“Working night shift is certainly a sacrifice, but it is one of the best decisions I've ever made,” said Julianne Hummel, an education major at the University of Louisville and 2019 Outstanding Metropolitan College Student Award Recipient.

“After working four years at UPS, I could not be more excited to graduate this December with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Learning and Behaviors (grades K-12) and start my career as a teacher. It really seems like such a small price to pay to graduate debt-free," said Hummel.

Most recently, Hummel transitioned from the Metropolitan College program to an exciting position in her career field as a student teacher at Ramsay Middle School in Louisville, KY. Hummel credited her little sister with Down syndrome for instilling the passion in her to help develop and grow other's abilities. Hummel is also interested in doing ministry work after graduation.

Learn More About Julianne Hummel's Metropolitan College experience in this Q&A.

Q: Why led you to choose your major and how does this relate to your future career goals?

A: Growing up with a little sister with Down syndrome helped me develop both patience and a love for growing other's abilities. All of us have a unique purpose to serve and should have a right to a quality education, a meaningful life, and the opportunity to use the gifts and talents (we all have) to contribute to our world. I will be dual certified to teach in a regular or special education classroom upon graduation and I hope to do so either here or abroad.

Q: What led you to participate in the Metropolitan College program?

A: My dad has worked for UPS for over 25 years, so I knew about the program from him. However, he really didn’t push the program on me; I think I saw what an offer it was and what that could mean for me financially and so I made the choice to apply. I am interested in doing ministry after graduation, so assurance that I won't be tied down to a student loan is really freeing.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a MC participant?

A: There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. I often overcommit myself to involvement and put sleep on the back burner. Essentialism by Greg Mckeown is a book I think every college student (especially Metro College students) should read. It taught me to say no, even to good opportunities sometimes, in order to focus my time on what is most essential to me. This job has taught me to look critically at my life and the way I use my time and to decide on what is most essential to me so that I can live life intentionally.

Q: When you are not at UPS or in school, how do you like to spend your time?

A: I love spending time with friends and family—eating meals together, doing Bible studies, serving in the community together, going on hikes, runs, and being outside!! Being able to encourage one another and do life together is so sweet. I also enjoy reading, practicing piano, and eating lots and lots of good food.

Q: What steps have you taken to prepare for your career field and gain related skills and experience?

A: Having a sister with Down Syndrome has been my greatest preparation for this field. However, a number of other experiences have shaped the way I see education: field hours in local schools, camp counseling at Jewish Community Center, teaching Sunday School at my church and other volunteer work (Kentucky Refugee Ministry, Cochran Elementary tutoring, Uspiritus, etc.).

Q: What advice do you have for current and prospective MC participants who want to make the most out of the program?

A: My advice for current and prospective MC participants: Get involved on campus or in community—just because you're a Metro College student doesn't mean you can't have a traditional college experience. You will walk away with so much more if you get involved. Get to know your co-workers—like really get to know them! UPS is a melting pot. You’ll work with people who have walked very different paths in life and you’ll be surprised what you can learn from them.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence or inspiration in your life and why?

A: God is the reason for all my strength and joy! People often ask me why I’m so happy all the time. I hope the impression I give isn’t that life is all peaches and roses. It’s not about being optimistic, life is hard sometimes, but no matter the circumstance nothing can take away my joy and hope in Christ.

Q: What is your favorite quote or life motto?

A: "Yet" is one of my favorite words because it acknowledges that there is something still to be learned. I love using this with the students I work with at Portland Elementary when they say "I don't get it.” Tag a "yet" on the end of that and the sentence suddenly becomes one of hope.

Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment in life so far?

A: Being chosen to help give Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, president of the University of Louisville, a tour of UPS is an opportunity that I am so grateful I was given. It was really neat and getting to meet Dr. Neeli Bendapudi was an experience I will never forget.

Photo (2018): Dr. Bendapudi, president of the University of Louisville, left, and Julianne Hummel, right, pose for a photo together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Metropolitan College program during a tour of UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, KY.

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.