According to an article from Business Insider, Nebraska is tied for 9th in a list of the top 10 most conservative states in the United States. This wouldn't be an issue if I didn't come from an extremely liberal family.

Don't get me wrong, I am an open-minded person, and I try my best to not look at somebody differently because of their political affiliation. With that being said, growing up in one of the most conservative states in our country has been a little difficult, to say the least.

Speaking about controversial issues such as abortion, immigration, marijuana, and welfare, to name a few, has gotten me in my fair share of trouble along the years.

I attended a fairly conservative Catholic elementary school growing up -- saying I didn't fit in would be a major understatement. I was sent to the principal's office far too many times for my age. But hey, what can I say? I've always been a defiant little devil, no pun intended.

I've noticed that sharing my political views on Twitter or Facebook isn't exactly popular amongst most of my Nebraskan friends who would rather see a couple thousand posts about a football team than an opinion of our country.

The point I want to make is, no matter where you're from, in my opinion, you should never bite your tongue about topics that are important to you. Even if you are the political minority in one of the most conservative states in the United States. No matter what you believe in, your voice and your opinions are important. Speak up no matter who opposes you. Never, ever bite your tongue.