Aron “Moe” Macarow ’07 would say that he is “not your typical Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»alum.” Macarow identifies as a queer, Jewish, trans man who has spent much of his life in self-discovery.
Since graduating, he has medically and legally transitioned genders and has converted to Judaism. He says navigating Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»was difficult before the College began considering the experiences of the trans and gender-variant communities on campus. An active participant in these conversations, Macarow has eagerly given back to the College and the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»community since graduation, providing mentorship and advice to fellow graduates on navigating life after Scripps.
A dual major in religious studies and critical theory and identity studies, a self-designed major, Macarow has used a variety of skills as a creative consultant and web developer. “Today, I am self-employed in Los Angeles,” he says. “Despite not working in an industry related to my majors, I have been able to use the critical thinking, communication, and research skills in my work. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»encouraged my love of learning and commitment to scholarship.”
Following graduation, Macarow has worked in a variety of industries, including hospitality, special events, journalism, and marketing. These experiences provided him the tools to become self-employed earlier this year. Macarow focuses his work as a consultant in the nonprofit and restaurant industries. “My advice to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»students is to say ‘yes’ more than ‘no’ to unique internships and co-curricular opportunities.” He received similar guidance from his mentors and advisers while in college.
Looking back at his Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»experience, Macarow is grateful for all he accomplished. While in college, he worked with campus administrators to ensure that every Claremont college provided space for at least one public all-gender restroom, and he helped establish TRANScend, the 7-College transgender and gender-variant student alliance, in response to the need for more awareness and community in Claremont.
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