During times like the upcoming election highly opinionated and often clearly biased articles, videos and posts circle the web and often land on my Facebook timeline. Being the passive person that I am, I try to keep my differing opinions to myself to avoid any possible drama in the comments section. However, I feel the time has come for my family and friends at home to know the real me: the open minded, lover of the planet (and plants, if you know what I mean), free soul with a liberal agenda.

Yes, I know this will be difficult for some of you to cope with. I do come from quite the conservative town and I realize many of you will question, "Where did we go wrong?" Well, you didn't. I, just like you, grew into my own person, with my own opinions and beliefs based on my experiences. Before you jump to negative conclusions, I think it's important to recognize the positive things Liberals have accomplished for this country: such as Women's Voting Rights, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Child Labor Laws, Social Security, NASA and so much more. I believe people should be treated equally and that the government should help with that. No matter your political stance, you cannot deny the positive effects of the Liberal agenda. And no, I'm not saying all Liberals are perfect, and I'm not condemning all conservatives. This country requires the cooperation of two parties, and that's just another thing that makes us unique.

I know what you all are thinking, "That liberal university changed her," but I must disagree. I was always this person, quietly observing and forming my own opinions. Leaving my close minded town to experience life at a liberal university only aided me in becoming more myself. Here, I can explore life with a variety of diverse people by my side, constantly learning from one another. Although I am thankful for the time I spent at home, I have never felt more sure of who I am and what I stand for than I do at this point in my life. I have grown a lot in these past few months away from home, and I think that is one of the great things about college: you grow whether you notice it or not.

So as the polls open on that fateful morning in a little over two weeks, I hope you choose the candidate that most supports your beliefs. I hope you will leave the poll feeling good (or as good as one can hope in this situation) about your selection, and you respect the fact that not every one out there will agree with you, and that is okay. That is the beauty of America, my friends. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinions and beliefs, and meeting someone you disagree with? Well, thats just a part of life.