Passion for psychology

Troy Boucher started at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in fall 2014 directly after graduating from high school. After sampling a diverse array of subjects, he enrolled in psychology courses where he was fascinated by the discipline’s breadth. Now, graduating with an honours degree in psychology and a minor in educational psychology, Boucher is one step closer to his goal of working with youth as a clinical psychologist.

“I began to feel like I truly wanted to attend lecture and tutorials, and was happily anticipating attending the next class,” Boucher says. “Finding a major that I was truly passionate about helped me maintain the motivation to study and achieve success in my courses.”

In the Fall 2016 semester, Boucher became a work-study student in SFU’s Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab. Within in a year, Boucher was the lab manager. Working on-campus part time gave him experience in a psychology lab where he conducted the research for his Honour’s degree, and investigated the social and educational challenges faced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  

Boucher was diagnosed with ADHD in his second year of studies. He didn’t fully understand the diagnosis or impact that it had on his studies and personal life, but SFU Health and Counselling helped him to develop a game plan to organize his life and strengthen the learning strategies that brought him academic success. As a result of dealing with the challenges associated with ADHD, Boucher feels that he’s become a stronger student and researcher.

Boucher is committed to serving youth in need. He has given his time as a music instructor and tutor in Edmonton schools, and has been involved with the Looking Glass Foundation, Special Olympics BC, and other community groups.

Boucher, who is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, has also volunteered with several youth lacrosse organizations in Alberta and B.C. He was initially drawn to SFU to play goaltender for the men’s lacrosse team and he credits his experience as a student-athlete with helping him balance a full-time course load and part-time work. Through it all, he remained dedicated to his team and teammates. His strongest friendships were cultivated as a member of the lacrosse team.

Boucher’s next step is to obtain a graduate degree which he hopes to pursue at SFU based on the commitment of the university’s faculty and researchers to engage our community, and the opportunities for professional development.