Interview with Anthony Alston, Director of External Affairs
Q: Did you always know this (being an attorney) is what you wanted to do?
Morgan: Not so precisely, but having a really strong background and foundation in science really shaped my interest in this work. For a long time, I was interested in issues that sat at the intersection of government and foreign policy as well as legal advocacy, but that all came after my initial interest in science and climate issues. Not long after my time at Metro and OSU, it became clear to me the path that I wanted to take.
Q: Do you remember the Metro Habits? Do you ever think of them now?
Morgan: Yes, well it’s been a while since I’ve been asked that! I think I remember being inquiring, collaborating, and critical thinking, and while I might not be able to spell them all out, I know the spirit of the habits is something I carry with me in my life. The workplaces and experiences where I have felt most effective and have been most exciting for me - I think they’ve been congruent with those values. Also, I think they provide a good framework for you to think about your life and the impact you want to have in the world.
Q:Please share one of your favorite memories from your time at Metro.
Morgan: I remember having really interesting and diverse visitors. They would come and want to talk with you. We had folks from around the world who wanted to open schools with a similar approach. It was so exciting for me. I also remember giving tours. That was something I really enjoyed, as well as being given the opportunity to regularly reflect on the value of this approach and the experience. I look back at that time really fondly. I also remember that many of my peers were really self-driven and intrinsically motivated. It was so refreshing to me and it made me want to be the best, most creative, and most caring version of myself. I was really grateful to go to school with those folks and to now see what some of them are doing.
Q: Did you participate in a Pathway (Early College Experience)?
Morgan: I actually think there was an option for me to do something different. I opted to do the John Glenn College of Public Affairs program for HS seniors (at Ohio State). I took classes at OSU my junior year and interned at the Ohio State House my senior year. I love that Metro allowed me to do something that was a really cool, customized fit that allowed me to tap into my best STEM skillset and nurture a passion of mine, and I can say without a doubt that I probably wouldn’t be walking the path I am on without that experience.
Q: What advice would you give to students who may want to pursue a similar career?
Morgan: My advice to a student … would be to dream big, but plan a bit. I think it is totally possible and achievable for anybody to walk on a path that they want, particularly a path of service. And I think it is a great mindset to operate on the limit of “if I can plan it, visualize it, and try it, I can do it.” Also, don’t be afraid to ask people questions about the things you are interested in.