Since I’ve started college I’ve seen all kinds of beliefs, moral and opinions flying around about pretty much anything. With the election coming up, there are plenty of political debates going on around the lunch table. I’ve met all kinds of people with differing opinions about social issues like abortion, gun control, same-sex marriage etc. I think it’s extremely interesting to hear different sides of things, but at the same time it’s also made me realize that it’s very important for me to stay grounded in my beliefs and morals.

I grew up in an extremely conservative, Christian home that has definitely influenced a lot of my beliefs. All that aside, it’s important to me to decide for myself where I stand with things. In this day and age, it’s very easy to be influenced by things you hear, especially from friends, family and peers. I think opinions are great, but I really don’t appreciate it when people try to cram their opinions down my throat.

Something I’ve noticed is that with some people, if you don’t agree with their point of view, they get upset with you and insist that you’re wrong. I think an important thing for everyone to do in college, is to decide who they are and what they believe, which is hard to do if you’re constantly surrounded by people that insist you think the way they do.

So, I've come to learn that sometimes it's necessary to take a step back and just watch and listen. You'd be surprised by how much you can learn just by observing and not blurting out every thought and opinion that comes to your mind. I've tried to retreat back into myself and learn more about who I am before I try to decide where I fit politically, and where I stand with different social issues, etc. It's been pretty hard at time to keep my mouth shut, but I think it's worth it in the end.