Isho Omar

Isho Omar graduated from Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) in May 2021 with an Associate in Arts. “I decided to join the MC program because I wanted to graduate debt free,” said Isho.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised in Somalia, Isho was first introduced to the Metropolitan College program as a senior at Seneca High School while participating in the UPS School to Work Program, a cooperative education program that offers eligible high school seniors the opportunity to earn college credits while working at UPS.

Isho works third shift as a package handler at UPS and volunteers at the Louisville Free Public Library helping children and adults whose native language is not English.

After taking an introductory psychology course, Isho grew fascinated with learning about the human mind and chose to major in psychology. “It’s taboo in our culture to talk about mental health and I want to change that. I want to use my psychology degree to help kids cope with stresses in their life,” said Isho.

This spring, Isho 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.

Now, the recent graduate is taking steps to transfer to the University of Louisville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduate debt free. “What motives me to succeed is knowing not many people get an opportunity to go to college debt free. This drives me to continue my education and strive for the best,” said Isho.

In the future, Isho aspires to become a child psychologist and work with children in hospital and clinical settings.

Learn more about Isho Omar in this Metropolitan College Spotlight Q&A Interview and Video

Video Credits:
Video produced by Renecia Griffie Davis, a Metropolitan College staff member.

Music in this video:
Song Artist: Scott Holmes Music
Song Title: Make Your Dream Reality
Source: freemusicarchive.org

What has been your biggest challenge as a MC participant and how did you overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge as a MC participant is keeping up with many responsibilities, but I overcome these challenges by talking to my professors and advisors to stay on track with school.

How has working at UPS contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Working at UPS has made me think about my future job and how I should present myself in my future career. Working at UPS has also made me stronger because working third shift can be a challenge, but I am used to the sleep schedule. I have grown up as a person and see what difference UPS has made to my life.

What person(s) has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
I would say my family and close friends because they are the ones who motives me to strive for the best. They are always there for me to depend on, and they are happy when I am happy and always cheer for me and tell me to not give up.

What advice do you have for students interested in the MC program?
My advice for students interested in the MC program is to go for it if you’re serious about college. You won’t regret it. Metro College has helped many people finish college without having the responsibility of being in debt.

What is an interesting or fun fact about yourself?
I like to read and watch Korean drama shows.

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.