BETHLEHEM, Pa. – “What do you like about college?” 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow asks.
“Everything. Generally, everything,” responded Moira McCarron.
For Moravian University Junior, 19-year-old Moira McCarron, that includes president of the Pre-Law Society, being in a Sorority, and in multiple honor societies.
“I love my family don’t get wrong, But I love everyone here,” she said.
The New Jersey native is also the first in her family to go to college.
“I’ve had so many opportunities. I observed an oral argument from the Delaware Supreme Court. I would not have gained that without being here,” she said.
As part of the first generation in your family to go to college, Moira was part of the Alpha Alpha Alpha induction ceremony- the nation’s first honor society recognizing first-generation college students.
“A lot of negative press about first generation college students, how they drop out at larger rates and they’re less academically qualified for college. I didn’t feel that way as a first gen student,” said Carol Traupman-Carr.
To change the narrative, celebrate success, and offer connection, Carr started the Honor Society in 2018, the first in the country.
It’s grown to 350 chapters in 38 states. Qualifications are at least a 3.2 GPA, with at least 30 credits.
“I think it’s a million dollars more over your lifetime over someone who is otherwise equivalent but doesn’t go to college, that is completely changing the rest of your life and your family,” Carr said of a college degree.
As for Moira, and no doubt many other first gens, pressure arrives with pride.
“I just want to be the first one to do it and get the degree. Because we’ve put in so much work. They’ve put in so much work, so much for me. I want to reward them with that,” Moira said.