Calvin Chai-Onn

“Democracy Dies in Darkness”­— when asked about his motivation to stay informed with current events, senior Calvin Chai-Onn recalled this motto from the Washington Post.

The study of politics has captivated Chai-Onn ever since his early childhood. He recalls viewing his first presidential debate, between McCain and Obama, at the age of 8. Ever since then, the concept of “limited government, and that people are most empowered to make their own decisions” resonated strongly with him.

That conviction guided Chai-Onn to become first a member and then a co-head of the Daniel Webster Debate Society. Inspired by a neighboring dormmate, Daniel Lee ’18, Chai-Onn joined the Daniel Webster Debate Society at the beginning of his prep year. The club quickly became an integral part of his life on campus.

His talent flourished under the instruction of past Debate Society boards. Chai-Onn was determined to set himself apart from other debaters, perpetually motivated to improve his craft. He cites discipline and responsibility as major components of debate strategy and strives to instill that same sense of commitment in new members of the club.

“I read the The New York Times and Wall Street Journal every day without fail. Much to the ridicule of some of my friends I watch the C-Span network,” Chai-Onn said. “I also read The Economist and all the published decisions of all thirteen United States Courts of Appeals every morning.”

Chai-Onn’s dedication to staying informed eventually paid off and he has led the Debate Society to many of their tournament victories. No matter the results of the competition, though, he is proud of the club’s members for their effort. “I feel like being a leader of the Daniel Webster Debate Society is a culmination of what I've tried to do while I was here,” he said. “It's a great place to engage with your peers intellectually, and it's such an honor to have been part of [the club].”

Chai-Onn’s pursuit of invigorating discussion led him to another club: Republican Club. “It was quite a shock for me when I [first] came to Republican Club and not everyone was a Republican,” he said. “In fact, I assessed that the majority of members…will disagree with Republican Orthodoxy in at least one major way. That was an eye opening moment.”

Four years later, he is a co-head of Republican Club and recognizes the important role it plays in his life. “[During Republican Club discussions], I always have to shape and refine my views and figure out, quite frankly, what they are.”

Chai-Onn also noted that Exeter has given him the opportunity to discuss topics with people of different political beliefs. “Even though I am a conservative, I have always enjoyed that many a liberal student has forced me to refine and strengthen my opinions...some of my opinions have changed since I’ve been here,” he said. “While I feel like the school could do a better job in trying to increase ideological diversity, I’ve never felt like an outcast or that students have been hostile to my viewpoints.”

Chai-Onn isn’t just motivated to lead intellectually, however; he also serves as a dormitory proctor, helping younger students in Main Street Hall navigate Exeter.

Upper and Main Street dorm affiliate Nathan James praised Chai-Onn’s seriousness as proctor. “As a proctor, he always makes sure the preps are doing okay and checks in with them every day,” he said.

His advisor, chemistry instructor Andrew McTammany, was proud of Chai-Onn’s impact on the community. “Calvin has been an excellent leader and role model for our community. As a proctor, he leads by example, both in his behavior and scholasticism,” he said. “Not only is Calvin approachable, but he often goes out of his way to make his peers feel welcomed and appreciated.”

In his more relaxed moments, Chai-Onn enjoys reading books and watching movies that send important real-life messages. “Star Wars, especially episode three, embodies the transformation of democracy—in this case, from the Republic to the first Galactic Empire. It’s like my favorite book, Animal Farm, which speaks of the dangers of power being concentrated in the hands of too few.”

Chai-Onn shared his advice for future Exonians in a fitting debate metaphor. “In debate speeches, the best debaters will have a rationale or a framework that encompasses their entire speech,” Chai-Onn said. “I'm not suggesting to anyone who is new that they should confine themselves in any way [at Exeter], but I do feel that everything they do here should be under some framework or rationale.”

He tasked younger Exonians to answer these questions: “Why are you doing what you are doing? What is its importance, what purpose does it serve, what is grand about it; what is important about it?”

Chai-Onn may not want to define his future career just yet, but he dreams of “being a judge on the United States Courts of Appeals.” In particular, Calvin mentioned the Fifth Circuit, which presides over Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, as he believes they get to oversee the most interesting cases.

Senior Luca Cantone sees this potential in Calvin, emphasizing that he combines both kindness and hard work. “His C-SPAN binges foretell a career at the highest levels of law and politics,” Cantone said. “He’s also wonderful friend.”

Throughout his time with Chai-Onn, James has come to admire and respect his introspective nature and principles. “Calvin has inspired me to stand by my values,” he said. “I admire how he always follows through with what he thinks is right, even when others think it’s wrong.”