren’t just sharing information; they were becoming role models and trusted voices within their communities.
I remember an educator from Utah who shared, "When I go to work, I get a lot of satisfaction from people. I'm helping others improve their health, and in doing so, I've grown more confident in myself." 

Finding a Sense of Purpose through Promoting Wellness

Another story came from an agency representative I interviewed from West Virginia. She spoke of an educator who had been shy when she first started but had grown into becoming a community leader: "Through this role, she gained leadership skills. She's now the president of the local Family Resource Network and serves in the Chamber of Commerce."
Many educators also spoke about how their roles gave them a sense of purpose. One educator from Utah told me, "This job helped me feel more fulfilled. Knowing I'm helping people make healthier choices, has given me a reason to look forward to each day."These stories reminded me that health education isn’t just about facts—it’s about the personal transformation. The ripple effect extends beyond classes, enriching the lives of the educators and their communities.
Natalia Infante Caylor, Ph.D. is the founder and Chief Researcher at Hola Insights, and has been conducting qualitative research for more than ten years, interviewing consumers from different ethnic groups, in English and Spanish across the U.S.