As made obvious by surveys, studies, and news stories, college campuses are some of the most politically left environments in America. For the most part, my sorority leans the same way most millennials do. Based on the conversations about politics, the way my sorority is governed, and the candidates my sisters support on their social media accounts, liberal ideology is all around me.
My sorority has girls from all over the country, many whom were likely raised to be democrats, but some who were not. Many of my sisters advocate for Hillary Clinton, as well as democratic candidates in state and local elections. I am constantly exposed to liberal ideas that I just don't agree with, which being from a fairly rural part of Tennessee, is not something I am used to. When I moved to college, joined my sorority, and made new friends, I was surprised at how politically different from me my sisters thought. For the majority of my freshman year, I stayed back from political conversations. It took some getting used to, being in the political minority. It definitely felt odd, hailing from Tennessee and now living in Alabama.
Eventually though, I learned that if my friends who were liberal felt free to share their opinions, I should too. If my friends chose to take a political stance, to advocate for something that they felt strongly about, I could too. If they could use their social media accounts as a platform for their party, so could I. Being a conservative isn't popular among my peers, but that doesn't mean that my opinions don't matter. That doesn't mean that my arguments are invalid, or my political leanings aren't equally worthy. Having an unpopular opinion doesn't mean you should be quiet, and it took me far too long to realize that. I wasted time, feeling almost guilty over my opinions, despite the fact that I didn't question them. When you feel strongly about something, share it without fear. Tell others not only what you believe, but why. Unapologetically stand up for your views, and vote accordingly without guilt. College Republicans are forgotten, not only in my sorority but on campuses all over the country. This isn't because people hate us, very rarely do my sisters demonize me for how I feel. This is because we are quiet. We sometimes want to be people pleasers. Be respectful, of course, but don't be shy. Don't be scared. It takes two political parties to make our government function, and conversations about politics are strengthened by opposing opinions.
For me, it took an entire semester of timidness and fear to learn these things, but now, I have found so much freedom in the expression of opinion. My political leanings separate me from the majority of my sisters, but I still belong in my house. Despite our political differences, I share something important with my sisters. My chapter is made up of strong, beautiful, and independent women, not afraid to speak their minds, and not afraid to speak freely. We are so blessed to live in a house and in a country that supports free speech. So no matter your opinions, no matter your environment, be proud of what you stand for and who you vote for. After all, no matter our letters and no matter our party, we are all American, and I'm proud to be so.
