“I have always believed that if you do not have a positive community, there is no way you can strive for anything more and I think that we should push people to the limits because everyone has the opportunity and the will power to be great. We just have to get them there.”
Jonathan Carfagno, a 19 year old sophomore at George Washington University, has definitely pushed his own limits thus far as he continues to build his foundation as an aspiring politician.
Carfagno, a native of Marlboro, New Jersey, discovered his great love of politics during the 2008 Presidential Elections. He immediately got involved in the local politics of New Jersey by interning for Assemblywoman, Caroline Casagrande. Additionally, he worked as an intern on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s gubernatorial campaign in 2009.
“As the nation’s future leaders, I consider it our generation’s greatest responsibility to make sure they are involved and well versed in the issues. Every decision that is made now will inevitably define the type of world that we will eventually live in and we have the power to influence that world.”
Carfagno currently interns for Congressman Chris Smith on Capitol Hill during the school year and hopes to intern at the Department of Justice next semester. Opportunities such as these in Washington, D.C. were what originally drew Carfagno to George Washington University.
“We are located in the heart of DC, so it’s a great place for networking and to gain internships. Also, I was very intrigued by the academic aspect. GW has a very strong Political Science program.”
Aside from academics and internships, Carfagno is also heavily involved in the political atmosphere of GWU. He is the Executive Chair on the Guthridge Hall Council. He is secretary of Green GW and was elected to the Political Affairs Chair for GW’s Program Board.
“Right now I am working with Student Association officials on an “Only at GW” Debate Series where we are trying to get high-profile political figures to come to GW and debate.”
Carfagno also finds unique comfort as a member of GW’s College Republicans.
“When you go to a university that is heavily on the left side of the political spectrum, it’s nice to be able to bond with people that share your common political beliefs.”
Upon graduation from GW, Carfagno hopes to attend law school and practice criminal law. He aspires to become a district attorney and inevitably run for president.
“I just want to be able to positively impact my community and set a new standard that future students can emulate and continue to enhance.”