Cheyenne Kessinger

Cheyenne Kessinger, a native of Bardstown, Kentucky, is a senior at the University of Louisville pursing a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies of Academic Leadership and Educational Administration.

“I initially joined the Metro College program after I lost my scholarship so I could still have my school paid for,” said Cheyenne. “If you’re thinking about joining the program, do it. UPS is a great company to work for and you get your school paid for!”

Cheyenne was inspired to enter the education profession after working at a Girl Scout Camp in Tennessee. “After spending a whole summer working as a counselor, I knew education is where I needed to be,” Cheyenne said.

This spring, Cheyenne received a nomination for the 2021 Outstanding Metropolitan College Student Award, an award that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, work-life balance, and academic success.

Most recently, Cheyenne was promoted to Full-time Administration for 1DA Fueling at UPS Worldport. “I am a fuel truck dispatcher. I assign the fuel trucks to the planes every night so they can get fueled to go to their corresponding destinations. I also work with other operations including maintenance, unload, load, marshalling, etc.,” said Cheyenne.

Set to graduate in Spring 2023, Cheyenne’s aims to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching Leadership and obtain an internship at the state level Kentucky Board of Education .

Learn more about Cheyenne Kessinger in this Metropolitan College Spotlight Q&A Interview

What has your involvement been with experiential learning opportunities (i.e., co-curricular activities, co-ops or internships, volunteer experience, community service, undergraduate research, etc.)?
I was a member of the Volleyball Club team here at the University and got to go to nationals two years in a row! Also, I used to be very involved with Greek life.

What has been your biggest challenge as a MC participant and how did you overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge is finding classes that fit the third shift worker schedule. Not many education classes are offered after noon. I try to get classes at 8:00 a.m. so I can stay up after work or at 5pm so I can actually get some sleep!

What motivates and drives you to succeed while pursing your educational goals?
When I think of the future and my role, I know I’m meant to help the younger generations. The look on a child’s face when they finally make that “connection” for whatever they are learning is one of the most fulfilling sights to see.

How has working at UPS contributed to your personal and professional growth?
UPS has brought out my determination, and since I became management, my ability to stand up for myself and my department. As a loader or even on the shift, you have to be determined to stick it out through the night. The boxes eventually stop sometime. The sun always rises.

What person(s) has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
My grandmother. She has been living with a chronic lung condition almost my whole life and no matter what she’s doing, she would drop anything for me. She humbles me and always encourages me to help others.

What is an interesting or fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about myself is that I was born in Hawaii. I recently moved into a house! My minimal free time has been spent organizing my things and learning how to live more sustainably. I recently started composting and growing my own vegetables!

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.