Voice of an Angel: PBSC alumnus tells his story

By: Dean Glorioso

Luis Angel Arroyo needed his own angel, someone in his corner who believed in him. He found more than one at Palm Beach State College and truly transformed his life. Beyond thankful, Arroyo has been empowering young people since graduating from PBSC in 2019 with his Associate in Science degree and in 2022 with his Bachelor of Science degree, both in Human Services. Now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University, he operates Angels Boxing Therapy, providing guidance through a unique counseling model. Through wide smiles and heartfelt tears, he told us his story, in his words and in his voice—the voice of angel.

PBSC alumnus Luis Angel Arroyo

“My life journey has been nothing but a fight. Students like me need a voice and a place to talk about their struggles. Who am I? I never finished high school but earned a GED in prison at the age of 28. At the time I was at a sixth-grade reading level. At Palm Beach State, I became a first-generation college student at the age of 51.

“Having experienced childhood trauma and being diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and substance abuse disorder, I turned to a life of drug abuse, helping me not to feel pain or accept who I was. In 2016 I was released from county jail and found myself living at a homeless shelter. Knowing I needed and wanted to change, I prayed.

“I would take a bus to Palm Beach State’s Boca campus. For one year I sat and waited, still homeless. When I would see Professor Grace (Gracelyn Stuart), I shared with her my goal of entering school but didn’t have the money to pay for the enrollment fee. To my surprise, she asked how much it was and wrote me a check for the admissions application. I am forever grateful to her.

“This was the start of an amazing