Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
After the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on Felicity Miranda’s first-year experience at Arizona State University, she was determined to make the most of her sophomore year, and hit the ground running by doing all she could to build her social and professional connections.
“Sophomore year when I came back, I was like, ‘Alright, I need to get into the (student) clubs, I need to at least get a student worker job,’ and I was just able to make some good connections to hold onto and help me get through those academic turmoils, because we were all going through the same stuff,” said Miranda, who is graduating this December with a double major in biological sciences from the School of Life Sciences and gender, women and sexuality studies from the School of Social Transformation.
She took advantage of several opportunities, becoming an executive member of Boss Up at ASU, a club that empowers women of color on campus, and the School of Life Sciences Ambassadors Club. She also conducted research in the Cooper Biology Education Research Lab, studied abroad in London with the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, and volunteered at the HonorHealth Osborn Medical Center.
But perhaps one of the most impactful opportunities was the leadership position she held in ASU’s Sexual and Relationship Violence program, where she spread awareness on how to recognize signs of domestic violence in a relationship and also helped connect survivors of domestic abuse with victim advocates. She says that her experience with the program gave her a lot of perspective on how complicated relationships can be, and also provided fulfillment in knowing that she was able to serve as a vessel for support.
“That helped me become more empathetic and realize that there's so many different experiences of sexual relationship and domestic violence, and that there's a lot that goes into it and there's just more than what the eye can see,” she said. “It feels so good to know that the work that I've put in … has enabled me to be an efficient ambassador for awareness and change.”
Miranda is a recipient of the New American University Provost Distinction Award and the LEAP Scholars Award, as well as a Dean’s Medalist for The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ School of Social Transformation. She says she's always had a hunger to learn, and after graduating, she plans to continue on at ASU for the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program before pursuing her goal of being an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Note: Answers have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I would say the “aha” moment was when I turned my minor in gender, women and sexuality studies into my second major. I feel like once I realized how critical that coursework was for my specific personal journey, let alone my understanding of the world, I could just open up my eyes in a new way that I didn't know that I needed, and that coursework just allowed me to see the world in a new light. I was so enthralled by the content of the courses and recognized their salience, especially regarding my future career as a physician, so much that I needed to make sure that I obtained the full extent of what the program had to offer. I firmly believe that everything I have learned from my gender studies degree should be taught in conjunction with any degree that could be utilized for a career in the healthcare field.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Empathy. Not to say that I was completely oblivious to anyone else’s feelings, including my own, when I started college — but I definitely didn’t know that I would be able to feel and think about other people, their experiences and their relationship to the world to the extent I do now. Everything that I did at ASU helped me become more in touch with who I was, who I wanted to be and who I could be for others.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I chose Arizona State University because it was far away from home and located in a warm climate. I also knew the student population was massive and wanted to see how I would succeed in such a different environment, compared to the small private schools I grew up in.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: I believe I learned a lot from all of my gender, women and sexuality studies professors, but specifically Dr. Mellissa Linton. Dr. Linton was my first-ever Latina educator, besides my mother, and she showed me how to have a passion for knowledge. She reminded me of the value of history and the importance of remembering all the queer of color trailblazers that theorized, protested and existed before us. She sparked a newfound motivation in me to chase after my wildest dreams. In addition, Dr. Aaron Mallory helped show me how to question norms and become a more critical thinker.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you would give to students?
A: Do not psych yourself out. If you don’t feel like you’re doing enough or are not in the right place, give it time to manifest. Wherever you’re supposed to be, whatever you’re supposed to be doing will find you in time. And don't be scared to try something new!
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: Definitely the Social Sciences Building with the water fountain in the middle, or the Farmer’s Education Building, which also has a water fountain in the middle.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I will begin my final year of my 4+1 master’s program at ASU to obtain an MS in biology and society. Then, once I finish my thesis I’ll have a year off and then I plan to start medical school.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: If I could allocate $40 million to tackle one problem it would go to all types of educational institutions to support the transformation of their curriculums into ones that center the most marginalized individuals in society.
Written with contributions from Shelby Roberts and Dylan Wickman
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