Before Fort Lewis College senior Jonah Flynn became president of the newly formed FLC Turning Point USA chapter, he described himself as a liberal-leaning atheist. However, since taking on this leadership role, Flynn has gained local and national attention for his unique perspective and dedication to promoting conservative values on campus.
Flynn, a senior studying philosophy and Spanish, never imagined himself as a leader in the conservative movement. Growing up in a liberal household and attending a predominantly liberal high school, he was exposed to one side of the political spectrum. But it wasn’t until he arrived at Fort Lewis College that he began to question his beliefs and explore different ideologies.
As a freshman, Flynn was drawn to the lively debates and discussions in his philosophy classes. He found himself constantly challenging his own views and learning to see things from different perspectives. This sparked an interest in politics and he began to attend events organized by both liberal and conservative groups on campus.
It was during one of these events that Flynn first encountered Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative organization that promotes free market principles and limited government. He was intrigued by their message and decided to attend one of their meetings. To his surprise, he found himself agreeing with many of their beliefs and values.
“I was initially hesitant to join TPUSA because of my liberal background, but I quickly realized that their mission of promoting individual rights and limited government aligned with my own beliefs,” Flynn said.
In the fall of 2019, Flynn became a founding member of the FLC Turning Point USA chapter, which was established by a group of students who shared a passion for spreading conservative ideas on campus. However, it wasn’t until the spring of 2020 that he was elected as the chapter’s president.
Despite facing some pushback and criticism from his peers, Flynn remains committed to promoting conservative values and creating a space for open and respectful discussions on campus.
“I believe that it’s important for all voices to be heard and for students to be exposed to different perspectives. That’s how we learn and grow as individuals,” Flynn stated.
Under Flynn’s leadership, the FLC Turning Point USA chapter has organized various events and initiatives to engage students and promote conservative ideas. This includes hosting speakers, organizing debates, and participating in community service projects.
The chapter’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they recently received recognition from TPUSA’s national organization for their outstanding activism on campus. In addition, Flynn was also invited to speak at the organization’s national conference in Washington D.C., where he shared his journey of becoming a conservative leader on a liberal college campus.
Flynn’s story has also gained attention from local and national media outlets, including Fox News and The Washington Times. He hopes that by sharing his experience, he can inspire others to be open-minded and willing to engage in productive discussions, regardless of political beliefs.
“Being a conservative on a liberal college campus can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. I’ve been able to connect with people from all walks of life and have meaningful conversations about important issues,” Flynn shared.
As he prepares to graduate from Fort Lewis College, Flynn plans to continue his involvement with TPUSA and hopes to pursue a career in politics. He believes that his experience as a liberal-turned-conservative leader has given him a unique perspective and the ability to bridge the gap between different ideologies.
“Being part of Turning Point USA has not only allowed me to grow as an individual, but it has also given me a platform to share my beliefs and make a positive impact on my campus. I encourage everyone to keep an open mind and be willing to listen to different perspectives,” Flynn concluded.
With his passion, dedication, and determination, Jonah Flynn has proven that it’s never too late to challenge one’s beliefs and become a leader for change. His story serves as an inspiration to others and highlights the importance of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue in today’s polarized political climate.
