Things to know about Morgan
Morgan Chalfant has the kind of journalism experience most college students can only dream of. A senior at Boston College majoring in English and mathematics, she serves as editor in chief of The Observer, one of the most consistently productive newspapers in ISI’s Collegiate Network of independent publications. She has been a standout contributor to The Observer throughout her four years, so much so that last summer she was awarded a prestigious Collegiate Network internship at the Washington Examiner. Morgan has also demonstrated her journalistic talents by writing for the conservative blog Red Alert Politics and the sports blog Bleacher Report. After graduation she will go to work at USA Today, where she has earned a Collegiate Network yearlong fellowship.
Morgan recently chatted with ISI about journalism, ISI friendships, lifeguarding, and more.
“I feel grateful every day for my connection to ISI’s Collegiate Network.”
How did you find out about ISI?
I found out about ISI through my involvement with the Collegiate Network.I was a Collegiate Network intern at the Washington Examiner the summer between my junior and senior years and was able to attend an ISI seminar in Chicago this year.
What was the highlight of your undergraduate experience?
One memorable highlight of my time at Boston College has been working for the conservative paper The Observer. I built so many important relationships and acquired so many vital skills while putting the paper together every editing session. I also became involved with the Collegiate Network through my work at The Observer, and I feel grateful every day for my connection to the CN.
What have you valued most about your ISI experience?
The relationships I have formed. I met several powerful figures in journalism and politics when I attended the ISI seminar in Chicago last summer, and I also have formed great friendships with other students who are passionate about the principles of liberty.
How have you spent your summers?
My most valuable summer experience came between my junior and senior years, when I worked as a Collegiate Network intern at the Washington Examiner in Washington, D.C. After my sophomore year, I worked as a private tutor and helped students improve in English and mathematics. The summer following my freshman year, I worked as a lifeguard at a pool club in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
Whom do you admire most, and why?
I admire my mother and father most. They have bestowed upon me the drive that has helped me become successful and will continue to propel me toward success. My mother, Donna, is extremely hardworking and has built a lucrative business from the ground up; I only hope I can become as strong as she is someday. My father, John, is primarily responsible for my interest in writing and has supported me endlessly to pursue a career in journalism.
What advice would you give to other students who want to preserve the principles of liberty?
I think it’s very important for students to find and unite with conservative students on their campuses. Whether they do so by joining a school newspaper or a political club, this will enable them to find an outlet to discuss their passion for the principles of liberty. Getting involved with organizations like ISI can provide individuals with an even stronger education about liberty and its preservation.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate from Boston College, I am moving to Washington, D.C., and working as the Collegiate Network yearlong fellow at USA Today in Virginia. I am extremely excited for this experience and honored to have been chosen as a yearlong fellow by the CN.
