In college, there are many times when your values and beliefs are questioned, doubted, or even changed. While you meet people who share your views, you also meet people who have different beliefs than you. This part of college is a good thing. We need to learn about other people and cultures and be challenged in our own. (Who knows? You may not have it all figured out.) Personally, I try to listen to others' opinions with an open mind. Having said that, there are some beliefs and values I hold dear to my heart, and there are parts of myself I do not see changing anytime soon.
1. I am a believer in god.
This is probably the biggest part of me that has been challenged, even going to a Christian college. It's not bad choices that I struggle with, but the business and stress college brings. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day schedule. Lately, I have been trying harder to take a moment and remember that I am loved, valued and looked after by an all powerful god.
2. I am a woman.
It seems obvious, but being proud to be a woman is harder than it looks. Our society has defined being a woman as simply having breasts, and I don't think we should take that. It's degrading, and frankly, we are so much more awesome. Let me say this: I do not think women are better than men. I think each gender has its own strengths and weaknesses. Men and women are different, and I think, as a society, we should be celebrating those differences, not trying to cover them up! I'm excited to kick butt in the future both professionally and at home. I am a woman, and I am strong.
3. I am a Republican.
Ironically enough, I probably get a good deal more criticism on my political beliefs than my spiritual beliefs. I also get the "oh-your-parents-are-Republican-that's-why-you-are" treatment. I am proud to say that at 21-years old, I can choose my political beliefs, and I actually do my research. As a young Republican, I am not racist or sexist (see above). I am not close-minded, but I do know what I believe in, and I also know nothing is free.
4. I am a Texan.
Honestly, as a Texan, I am exhausted at defending my love for my home state for literally everyone who is not from Texas. We like where we live, OK? We go big, or we go home and all that jazz. We like our Tex-Mex and football. We have stopped riding horses to school. There are no tumbleweeds on my front lawn. Y'all just let us be obnoxiously proud of where we are from.
5. I am a college student.
College students tend to get a bad reputation as irresponsible half-children who waste money and time. A reminder to all of you who don't know too many college students: we are not all like that. In fact, some of us are responsible people who are coming up with inspirational ideas on how to make the world better.
We won't be college students forever. Some of us will run for president one day. (Scary, right?) Some of us will teach future generations. Some of us will become pastors and lead congregations. Some of us will be doctors, lawyers and actors. Someday, it will be us at the podium leading the country.
These five things are not all I am proud to be, but I am glad I got to share five parts of me with you.
Good luck out there, brave humans!
