OSU Marion sophomore Morgan Dewitt has endured a whirlwind ride through the world of politics over the past year. Her inspirational journey began with an article she posted to the Odyssey titled “Why I’m A College Student Voting For Donald Trump,” which thrust her into the national spotlight, sparked countless debates, and painted her name across headlines from coast to coast. After her article received over 112,000 shares on social media, a storm of both praise and backlash, and an interview on national television with Lester Holt, Morgan’s wild ride concluded in our nation’s capital with an invitation from Senator Portman and Representative Jim Jordan to travel to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
During her trip to the capital Morgan was able to find the time to do a plethora of amazing things. She drove all night with her mom to make it in time to speak with Senator Portman during a breakfast at the Russell Senate Building. In addition, Morgan got to witness the Woman’s March and visit famous places and exhibits, including the First Lady exhibit that featured the dress Mary Washington wore to her husband’s inauguration.
According to Morgan the most memorable moment during her incredible trip wasn’t sightseeing at places such as the Supreme Court, Chinatown, or the Smithsonian, nor was it the famous faces she encountered at the National Mall, instead Morgan said the performance of the national anthem had the greatest impact on her. Morgan said, “It brought tears to my eyes because I was so thankful to be at an event where we aren’t celebrating a party but just democracy. I am forever grateful to grow up in a country where everyone is free to express their opinion!”
When asked if any of Trump’s words inspired her Morgan answered, “My favorite quote from the speech was ‘When America is united we are unstoppable.’“ She went on to say, “With how divided our country is right now I feel like this is really important and has also proven to be true. I hope that the new President will learn, respect all people, and be a president for everyone during his time in office.”
Despite the hateful remarks, personal insults, and obscene comments that were made by some readers in response to her article, Morgan exercised her freedom of speech and used her voice to express her opinion, demonstrating the power of democracy and setting an example for us all, regardless of our political associations. Morgan has returned to Marion inspired and optimistic for the future. Morgan plans to continue her participation and passion for politics as she has been selected for the coveted Washington Academic Internship Program and will be a John Glenn Fellow. She will be spending her summer studying in Washington and certainly has a bright future ahead of her.