Paulishia Bard

Paulishia Bard, a first-generation college student and native of Louisville, Kentucky, is a senior at the University of Louisville (UofL) majoring in liberal studies .

Paulishia was first introduced to the Metropolitan College program as a senior at Waggener 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.

“I was excited about being able to work and earn college credits during high school. I successfully completed two college classes in public speaking and business,” said Paulisha.

Paulishia joined the Metropolitan College program in Fall 2016 and enrolled at Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC). While at JCTC, Paulishia took on a full course load and maintained good grades while balancing a third shift schedule.

A few weeks prior to graduating from JCTC in December 2019, Paulishia was involved in a near fatal car accident and sustained injuries to the head, arms, and legs. During this time, Paulishia demonstrated remarkable resilience by keeping up with required coursework and maintaining regular communication with JCTC instructors to persist to graduate on time with an associate degree and a certificate for A++ Prep.

Then, in the later part of 2019, Paulishia’s dad was diagnosed with cancer.

Paulisha commented, “My dad started his cancer treatment in February of last year and his progress has improved. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I started bringing him groceries and other essentials, so he does not have to go in the stores and expose himself to others.”

Following graduation from JCTC, Paulisha transferred to UofL and enrolled in classes in the summer of 2020.

“What I have enjoyed most at UofL is working with my classmates and professors to learn new things that will stick with me for life. My favorite class so far has been my liberal studies course which allowed us to learn more about our careers and jobs of interest,” said Paulisha.

This spring, Paulishia 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.

“I was flattered and excited to hear that I was nominated for the Outstanding MC Student Award. I appreciated being recognized for my hard work and dedication despite the recent health issues I have faced in the past few years. It showed me and my family that keeping my faith in God and doing the best I can to push forward can pay off,” said Paulisha.

Following graduation from UofL in May 2022, Paulishia plans to start an online company and has already been consulting with business developers.

“Thanks to UPS and Metro College , I have successfully completed my associate degree and a certificate for A++ Prep and I will have my bachelor’s degree by next year. I have met people who have become like family, and I was able to get help on creating a budget to live on my own and establish independence. I will forever be grateful for my Metro College and UPS family.”

Learn more about Paulishia Bard in this Metropolitan College Spotlight Q&A Interview

What led you to choose your major of study?
After carefully researching the programs of study at UofL, I discovered liberal studies gives me a wide range of different career opportunities. I was able to create a personalized academic plan that combines my three areas of interest: communications, entrepreneurship, and film and production.

What has been your biggest challenge as a MC participant and how did you overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge as an MC participant is keeping up with college courses when dealing with challenging situations that occur in life and the world. I overcame these challenges by praying, trusting God with the future, preparing for the worst, and being patient with life.

What person(s) has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
The biggest influence in my life is my daddy. My dad always has an answer to all my questions and concerns. He gives me great advice for complicated situations. He is my biggest motivation for wanting to do good and stay focused.

What advice do you have for students interested in the MC program?
My advice is to plan a schedule for weekly engagements. The best idea is to work on your assignments early to get an understanding of what you will be doing and how long it will take you. It's a great idea to plan time with the family when your off from school to help give your mind a break from the college and set aside to catch up with your family. I think creating self-care time helps you deal with tough situations. You can take bubble baths, listen to soothing music, practice yoga, draw, or read.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy many different things like dancing, singing, reading different books, praying and practicing living the word of God, watching movies, creating art, hanging out with my family and friends, finding new projects, and making new things.

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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.