How being an honors student is helping A.J. Ruffin-Stcyr inspire his passions at The University of Akron

When A.J. Ruffin-Stcyr first visited The University of Akron (UA) during his college search, something just clicked.

"I fell in love with the campus, and I knew I wanted to push myself to my limits and reach new heights,” said Ruffin-Stcyr, a third-year honors student from Xenia, Ohio. But it wasn’t just the beautiful surroundings that drew him in—it was the welcoming people he met.

“When I visited the administration in the Williams Honors College office, they were very uplifting, and I knew that I was going to be able to make strong and everlasting connections with the people here.”

Now in his junior year, Ruffin-Stcyr is exploring his desire to simply help others while pursuing a dual degree in psychology and child and family development, making him a student in both the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Health and Human Sciences.

And, there's a third college—part of his own support system on campus, helping turn that passion of helping others become a possibility, includes being a scholar in the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College.

He’s been exposed to a world of opportunities that have broadened his horizons and pushed him out of his comfort zone.

“Being an Honors Scholar allows me to experience new adventures,” said Ruffin-Stcyr. “I’m able to attend fancy dinners, watch plays in Cleveland and even listen to alumni give empowering and motivating life stories. It’s encouraged me step out of my comfort zone and run for a leadership position within the Honors College.”

Honors benefits = dual degree

Academically, Ruffin-Stcyr has also taken full advantage of the unique offerings available to honors students.

Honors students are not required to take some of the general education classes that other students do, offering them opportunities to further explore their interests. The flexibility in the honors curriculum allowed Ruffin-Stcyr to choose to add a second major, creating more rigor and experience to help him prepare for his aspirations of graduate school and working in mental health counseling

“Trying my best makes me feel happy about the things that I am working towards in the future,” he said.

More so, the Honors Distribution program requires students to complete courses in several disciplines; likewise, the college’s Honors Colloquia courses bring together honors students from various majors to discuss timely topics in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

The colloquia, in particular, have left a lasting impact on Ruffin-Stcyr. These courses pique his curiosity while introducing him to new ways of learning that he can carry with him throughout his academic journey.

“They give me an open mind by learning about interesting things that I never would’ve thought could be interesting,” he said.

Becoming more than his majors

Beyond the classroom, Ruffin-Stcyr’s involvement in various student organizations has been a key part of his experience at UA. Serving on the Honors Advisory Council, participating in the National Residence Hall Honorary and engaging with the Undergraduate Student Government have all contributed to his growth.

As he looks to the future, Ruffin-Stcyr has his sights set on continuing his education at UA, where he plans to pursue graduate studies in either School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His ultimate goal?

“I am passionate about helping people be the best they can,” he shared. Eventually, Ruffin-Stcyr hopes to open his own mental health practice and even wants to become well-known throughout Ohio for his work in helping others.

His experience at UA and in its Honors College has been one of growth, discovery and preparation for the future. The Honors College, with its supportive community and enriching opportunities, has played a central role in helping Ruffin-Stcyr become more than just his major—it has helped him become the person he aspires to be.

For prospective high school students considering their next steps, Ruffin-Stcyr has some heartfelt guidance: “You will have many great opportunities come your way. You will also be able to build strong connections and gain new experiences, all while also being treated with respect and kindness from the administration here at UA and even in the Honors office.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.