HAWK SPREADS WINGS AT
STATE HOUSE
Patrick “Finn” Mungovan ’22 was just
13 years old when he first knew he
wanted to work at the State House. He
had taken a tour with his family and had
been impressed by the building’s history.
At the time, he was just developing a
real interest in the world of politics. “My
family has always been political, so at
first I was following along with them,”
he said. “But the 2016 election got me
into the sphere; it was the first time I was
interested in pushing for a candidate.”
This budding interest led to an email to
State House staff. His parents admitted
that he was young but eager for the
position. All that stood between him
and his goal was a two-hour interview.
After answering question after question,
Finn walked out with an internship
traditionally held by students four or
five years his senior.
Over the next three summers,
Finn commuted to the Beacon Hill
neighborhood from his home in
Wellesley. He worked for Alice Peisch,
Representative for the 14th Norfolk
District in the state legislature. His
day-to-day schedule saw him at
hearings, working in the office, and
meeting speakers like former Governor
Dukakis. He has taken away some
valuable insight about working in the
field, noting, “I learned that you’re not
going to pass a bill by yourself. You’re
going to have to take criticism and
learn how to respond to that.”
In politics, Finn has found an avenue to
connect two important parts of his life—
service and faith—although he admits
he’s not sure if he wants to make a career
of it. “I’m torn about it. Part of me would
like it, but I’m leery about my personal
life being so on display all the time,” he
explained. “I could definitely see myself
as a political journalist or working on a
campaign.”
The future is yet to be determined, but
we have a feeling this won’t be the last we
hear about Finn Mungovan.
Winter 2020 Xaverian Magazine 5