Maia Bingham Boggess (BIO ‘25) discovered that the possibilities are endless at BYU. She participated in multiple experiential learning experiences, including working with insects at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum and studying microorganisms from Antarctica in Dr. Byron Adams’ lab. She also completed a dermatology internship, worked at a hospital in Spain, spent a semester studying abroad in Ghana with Dr. Mark Belk, and is now working as a medical assistant for Apple. For Boggess, each new opportunity reflected the adaptable nature of her education and her drive to make the most of wherever life took her.
Deeply impacted by her study abroad in Ghana under the mentorship of Dr. Belk, Boggess engaged in humanitarian work and biological fieldwork. But what left the biggest impression was the bond she formed with Belk and his wife. “He wasn’t just someone assigning me a grade,” she said. “He and his family cared about my life, and I cared about theirs.” That experience taught her the power of relationships and the value of serving together, both in academics and in life.
The relationships she formed at BYU became essential in helping her navigate an unexpected change. After getting married a year ago, she and her husband moved to California. Determined to still complete her degree, she worked with her professors and academic advisors to complete the remainder of her courses. Boggess was able to remain connected to BYU thanks to strong support from Belk, her life sciences advisor Nicole Cuthbert, and the rest of the advisement office. Even now, as Boggess finishes her degree, Belk and his wife have shown Boggess how meaningful and personal mentorship at BYU can be.
Boggess’ experiences strengthened her faith and ability to rely on God. "I've always had a plan in my head of what my life should be. My undergrad and mission experiences have taught me that God's plan is better than my plan. His plan might not be the most comfortable, and I'll be forced to learn and grow, but the result will be better than I could have imagined," Boggess said. It’s a mindset that helps her approach new opportunities with trust, humility, and an openness to whatever God has in store.
Even outside of Provo, Boggess continues to live BYU’s motto to “Go forth to serve.” She volunteers with her husband, Jeff, at a soccer program for children with disabilities and hopes to serve Spanish-speaking communities in the future, thanks in part to her medical Spanish classes at BYU. “Those small community interactions are what fulfill me,” she said. “I think they can have a big impact.... Christ teaches us to minister to the one—to meet the people around us and serve them.” With plans to apply to PA school in Colorado, Boggess feels ready for whatever comes next.