politics

I was in a similar situation. I think you will find that most college students are ready to think for themselves, even if they are from a conservative family. Most don't spout off what they were brainwashed to believe but instead try to come across as a bit more thoughtful so political confrontations are less common than you might think. And by the time they are juniors or seniors they actually ARE more thoughtful and open minded. I have liberal friends who are in AXO, ADPi, ChiO, PiPhi and KD. Then there are some houses that are just oblivious to the political environment, like APhi and TriDelt. I got a weird conservative vibe at Kappa, DG and GPhi for a range of reasons, so I guess those are the only houses I would stay away from.

Not everyone at this school is Missouri backwater conservative. Many are from more liberal places like Chicago's North Shore and some parts of K.C. and St. Louis. I think you will be impressed with the depth that they bring. Plus, sorority participation tends to skew smart, and smarter people tend to be more liberal. You should keep an open mind, too, and not immediately judge people for their political beliefs, just as you don't want them to judge you.

Remember that this school is the home of the nation's first and finest journalism school that attracts students from all around the nation and the world. It is the role of the journalist to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. There are many, many people here to live an examined life and to truly study the issues, not just accept what they are force fed by Fox News. You will do fine.

it's also important that, if you do have liberal and very "open minded" views, that YOU are also open minded and tolerant of people who do not have similar views to yours and may be less liberal and more conservative. it's a two way road that a lot of students do not seem to understand.

I'm from a very small town farming community in Missouri and my college educated parents and most of their friends are very liberal thinkers. I was brought up to think for myself. A lot of my sisters think the same way and a lot are like Texas Republicans and we all get along!

I'm about as liberal as a person can get and I found my niche in Greek Life. I find most of the fraternity guys, however, to be sophomoric douchers. But I couldn't be happier where I am.