19-year-old crossword puzzle prodigy lands second puzzle in The New York Times
Garrett Chalfin, a 19-year-old cruciverbalist, has achieved an impressive feat by having his second crossword puzzle published in The New York Times Sunday edition. Chalfin, who hails from New York and is currently a first-year student at the University of Chicago, has been honing his puzzle-making skills since his early teens. Despite his young age, Chalfin’s talent and dedication have earned him recognition in the crossword puzzle world.
A Passion Discovered at Summer Camp
Chalfin’s passion for creating crossword puzzles began during his time at summer camp. As a self-described nerdy and academic child, he found it challenging to connect with his sportier peers. The discovery of crossword puzzles provided a common ground where they could all have fun together. At the age of 12 or 13, Chalfin attempted to create his first crossword puzzle and submitted it to The New York Times puzzle editor, Will Shortz. Although it was swiftly rejected, this setback did not deter him from pursuing his newfound passion.
Reviving the Hobby During COVID
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chalfin found himself with more free time on his hands. In June 2020, while scrolling through his computer, he stumbled upon crossword puzzle software he had downloaded years ago. Intrigued, he began playing around with it again, reigniting his love for puzzle-making.
The Journey to Publication
Chalfin’s latest puzzle, which appeared in The New York Times Sunday edition, was the result of over a year of meticulous work. Inspired by the phrase “right on the money,” he crafted a turning puzzle, where answers from the puzzle turn between multiple answers. This genre presents a unique challenge, as The New York Times seeks fresh and innovative puzzles. Chalfin aimed to create a refined and distinctive puzzle that would catch the editor’s attention.
Balancing Puzzles and Academics
Despite the demands of his studies at the University of Chicago, Chalfin finds crossword puzzles to be an ideal hobby. He genuinely enjoys the process and considers it equivalent to playing video games or engaging in sports. The flexibility of puzzle-making allows him to indulge in his passion whenever he has free time, regardless of his location.
A Secret Life and Unexpected Connections
Chalfin’s crossword puzzle endeavors have remained somewhat of a secret at his university. While his professors are unaware of his achievements, he relishes the privacy and the sense of having a hidden talent. However, he has made friends through his shared interest in crossword puzzles. The Chicago Maroon, the university’s newspaper, has its own crossword section, where Chalfin has connected with fellow constructors. He has also formed friendships with avid solvers who recognized his name from The New York Times puzzle byline.
A Lifelong Passion
Chalfin sees crossword puzzle creation as a lifelong hobby. Even if he were to secure a stable crossword editing position, he couldn’t imagine turning down the opportunity. The simplicity of the tools required—just a computer or, if time permits, pencil and paper—allows him to pursue his passion anywhere in the world. Chalfin envisions himself continuing to create puzzles well into his old age.
Conclusion:
Garrett Chalfin’s remarkable achievements as a teenage crossword puzzle creator have garnered attention and admiration. His dedication to refining his craft and his ability to balance puzzle-making with his studies demonstrate his commitment to this unique hobby. As Chalfin continues to make his mark in the crossword puzzle world, it is clear that his talent and passion will carry him far into the future.
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