labeling myself: An Outsider

Since being in college, especially taking liberal art classes I have learned one thing, I am an outsider. College campuses, and the world are starting to spew hatred on Christians.  

I find it difficult to participate in class discussions, in fear of being laughed at or marked as a bigot or an idiot for believing in what I believe. In a world that tells you to find a voice, and to advocate for yourself I see that they aren't talking to the Christians, nor the Republicans of this country. Why don't I have the same privilege as left? Why am I not accepted? 

More importantly, why is this okay? To feel like I need to lessen myself on the account of being accepted by my classmates, friends and coworkers? I feel like I am living in fear of conviction of being myself. This is wrong in a society that wants complete and utter freedom among the masses of people, but yet I find myself becoming a minority. 

Today August 31st, 2015, I was laughed at in class when asking a serious question in a discussion in class. When all I said was: Though the constitution does not say what deity they believe in, when you read it, and are of Christian value, wouldn't you say that the constitution goes along with those of Christian value? People scoffed and rolled their eyes, when I was trying to learn in a class setting and participate on the question of: What values do you see in the Constitution of the United States? 

At that moment it made me not want to talk in class ever again, in fear of being attacked through other discussions, or in fear of offending anyone. I have to silence my voice because I am not accepted. 

Also, on this day as well I was told I was not going to be the new appointed Public Relations Chair of Western's Student Government Association. The person that got it, father is head of Student Affairs, best friends with the current Public Relations Director best friend. What am I suppose to do without those kind of connections? What am I suppose to do without those kind of connections even though I am more than qualified to hold this position. The student that got it over me isn't even a PR major like I am. 

Life is full of politicking, and I got my second or third taste in this matter. Now I realize I have to work ten times harder than other people because I am not privileged, I am not connected, and I am an outspoken Christian republican living in a liberal filled world - or at least inside our SGA.

My mom told me: "You need to advocate for yourself, no one else will." And this saying is so true, because if I keep living the life taking the back burner, living in fear, what do I accomplish? Nothing. I need to keep reminding myself, I am my own biggest fan, advocate and I need to believe in myself the way God does. Politicking, being labeled different, or an outsider can be a disadvantage, if I allow it to be.

From this day forward, I will let this lesson, this anger fuel me with inspiration to make sure no one feels the same way I do. No one feels like their voice doesn't matter, because it does. Your life matters, your views matter. Because at the end of the day, I will be stronger, and I will be wiser because I have to work for everything in life. This is what sets me apart from my competition. I will thrive, and I will survive. 

-M