Abigail and Josh Caster

Metropolitan College Alumni Abigail (Tucker) Caster and Josh Caster have been together for four years and married for three years now. The couple met while working at UPS Worldport.

“Without the Metro College program, my husband and I would not have met. We also both would not be debt free with our degrees,” said Abigail.

Abigail graduated from the University of Louisville (UofL) in December 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance and a track in Exercise Science. “There's no greater feeling knowing that you worked towards something that was a difficult accomplishment and seeing that it paid off in the end,” said Abigail.

Josh received an associate degree from Jefferson Community and Technical College in August 2014 and a Bachelor of Arts in History with a track in Social Sciences from UofL in May 2017. “UPS and Metro College are great. It’s an amazing opportunity to set your future up for success,” said Josh.

Soon after Abigail graduated with her bachelor’s degree, she started to explore career advancement opportunities within UPS. “There were open positions posted for the Health & Safety department that I felt fit appropriately with my degree path. After applying and interviewing, I was offered the full-time position that I wanted all within the same month of graduating,” said Abigail.

At the start of 2021, Abigail started in her new role as a Business Professional (BP) specialist within the Health and Safety department working on the day shift. In this role, Abigail helps to create a safe environment for all employees and educate those in the operation on how to best contribute to the company’s safety culture. “I work to find strategies to reduce the injury picture as a whole by being involved with different CHSP committees on property,” said Abigail.

Josh’s passion for development and leadership led to a recent promotion to Training Manager on the night shift at UPS. “I have full-time, part-time supervisors as well as administrative and business professionals that report to me. We oversee training of all employees and supervisors on next day hub,” said Josh.

This year, Abigail and Josh welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Elijah on April 22. “We are so happy, blessed and grateful to begin this new journey as parents and we are thankful for the Metro College program,” said Abigail.

The family of three are doing great, along with their furry companions, Harley, a five-year-old terrier mix; and Samson, a three-year-old boxer.

Learn more about Abigail and Josh Caster in this Metropolitan College Spotlight Q&A Interview

In what way has the Metropolitan College program impacted your life personally and professionally?
Abigail: When I began the Metro College program, I did not realize the overwhelmingly beneficial impact that it was going to have on my life. My journey through college was not linear as I switched majors several times. I knew that the longer I took to explore different majors that it would cost me in time by pushing out my projected graduation date. However, because I was participating in the Metro College program, I felt free to truly take the time and classes that would allow me to earn a degree in something that I was truly passionate about. There is no doubt that having my degree and completing it through the Metro College program helped me to get promoted into the position that I currently hold.

Josh: Metro College has had an amazing impact on me and my family. It opened an opportunity to graduate debt free and opened a door for a great fulfilling career at UPS.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in life?
Abigail: My greatest accomplishment in my life is marrying my husband at the end of my sophomore year and finishing up my last semester expecting a baby! Another accomplishment is being offered the full-time position that I wanted all within the same month of graduating with my degree.

Josh: My greatest accomplishment in life is marring my wife and starting a family.

What person(s) has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
Abigail: My husband is a big influence in my life. He has been by my side and encouraged me every step of the way, especially with school. Through the challenges that come with working 3rd shift, being enrolled full-time, making time for your marriage, owning a home, being a dedicated dog mom, and new mom to Elijah, his support has never been anything short of more than I could ever ask for.

Another big influence in my life was my stepdad that passed away of cancer my senior year of high school. Throughout my life he always pushed and encouraged me to be the best version of myself that I could be. He always wanted me to go to college and get my degree so that I could be successful. Initially I was planning on enrolling at Murray State University; however, when things became worse at home with his health, I decided to enroll in the Metro College program. I remember that he was so proud of me and the mature decision that I made to stay home for our family and pursue my degree. Little did I know at the time that it was going to be one of the best decisions that I ever made!

Josh: I have had many great influences and mentors in my career and life. Three that stand out to me the most is my late pastor, he taught me so much about the church, about caring for people, and training and developing. Another mentor that I had at UPS was Sam Johnson. Someone who taught me how to do the right thing and how to treat people right. Lastly was my first manager who truly inspired me to make a change. She told me that I should be the change I want to see and that has been a driving motivation here at UPS.

What advice do you have for prospective and current students in the MC program?
Abigail: Graduating debt-free is 100% worth the journey but it takes sacrifice. No matter the challenges that may come, do not settle for something less than you have worked for. Work hard and show others with your actions why you are capable and be compassionate.

Josh: Set a schedule and stick to it, discipline is key. It may be hard, but it can be done. It’s worth it in the end. Also, in whatever career you have chosen for yourself, you must always take care of the people around you. You don't promote you, the people around you promote you.

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We are proud of our current students and alumni and their incredible accomplishments! The MC Spotlight is a way for us to highlight the amazing things our current students and alumni are doing. As you read their stories, you will learn how their Metropolitan College experiences helped to shape their futures and influence their careers.

We are always on the lookout for inspiring MC Spotlight stories. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing a story with us, contact us at askmetro@kctcs.edu.

Note: At Metropolitan College, we consider our alumni anyone who has ever completed coursework and received tuition benefits with us.