Grace O'Neal

Grace’s experience in Metropolitan College has been shaped by the unexpected relationships and friendships she has built during her four years at UPS. Working alongside others in the program created a strong sense of community, support, and shared purpose. These connections not only made the challenges of balancing school and night‑shift work more manageable, but also motivated her to stay focused on her goals.

Throughout her time in the program, Grace has developed skills she is incredibly proud of. Juggling classes, work, and personal responsibilities has pushed her to stay organized, prioritize effectively, and remain committed. Grace approaches balance intentionally. She relies heavily on organization and planning ahead. Her planner has become an essential tool. Giving herself permission not to be perfect has also helped her maintain perspective and avoid burnout.

One of the most meaningful lessons Grace will carry with her from UPS is the importance of teamwork. She has learned that success rarely happens alone. She plans to bring this mindset into her future career, prioritizing empathy, clear communication, and strong relationships.

Looking ahead, Grace envisions a future devoted to supporting children and advocating for their mental health. Grace is already actively involved in her community through her volunteer work with the Resilient Families Project, where she helps deliver trauma‑informed, evidence‑based activities to individuals experiencing homelessness or recovering from addiction. This work has strengthened her commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for children and families. In her future career, she hopes to advocate for children’s emotional well‑being, empower parents, and leave a lasting positive impact on her community.

Whether through her academic achievements, her future career, or her personal passions, Grace continues to learn, grow, and bring compassion to everything she does.

This spring, Grace was chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Student Award, an award that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, work-life balance, and academic success.

Learn more about Grace O'Neal in this MC Spotlight Q&A Interview

What has surprised you most about your experience in the MC program?

My biggest surprise from my experience in the MC program has been the relationships and friendships I have formed throughout my four years at UPS. Working and growing alongside others in the program created a strong sense of support and community. These relationships have not only made the experience more enjoyable, but have also helped me stay motivated and succeed both at UPS and in my academic journey. Some of these relationships have helped me get to where I am today, so I will be forever grateful for the people I have met along the way.

What skills have you gained through the MC program that you’re most proud of?

Skills I have developed throughout my time at UPS that I am most proud of is my time management and discipline. Balancing work and school, amongst a personal life, has pushed me to stay organized, manage my prioritizes, and remain committed even when i'm exhausted. These skills I have developed while working at UPS, has helped me stay consistent, meet my goals, and continue moving forward, even when it’s challenging.

How do you balance work, school, and personal life? What strategies have been most helpful?

Balancing work, school, and personal life is really about being intentional with your time and giving yourself permission to not do everything perfectly.
What’s helped me most is staying organized and planning ahead. I try to map out my week so I know when assignments are due, when I’m working, and when I can realistically rest. My planner has helped me immensely to balance my time between work, school, and my personal time. Having a busy schedule, my days are typically planned to the minute. I always feel like i am forgetting something/forgot to do something, so having a physical planner gives me peace of mind and keeps me on track.

What workplace lesson from UPS will you carry with you throughout your career? 

A lesson that I've learned from UPS is the importance of teamwork and supporting those around me. Success, in the workplace and in our individual lives, doesn't happen alone, instead by building reliable, strong relationships with the people around us. Every shift requires relying on others, communicating and collaborating consistently, and being adaptable when unexpected challenges arise.
Carrying this lesson into my future career means I’ll approach every role with a mindset of cooperation and empathy. Whether I’m working with colleagues, clients, or families, I’ll prioritize clear communication, mutual support, and the understanding that we achieve more when we work together effectively. It’s a skill that strengthens both professional results and relationships, and it’s one I know will continue to benefit me long after UPS.

What is one moment during your college career that you’re especially proud of? 

An accomplishment I am proud of is making the Deans Scholar's list and the Deans list. I never thought I would be able to accomplish the deans scholar list, especially while working nightshift, having an 18-credit hour school schedule, and completing an internship. Accomplishing this, proves that I can do anything if I work hard enough for it.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I had to give my younger self advice I would tell her, 'pressure is privilege'. Someone said this to me recently and I have thought about this quote everyday since. The constant pressure of responsibilities and the to-do list can get overwhelming or even crippling, but remembering how much of a privilege it is to be busy, is really grounding and puts everything into perspective for me. It is a privilege to work a job that allows me to go to college debt-free, it is a privilege to have homework that is expanding my knowledge, it is a privilege is spend time with people I care about, it is a privilege to wake up with a to-do list everyday.

Where do you see yourself five years after graduation?

Five years after my undergraduate graduation, I will have a masters degree and I will starting the journey to get my license to become a Childs therapist or psychologist. During that time, I hope to be gaining hands-on experience in the field and continuing to grow both professionally and personally. After completing my master’s, I may also choose to further my education by pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology, depending on where my experiences lead me. Overall, I see myself building a meaningful career focused on supporting and advocating for children and their mental health.

How do you hope to impact your community or industry in the future?

I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community by supporting children and advocating for their mental health and well-being. Currently, I volunteer with the Resilient Families Project, where I help deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based activities designed to strengthen coping skills and emotional regulation for people facing homelessness and adults in recovery. This experience has allowed me to work directly with individuals navigating challenging circumstances, and it has deepened my understanding of resilience and mental health.
In the future, as a child therapist or psychologist, I hope to continue this work on a larger scale, I will provide help, assist, and be an advocate for children.
I aim to create safe spaces for children and families, and I will empower parents with the tools necessary to advocate and support their children. My goal is for my efforts to leave a lasting, positive impact on both individuals and on my community.

What is your favorite way to unwind or recharge after a long week?

My favorite way to unwind after a long week is reading. I grew up reading as a way to relax; it’s always been a way to relax and step away from the stress and responsibilities of life. Beyond providing a mental escape, reading allows me to explore different lifestyles and perspectives, which broadens my understanding of the world. I also find a sense of community in reading. Whether discussing books with friends or sharing recommendations, it’s rewarding to connect with others over stories and ideas.

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.