From Setbacks to Success: The Journey of Angie Arroyo
Graduate Profile: ’25, Bachelor of Science, Finance and Accounting Management and Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker Understudy
In the bustling heart of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, Angie Arroyo’s story unfolds as one of resilience, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to creating a better future. As the eldest daughter of Chinese immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as teenagers, Arroyo’s path to success was anything but straightforward.
Growing up in Sheepshead Bay, she moved frequently, an instability that made it difficult to form lasting friendships. Her mother, a beacon of hard work and determination, toiled tirelessly—first as a concierge, then in a service position at the Ritz Carlton, and later balancing multiple jobs to provide for her children after divorcing Arroyo’s father. Despite financial struggles, her mother always found a way to support Arroyo’s passions, from piano lessons to her education.
Trials and Tribulations
Arroyo’s early life was marked by hardship. The constant moving, her parents’ divorce, and the loss of her grandfather in middle school weighed heavily on her. She faced bullying in her formative years and struggled to feel a sense of belonging. Yet, she pressed on, excelling academically and earning a spot at the prestigious LaGuardia Performing Arts High School.
After high school, she enrolled at Stony Brook University, however, the transition to dorm life proved challenging, and coupled with toxic relationships and loneliness, she ultimately withdrew. Taking a break from school, she found herself working multiple jobs, mirroring her mother’s relentless work ethic. The grueling reality of life without a degree became clear as she labored long hours at Starbucks and in retail.
Seeking stability, Arroyo applied to Baruch College but never attended due to an unhealthy relationship. She followed her then-boyfriend to Kansas, married him, and lived on a military base. When she became pregnant, the weight of her circumstances became undeniable. The toxic relationship, the isolation, and the lack of support solidified her decision; she needed to return to New York and build a better life for her son.
A Second Chance at Education
Back in New York, Arroyo faced new struggles. Crowded living conditions with her mother, stepfather, brother, and son made life challenging. However, she was determined to break the cycle of hardship.
While pregnant, she meticulously researched online degree programs that could accommodate her responsibilities as a full-time working mother. After six months of searching, she found Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, a program that was entirely online and fit her schedule. Determined, she applied and was accepted.
Balancing studies with work at Advanced Auto Parts and navigating daycare challenges was no small feat. But she persevered, taking two classes at a time and receiving unwavering support from her professors. Her resolve never wavered and this time, Arroyo vowed there would be no false starts.
From Hardship to Success
Throughout her academic journey, Arroyo continued to push forward despite financial and personal difficulties. She built a new life with a supportive partner, welcomed a second son in 2023, and remained steadfast in her commitment to completing her degree.
Her persistence paid off. Arroyo not only completed her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management at Northeastern but also secured a job in banking. Over the past two years, she worked her way up from retail banker to store supervisor at TD Bank in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
But her journey doesn’t end here. With her eyes set on the future, she has been accepted into Baruch College’s master’s program, set to begin in Fall 2025. Her goal is clear: financial stability, a fulfilling career, and a life where she and her children can thrive rather than merely survive.
Looking Ahead
Arroyo’s story is more than a testament to perseverance, it’s a reminder of the strength it takes to rewrite one’s narrative. She doesn’t seek wealth but rather stability, ensuring her children grow up with the security and opportunities she lacked.
“I want my kids to be proud,” she says. “They don’t have to be spoiled, but I want to teach them values. I want us to enjoy life, not just survive it.”
With a degree in hand, a promising career, and a master’s program on the horizon, Arroyo has proven that no challenge is insurmountable. Her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone facing setbacks, demonstrating that with perseverance, honesty, and unwavering determination, success is always within reach.
