DECEMBER 15, 2023 — Prior to enrolling at UTSA, Miranda Boggan had spent 18 months in isolation—confined to distance learning as a result of COVID-19.
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.”
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.”
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This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
