Untapped Resilience: Kyla’s Journey to her Second Master’s Degree

During her first master’s program, Kyla Arroyo received an incredibly discouraging piece of feedback: “Not everyone is meant for graduate school.” 

Fast forward to 2025, and it’s clear that Kyla (thankfully) did not take the message to heart. Next year, she’ll graduate from the University of Louisville with her second master’s degree, rigorously prepared to do meaningful work in the field she’s passionate about. In the meantime, Kyla is juggling full-time coursework, multiple practicum placements, a home renovation, and a graduate assistantship in the UofL Graduate School. 

It turns out that not only is Kyla capable of completing graduate school — she’s become a flourishing, vibrant force on UofL’s campus and in the Louisville community in the process.

"What I've learned during my graduate school journey is that setbacks don't define your ability to succeed. Even if you struggle or fail today, it doesn't mean you won't succeed tomorrow."

Kyla graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2012 as a first-generation college student in her family. After a few years away, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in a subject she was passionate about. However, the transition to graduate school was challenging. After reflection, Kyla decided to take a year off to regroup. 

“Back then, I wasn’t fully prepared or organized enough to succeed. I took a year off to reevaluate my priorities and remind myself of my resilience,” she shared.

When Kyla was ready to return to her academic journey, she debated between finishing her degree in the original program or transferring to Counseling and Personnel Services. A roadblock helped guide her to make her decision, as she needed permission from specific instructors to be readmitted to her original program, and one faculty member wouldn’t budge. They believed she wasn’t ready for graduate study. 

Discouraged but not defeated, Kyla didn’t give up. She changed her master’s program to UofL’s Counseling and Personnel Services and graduated with flying colors in 2018. Now, Kyla is in the process of pursuing her second master’s degree, building on her previous degree with clinical counseling experience so that she can become a licensed mental health professional. 

"I worked in disability services for several years and realized how difficult it was for many of my students to access resources. That experience made me want to be a stronger advocate for others and provide direct support through counseling."

After graduation, she hopes to establish a private counseling practice dedicated to helping queer people of color access affirming therapeutic services. She is passionate about working with children who have experienced foster care and with clients in rural areas, even hoping to incorporate equine therapy into her practice someday. 

For now, Kyla currently sees clients as a student therapist at Best Life Mental Health Services, LLC and Sweet Evening Breeze, a Louisville nonprofit working to end LGBTQ+ young adult homelessness. 

She is also the 2025-2026 Student Success Graduate Assistant in the UofL Graduate School office, collaborating with university staff to support graduate students through workshops and special projects, including contributing to the Advocate monthly newsletter. 

While this full school and clinical schedule doesn’t leave much free time, Kyla enjoys creative projects and being on the family farm while her and her husband renovate their home. 

When asked about the difference between her first and second experiences with graduate school, Kyla talked about the profound impact of mentorship. 

“Although I initially struggled with college navigation, mentors like Dr. Tomara Adams, Dr. Emma Sterrett-Hong, Dr. Katie Adamchik, Dr. Kaila Story, Lisa Guntermann, and Mary Mudd showed me that higher education was within my reach,” she said. “Their encouragement helped me realize that graduate school could be part of my future.”   

Her biggest advice to anyone wondering if graduate school is right for them? 

"Don’t give up. You know what you are capable of, even when you doubt yourself. Struggles or setbacks don’t mean you will never succeed — they’re just part of the process. Trust your path, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself permission to grow."