The College Republican Federation of Virginia Convention

by Paige R., Panther Blogger

The most important thing to do (other than go to class and do homework) as a Ferrum College student is to join clubs and get involved on campus.  Since Ferrum is far away from a large town, being involved on campus gives students something to do.  There are community service clubs, clubs that are related to different majors, and even political clubs that students can join.

I am Chair of Ferrum's College Republicans (CR) Club.  The club functions as a way for like-minded college students to discuss their political views.  Club members participate in community service events, campus events, and campaign for candidates.

Ferrum College CRs:  Alex T., Vice Chair Tim L.,
Chair Paige R., and Wes F.

During the weekend of February 8th, three other Ferrum students and I had the opportunity to attend the College Republican Federation of Virginia (CRFV) Convention in Richmond.  The convention included a dinner on Friday evening, a business convention on Saturday, and a social event on Saturday evening.

Ferrum College CR Chair,
Paige R., and Ferrum College
CR Vice Chair, Tim L.

Listening to current representatives such as Senator Warner, Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Mullins, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor speak reminded me that there are people who care about my generation.  These speakers discussed increasing the number of jobs so that college students can be employed after graduation.  They also discussed working on policies to improve the economic situations of southwest Virginia and to encourage the American dream.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor
addressing Virginia CRS

Me with ODU College Republican
secretary, Chelsi K.

At the convention, I had the opportunity to spend time with my fellow CRs and get to know CRs from other schools.  I stayed with CRs from Old Dominion University:  Chelsi K. (secretary), Sarah B. (second vice chair), and Martha C. (the past CRFV secretary).  I built a new bond with the CRs from Ferrum as well as CRs from other schools.

Being a college student with a strong political opinion can be very difficult, regardless of your party affiliation.  Without College Republicans at Ferrum, I would not have found the group of people who have similar views as me, and it would have been much more difficult for me to feel at home on this campus.  Obviously, being a Republican on a college campus is the unpopular opinion.  The majority of people our age have liberal views or choose not to get involved in politics.  Despite having the unpopular opinion, I feel like many of my fellow students and professors are supportive of me and other members of the club because we are active participants in our party.