Justin Bolger, 23, can usually be found scouring over proofs and examining the upcoming issue of the LBCC newspaper. Bolger is the editor-in-chief of the LBCC campus newspaper, The Commuter.
However, before becoming an editor, he had to first find himself.
He graduated from Philomath High School in 2005. However, instead of following a direct route to college, he decided to trade the lush scenery of Oregon for the hustle and bustle of New York in a pursuit of “freedom and to test myself,” said Bolger.
Bolger definitely does not shy away from a challenges or even an adventure.
With the money he had saved in his bank, nearly $1,000, Bolger bought a train ticket and set out on his voyage, leaving behind friends, family and all familiarity.
“When I arrived I only had around $700 left and I didn’t have anywhere to stay.” Bolger remedied his situation the first night when he looked online on craigslist, a free classified listings website, and found someone willing to sublet her apartment.
“Her name was Malta. She was Dominican and couldn’t speak English very well, just as I couldn’t speak Spanish very well. I was relying on my high school Spanish.” Bolger said she agreed to share her apartment with him for $125 a week.
Next Bolger had to resolve the factor of unemployment. Within a week, Bolger found himself a job, selling tickets for a comedy club in Times Square.
“I was only paid on commission and I was making $80 a week, while my boss was making $200 a day.”
Despite beginning to get on his feet, times were still hard. Bolger found himself thousands of miles away from home and was running out of money.
Bolger said he came to a point financially where he went a whole month surviving on just a single donut and vitamin each day. “It was all that I could afford.” He confessed stealing for the first time during that period. Not an old ladies purse or a heist of some sort, but some oatmeal and a cocoa packet from his roommate.
Despite the hard times, Bolger was determined to make it on his own. “I was so free and independent that I didn't want any help; I wanted to do it all on my own."
Bolger’s life would take a turn for the better when Malta informed him of a job opening at the prestigious Guggenheim museum. After applying, Bolger was hired as an audio tour associate.
“I was only planning on staying for four months, but after I got the job at the Guggenheim, I decided to stay longer.”
Soon After working for a few months, Bolger began covering shifts for workers at the Statue of Liberty. He would then be transferred to conduct audio tours at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, until he began working exclusively near Lady Liberty as the assistant site manager for Antenna Audio tours.
“I was riding a ferry to and from work, to an island people dream about going to. I went to New York on the pursuit of freedom and working at the Statue of Liberty in some way manifested itself into that.”
Bolger remembers the memories fondly. “It was by far the best work experience, I’ve ever had. It was such a sunny, happy and pleasant environment to work at. It’s where I met the love of my life.”
Bolger spent nearly two years in New York before returning to Oregon.
Before Bolger became editor-in-chief, he wore many hats - first as a staff writer, then as a news editor, and finally as the managing editor. Bolger began his role as editor-in-chief of The Commuter during fall term of last year. Surprisingly, however, Bolger did not always know he wanted to be in the world of journalism.
Currently, Bolger is studying for a major in Journalism. Although, he is undecided where he will transfer after graduating from LBCC, one thing is for sure his Mac keyboard won't be the only one to miss him.
“He is a huge nerd,” giggles Ashley Christie, the page designer for The Commuter. Christie began working with Bolger in October 2009. Christie’s writes as his counter-part in the “Dear Conscience” column. “He is very positive and encouraging. He puts a lot of time into the paper and takes on challenges head-on.”
It seems Bolger cannot be described without mentioning his love for anything with the words “Wolverine” or “Dungeons and Dragons” in it.
However, besides being known for his fun and energetic ways, Bolger has made a difference in his role as editor-in-chief. According to Christie, there has been a huge push this year on for The Commuter’s website to get the news out there faster. Bolger has been influential in continuing to make campus news relevant to students.
He is a hardworking guy and has a laid-back style of management,” said Jeb Oliver, a friend and staff writer for The Commuter.
In an article called "Experience Wisdom," Bolger wrote for The Commuter, he explains the purpose of finding oneself. He says it is important for people to live outside of their defined identities. However, "Nothing will teach you more than traveling that goes beyond mere tourism."
At a Glance
Who: Justin Bolger
Age: 23
Major: Journalism
Position: Editor-in-Chief of The Commuter
Interests: "Wolverine", "Dungeons and Dragons."
