Cara Moore (WCAS02)

A self-described shy student when she entered college, Cara Moore (WCAS02) says Northwestern did more than provide a great education. “I loved being there and I think being involved in so many things helped me overcome my shyness.”

Serving as President of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, as well as a National Pan-Hellinic Council executive board member, Moore says she met a wide variety of people and her social skills grew with the interactions.

“I never thought I could be president of a Sorority, but I did it. It was a great confidence builder,” she says.

A psychology major, Moore began her studies as a pre-med student, but ultimately decided education would be a more satisfying career path. The chance to do independent research and interact with doctoral students as an undergrad generated some new interests for Moore who went on to earn a Master’s in Elementary Education at University of Pennsylvania. She is currently an Urban Education PhD student at Temple University and an Adjunct Instructor at University of Pennsylvania.

Moore is convinced the “broad foundation” of her Northwestern education will continue to serve her well as she moves ahead in an education career. As a Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences student, Moore says she appreciated the ability to take courses in so many different areas from chemistry to sociology and public speaking to economics. “I think I am a more well-rounded, better educated person because of that.”

Her personal interests in teaching relate especially to children with special needs and children of color and she hopes some day to be a university professor who can help to engage future teachers in creative education strategies.

“I think there needs to be more social action on the part of teachers,” Moore says.

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Posted: October 15, 2008