Last week, the Honors College graduate crossed the stage with her bachelor’s in psychology, a minor in business administration and experience in a wide range of activities, including the Roadrunner Experience Showcase and “The College Tour” series on Amazon Prime.
“Transitioning from high school of college was very difficult,” recalled Boggan, who knew she wanted to major in psychology but had no idea what career she wanted to pursue. “I was very stressed about the future, so I explored as many academic programs as I could to find my passion.”
She took that same leap when it came to getting involved in campus activities.
“I decided I was tired of feeling isolated and wanted to be involved on campus, so I jumped into every event or experience I could to meet people, she said.
Boggan’s bachelor’s in Psychology is one of several degree programs in the College for Health Community and Policy. This spring, she will take her passion for behavior analysis to the next level, returning to UTSA for a master’s in behavior analysis from the College of Education and Human Development.
“I was attracted to behavior analysis because I thought it focused on areas like criminal profiling,” she said.
She stayed in it for the opportunities to make the world a better place, particularly for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“I stayed in it because I get to see the positive impacts I am making on the lives of others,” Boggan said. “I also learned that instead of just implementing interventions, I want to create them, which has led me to want to pursue a graduate degree in behavior analysis. It combines the research and clinical sides of psychology, which I love.”
After a three-month internship with the Autism Treatment Center last fall, Boggan started her internship with the Little Spurs Autism Centers — which serves children with ASD — this past January.
“I love it. I get to teach kids while we are playing, so they are having fun while learning,” Boggan said. “My favorite part of my day is when the kids excitedly run into our center.”
Last fall, Boggan decided she wanted to highlight her work with youth with autism at the Roadrunner Experience Showcase, one of several project-based competitions offered by the UTSA Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement each fall. Participants share what they have learned during their internships, industry projects or research programs. The audience includes members of their respective industries, UTSA faculty and staff, and their fellow students.
At first, though, Boggan would have to overcome her fear of public speaking.
“I had a fear of public speaking in high school. I suffered severe anxiety about it,” said Boggan, who sought advice from several of her professors about how to overcome the challenge. “I was told to tell my story and to remember that my experience could inspire others.”
She took second place in last fall’s showcase.
An even bigger award, however, came courtesy of an event attendee.
“A mother came up to me and told me that she was so appreciative of the work I and others are doing for those with ASD, and that her three-year- son had just recently said the word “Mama” for the first time,” Boggan said. “We both ended up crying happy tears.”
Boggan continued, “This interaction changed my life, as it made me realize how important our work truly is.”
Since then, she’s made her debut as a cast member of the UTSA episode of “The College Tour” and participated in UTSA Day at the Capitol, where she highlighted her work with clients with autism.
“It was an amazing experience to represent UTSA,” Boggan said. “I got to network with many people, including school psychologists, family members of people diagnosed with autism and employees of the Capitol.”
She was also the featured student speaker for the Honors College Stole and Laurel Ceremony. At the event, students from the college receive their honors stole to wear at Commencement.
It was another opportunity for Boggan to tell her story.
“I shared my story about my public speaking fears and my transition into college from high school,” she said. “I advised my peers to take it day-by-day instead of worrying so much about the future.”
EXPLORE FURTHER
⇒ Check out Miranda Boggan’s “The College Tour” clip.
From finding a career path to finding ways to be involved on campus, Boggan’s decision to try everything has led to success.
It’s a strategy she also encourages her fellow Roadrunners to follow.
“Try everything,” she said. “Find what you love and stick with it.”
