Bella Fichetola

Bella chose her career field of Biology due to an assignment in her high school biology class. This assignment opened her eyes to all of the careers within biology. Bella plans on becoming a Genetic Counselor. Bella stated this career is the perfect mix of helping others and extending her love of biology.

Currently, Bella is a package handler at UPS. Bella has been at UPS since 2022. 

In addition to working at UPS and her academics, Bella has served as a Peer Advisor, and was a student teacher of GEN 101 classes. 

This spring, Bella was chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding MC Student Award, an award that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, work-life balance, and academic success.

Learn more about Bella Fichetola in this MC Spotlight Q&A Interview

What has been your biggest challenge as a MC participant and how did you overcome these challenges?

Finding a healthy work life balance and knowing when to take breaks from my responsibilities. In the beginning, I found myself overwhelmed frequently because I was always doing something. Although I am still very busy, I like to keep my Sundays free to relax, get coffee, and take naps. Being intentional with my time and personal needs enables me to continue to work hard during the week and give my all when I can without getting burnt out.

How has working at UPS contributed to your personal and professional growth?

UPS is an environment unlike any other. It is fast paced and energetic. Personally, it has helped me come out of my shell and learn when to ask for help when I need it. I can’t know everything and being willing to step out of my comfort zone and ask for help is very important in all walks of life. Professionally I’ve grown a lot through the opportunities provided to me with my job at UPS. I am responsible for training new admin employees in my area and that task has pushed me a lot. I feel more comfortable guiding others and helping my coworkers do well at their jobs, which are skills I can take anywhere.

What motivates and drives you to succeed while pursuing your educational goals?

Since high school, I had the goal of becoming a genetic counselor. I have a love for biology and feel very fulfilled when I help others. Knowing that my future has both if I keep working hard truly motivates me. By staying focused and determined while in school I can make the things I really want to happen, happen.

What has been your involvement with co-curricular activities, co-ops or internships, volunteer experience, community service, undergraduate research, etc.?

Last spring I started my job at UofL as a peer advisor for the college of arts and sciences. I get to help first-year students schedule their first semester of classes at UofL during summer orientation. In the fall I worked in the Gen-101 classroom as a peer advisor and mentor.

What is an interesting or fun fact about yourself?

At the start of the spring semester, my friend and I started a club at UofL. We both had a love and interest for the band Weezer and knew other students who did too. So, the first ever UofL Weezer fan club was born. Planning the monthly meetings and bringing different people together has been one of the major highlights of this spring semester.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend graduate school to get my masters in genetic counseling.

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.