Sara Moreland

“I decided to join and participate in the Metro College program to gain work experience and graduate college debt free,” said Sara Moreland, a junior majoring in geography with a track in meteorology at the University of Louisville.

Sara, a graduate of New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana, developed a fascination with studying aviation while in high school as a cadet in the Navy Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program.

From there, Sara was inspired to attend an aviation program junior and senior year of high school offered through Prosser Career Technical Education Center, a program that specializes in providing high-quality career and technical education for high school students throughout southern Indiana.

“I began flight lessons my senior year of high school, and since then, I've had the fortunate opportunity to earn over 50 flight hours,” said Sara. “I'm currently a student pilot at Honaker Aviation in Sellersburg, Indiana and I am working toward my private pilot license.”

As a first-generation college student, Sara joined the Metro College program in Fall 2020 and currently works as a package handler at UPS. “UPS has been an incredible help and has encouraged me to achieve my short- and long-term goals and enabled me to go after my dreams,” said Sara.

This spring, Sara 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.

After graduation, Sara aspires to get a master’s degree and to one day secure a position as a pilot at UPS.

Learn more about Sara Moreland in this Metropolitan College Spotlight Q&A Interview

What has been your biggest challenge as a MC participant and how did you overcome this challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a MC participant is time management and balancing workloads. My first semester, however, was easy-going, but it also gave me inspiration to take on a full-time schedule. One way I've overcome these challenges are by taking frequent breaks in heavier than normal work weeks, doing meditation exercises in free time, and by realizing things I am thankful for that have allowed me to come this far in my college career.

What person(s) has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
I would have to say my mom has significantly served as the biggest influence in my life. She has always pushed me toward my goals, given me plenty of encouragement and support, and has set amazing examples for me to look up to. My mom has been a single mother almost her whole life and has shown me the brighter side(s) of life. Not only does she resemble the person I want to become one day, but she has brought to my attention the courage it takes to accomplish your dreams. Having a great role model in life is like a sunny day, one with no rain and only beautiful sights.

What advice do you have for students interested in the MC program?
Metro College is a great program for any student interested and it has great long-term benefits that will help you throughout your life. One thing I would recommend is to take advantage of time you have while not at work, and to concentrate more so on school. It may seem tough or even impossible at times, but this is a part of being a college student, and that I've experienced this numerous times as a freshman. A good thing, I think to do, is to meditate. It doesn't really matter for how long or at what time. Meditation can clear your mind and refocus your attention on the positive most relevant parts of doing something. In addition to that, I think another important thing to do is to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep when you can.

What is an interesting or fun fact about yourself?
I was a Navy National Champion on my NJROTC's rifle team my sophomore year of high school.

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.