Ohio is a great state for many reasons. One of my favorites is our teetering political position. Most states have gone the same way in presidential elections for decades. The majority is so predictable, candidates don't spend time and money campaigning in these states -- thanks to the great system we call the Electoral College (just kidding, it's not that great).
Regardless of my views on the Electoral College, swing states are major victories in the eyes of Oval Office hopeful. Just ask George W. Bush!
As a swing state, not only are elections a bit more exciting, but people actually think we are important! Although we have to endure 20 political ads just to watch our favorite dramady, we get a major ego boost when all the candidates flock to Ohio. In fact, only seven presidents have won the White House without winning the Buckeye State, the most recent being JFK.
Not only does being a swing state provide an opportunity for the country to realize how special we really are, but it exposes Ohioans to all political views.
Anyone who passed 5th grade social studies knows there are two dominating parties in our country. However, the parties form more of a spectrum than just two definite opposing sides. Because Ohio is pretty much 50/50, there are large quantities of people who fall all over the spectrum.
As I chose to stay in Ohio for college, I didn't experience the political culture shock many of my out-of-state friends did, or even the reverse shock my high school friends experienced when moving to states that are solid blue or red. One of my friends from California -- a notoriously blue state -- said she had never met a Republican before coming to college in Ohio.
Living in a bubble where mostly everyone has the same mindset as you is great, but that's not how the real world works. I enjoy that I can go to class or log on to Facebook (though I'm a huge supporter of Facebook fights, more of an active observer) and have views challenged, expanding my perspective.
Of course, on college campuses, the voters consist of mostly young people, creating a naturally progressive atmosphere. However, on my campus, I would say there is a pretty even mix.
Attending school in a swing state provides the opportunity to have friends, professors and co-workers who fall all over the political spectrum -- something a university in the South or a small liberal arts college in the Northeast might not be able to provide.
I have liberal friends, conservative friends, and everything in between. Political beliefs have never been a problem when choosing who I surround myself with. I've had many calm political conversations after which everyone walked away with no hard feelings.
Growing up in Ohio provided me the opportunity to experience politics as a multifaceted system of ideology, and I am so grateful for that. Learning to put myself in other people's shoes plays a big part in empathy -- a trait some would argue humanity is lacking.
As we approach the 2016 election, tensions run higher by the day. I encourage everyone to take a step back and appreciate the wide variety of ideas that surround you -- be an Ohioan!
