#BearsOfBaylor — “Most of my friends don’t agree, but they said they respect my opinion…”

[Are you planning to vote?]
Yes. I already sent in my absentee ballot. I’m from Colorado.

[Is it important for students to take part in the process?]
Yes. We’re going to be part of the country. We’re going to be joining the workforce in, hopefully, a couple of years. It will affect us just as much as it affects other people.

[What is the most important issue for you in this election?]
I think it’s the humanitarian issues. In regard to the refugee crisis and civil rights for Americans, but also people in other countries — advocating for policies that will protect them. But also, I think gun violence is really important to me. I don’t know, necessarily, what should be done, but doing something.

[Do you get any criticism for your political beliefs?]
Most of my friends don’t agree, but they said they respect my opinion, so that’s been really great. And I try not to share it that often, really. I think that they’re open to discussing why they believe what they believe, but I think they either won’t clearly say who their person is, or they’re maybe a little embarrassed to admit who the person they’re voting for is, or they’re afraid they’ll get made fun of, I guess.

[Every Baylor Bear has a story; #BearsOfBaylor brings those stories to you, one by one. These stories, these people… This is our Baylor.]