Student Spotlight - Chelsea Orman

From a very young age, Chelsea Orman has not been afraid to stand up and speak out for her conservative values. Now a senior at San Diego State University, she has worked with conservative peers to turn their campus conservative group of 5 initially into one of the biggest campus conservative groups in the state today.

Chelsea started a life of activism at a young age--she campaigned for a conservative candidate at the age of five--that continues today at a liberal California university, where she works to spread conservative ideas.

Luce: How did you become a conservative?

Chelsea: I picked up those morals and values at a very young age; always had an interest politics. I made my mom buy me yard signs and pins during the Bob Dole race and when I was only in kindergarten, filling out my "Star of the Week" poster, I pasted a picture of Bill Clinton under "things I don't like," without anyone telling me to. My parents were shocked. It's still one of my infamous stories.

Luce: As a conservative, what challenges do you face at your school?

Chelsea: We have a rivalry club, the College Dems. We have experienced the favoritism and priority given to them by university staff when it comes to meeting times, room reservations, etc. There is also a majority of liberal professors on campus who impose their views and shape the curriculum to match their political ideals.

Luce: What is your most memorable activist experience?

Chelsea: Revamping the SDSU [conservative] organization at SDSU really impacted me. There were only about five regular attendees initially, but between myself and two others, we were able to produce one of the largest political organization rosters. We have grown to become a club that meets regularly and is involved in many local elections and politics.

Luce: If you've hosted a conservative speaker on campus, tell a little bit about that experience

Chelsea: I am working to bring Michelle Malkin to San Diego by teaming up with other Conservative organizations in the area.

Luce: Who is your favorite conservative woman leader and why?

Chelsea: Nancy Reagan. Just a powerful and strong woman--anyone can look up or relate to her in some way.

Luce: What advice would you give other conservative students?

Chelsea: Don't be discouraged; live to shock people, to speak your mind, even if you know your opinion is a minority.

Luce: Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

Chelsea: After attending graduate school for broadcasting, I hope to be hosting a show or interviewing people around the world.

"Don't be discouraged; live to shock people, to speak your mind, even if you know your opinion is a minority."