Sophomore Morgan Craig Becomes U.S. Citizen
Craig shares her love of Sacred Heart with potential applicants as a student ambassador
Sacred Heart University sophomore Morgan Craig became a U.S. citizen on Nov. 29, along with her parents and 605 other immigrants at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.
“Our green cards were about to expire, and if we renewed, we would have to wait five more years to apply for citizenship. As a family, we decided to apply and see what happens,” said Craig, who is a communication disorders major in the College of Health Professions and also serves as a student ambassador.
The family came to the U.S. from Calgary, Canada. Craig’s older sister took the citizenship test and the oath separately from the rest of the family. Her younger sister will become a naturalized citizen under her parents.
The family applied for citizenship this past spring and received an August date for their interviews and tests. “The test was harder than I thought it was going to be,” said Craig. “But my parents struggled more than I did because at least I had U.S. history in school. They had little to no background in U.S. history besides understanding the general functions of the U.S. government.”
The civics test has up to 10 questions taken from a 100-question bank. Applicants must answer six questions correctly to pass. Craig passed her exam in the first six questions.
“They give you a study book with all 100 questions in it, and people have put Quizlets [practice tests] online. My mom and I would sit at dinner and do the Quizlets,” she said.
Craig said she was grateful for her American education. “On the day of the swearing-in, we met a man from India whose 87-year-old mother was being sworn in. I can’t even imagine how much harder that test was for her than it was for me,” she said. “I met people from countries that I’ve never even heard of, and to hear about their journeys to become citizens was very humbling.
“I already feel very American,” she continued. “I’ve completed most of my schooling here and mostly grew up here. I wasn’t expecting the swearing-in to be as exciting for me as it was in the moment. My parents were over the moon about becoming citizens. It was a long, stressful process, but we are all so thrilled now.”
“I love Sacred Heart so much, I try to get others to come here,” said Craig, referring to her role as a student ambassador. She values the leadership opportunities the position offers, “and I love the connections I’ve made as a student ambassador. I’ve met so many staff, faculty and volunteers that I probably would never have known otherwise. The connections are definitely my favorite part.”
“The admissions team and our student ambassador program are very proud of Morgan and her family for this huge milestone in their lives,” said Rob Gilmore, Sacred Heart’s director of campus experience. “We are proud to call her a fellow Pioneer and now a fellow citizen!”
Pictured: Morgan Craig with her parents Don and Coralee