Ever wondered how it is to be a Republican on a college campus? Perhaps you are one yourself and can relate to the experiences of Elizabeth Marcello.

Ms. Marcello is a current sophomore at the College of William & Mary, but this is an article that describes the experience of young Republicans everywhere. Enjoy this article by a young conservative.

Hark On, Young Republicans

College these days is not an easy place to have Republican or conservative political views. I see others wearing Obama t-shirts or donning their laptops with Democratic campaign stickers, and I think nothing of it. That is their right, after all, to voice their opinions. This is America. But when I am choosing what shirt to put on before I leave my dorm, I have a tendency to dig past the Romney shirt, or the one which supports the “Bible, Beer, & Bullets” because I am far too aware of the dirty looks I receive. I would not want someone to be offended by my views, or think I’m not a good person or someone they would not want to talk to because I am openly Republican.

See the irony? I know individuals differ in how they go about discussing political hot topics. I have had conversations with plenty of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and everyone else in between to know that while some possess the ability to be civil in debate, there are definitely individuals that throw personal attacks and insults at anyone who disagrees. Those people come from all sides. But for some reason, being on a college campus makes it kind of nerve-wracking to be open about being Republican.

I make it my goal to earn respect from others based on the way I carry out my life: how I treat people in conversation, how my actions are perceived, and basically, trying to be easy-going on a daily basis. I do not want to only be friends with people who are Republicans. I have met so many lovely people who have added to my good memories and happiness that are not Republican. I’m talking far left-wingers, moderate Democrats, full on Independents, and individuals who could not care any less about politics.