story by David Hoffman
Arly Cruz-Aboytes is a first-generation college student whose work both inside and outside the classroom shows her passion for education and psychology.
Cruz-Aboytes is currently enrolled in the B.I.S in Human Learning and Development program, studying educational psychology and counseling with a minor in psychology. The opportunity to study both education and psychology led her to the B.I.S program and Georgia State University.
“Having a major where I could learn and explore was perfect for my own goals,” said Cruz-Aboytes. “The diversity of classes allowed me to curate a bachelor's degree that was personalized. It was something that other universities could not offer me.”
Since joining the program, Cruz-Aboytes has looked forward to her classes every week – especially Clinical Associate Professor Namisi Chilungu’s seminar on educational psychology.
“It was a small class, which led us to become close throughout the semester. We would laugh, have thought-provoking conversations and share our own experiences,” said Cruz-Aboytes. “It was more than class; it was a learning community.”
Cruz-Aboytes carries this care to her work outside of the classroom. She developed an interest in working with children after serving as a counselor at a science summer camp. Since then, she has worked to make a difference in children’s lives through her career.
She currently works as a patient safety supporter at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. There, she cares for behavioral and mental health patients as part of the hospital’s central staffing office, working out of three different hospitals.
Cruz-Aboytes is the 2024 recipient of the College of Education & Human Development’s Outstanding B.I.S in Human Learning and Development Student Award. This award is given to an undergraduate student of academic distinction who shows potential through research, community involvement and leadership by making significant contributions within the fields of human learning and development.
She is grateful for this recognition, as it is a testament to her resilience. She shared that balancing her courses, mental health and a part-time job was a challenge that she had to overcome.
“I find it hard to recognize my accomplishments, so it feels weird to be recognized by others,” said Cruz-Aboytes. “I know that my hard work allowed me to be selected, and I am very thankful for this award.”
Cruz-Aboytes would like to thank her program director, Clinical Associate Professor Omer Ari, for encouraging her to apply for this award. Most of all, she’d like to dedicate this award to her late classmate, Vannessa Candelas.
“She brought warmth and comfort to our class,” she said. “She would have made an extraordinary teacher.”