Olivia Craven

Olivia’s journey through Metropolitan College has been defined by growth, resilience, and meaningful support. Assistance with resume building, mock interviews, and professional mentoring has empowered her to feel prepared and confident as she works toward her career goals. Throughout her time in the program, Olivia has developed a set of skills she’s truly proud of. Her time management and self‑discipline have strengthened significantly, helping her balance the demands of school, work, and family. All of this continues to shape her into a strong, motivated future professional.

Balancing multiple roles has required Olivia to be intentional and organized. She follows a consistent daily routine that helps her manage her responsibilities as a student, UPS employee, and a dedicated mother. By planning ahead and completing coursework early, she ensures she can spend meaningful time with her family.

Her work at UPS has also played a pivotal role in discovering her strengths. This experience has reinforced her passion for helping others and highlighted her natural strengths in communication. Those who know her describe her as kind, fun, and helpful. These traits shine through in both her academic and personal life.

Looking ahead, Olivia envisions herself working as a Speech Language Pathologist, using her skills and compassion to make a meaningful impact. She hopes to make an impact by helping others learn how to communicate better. Olivia sees herself working in schools or doctors' offices, diagnosing and treating speech language, voice, and swallowing disorders.

This spring, Olivia 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 Olivia Craven in this MC Spotlight Q&A Interview

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

What has surprised me most about my experience in the MC program is how helpful our advisors are. As well as the Career and Academic Program Plan (CAPP). I really appreciate the help I have received in resume building, mock interviews and mentoring.

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

The skills I have gained through the MC Program is time management, skills in self-discipline, professional work skills, as wells as interview preparation.

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

I've developed strong time management skills. I just have a daily routine that I strictly adhere to. I take care of my family, attend my classes, and then I work third shift. I spend time with my family during the weekends. My schedule is flexible. I plan out ahead what activities we will do as a family. I complete my class work, and homework ahead of time. I have a great family unit, I am very blessed because my husband, my parents, and my in-laws are a great help to me.

How has your time at UPS helped you discover your strengths or interests? 

UPS has shown me that teamwork is important, interpreting nonverbal cues, communication, conflict resolution, and to follow safety regulations. When I think about my work UPS helps people every day through humanitarian aid, health equity, and helps advance economic opportunities. UPS has helped me discover my strengths in communication and wanting to help people.

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

I am very proud of maintaining my GPA while managing classes, working third shift, and family life.

How would your friends or classmates describe you in three words?

Kind, fun, and helpful.

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

To be patient and stop overthinking everything because everything will work out in the end.

Where do you see yourself five years after graduation?

Working as a Speech Language Pathologist.

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

Spending time with my husband, Chris, and our three sons.

If you had a theme song that played whenever you entered a room, what would it be?

Long Live by Taylor Swift

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.