Student Spotlight - Katelyn Ridenour

From a very young age, Katelyn Ridenour has known first-hand how important conservative policies are for all Americans. Raised in a strong conservative family, this graduating senior from Converse College has learned how to face her fear of liberal opposition and represent her conservative beliefs in an educated and respectful manner.

To much opposition from the Left on her campus, Katelyn recently hosted a lecture with Luce speaker Nonie Darwish. We talked with Katelyn one-on-one about her experiences as a conservative student on campus.

Luce: How did you become a conservative?

Katelyn: I was raised in a very conservative home and was active in politics from a young age. As I have gotten older, I have enjoyed investigating the candidates, and believe that the conservative principles I was taught as a child truly are the best policies for our country.

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

Katelyn: I was fortunate to attend a college where I never felt as though professors forced their beliefs on me. The biggest challenge I faced was my own fear of speaking up. I was always afraid that I would get beyond my knowledge level and embarrass myself. Additionally, most speakers that came to graduation espoused liberal views, and there was virtually no presentation of the opposite side.

Luce: What is your most memorable activist experience?

Katelyn: When I was about 10 or 11 years old, I attended a rally at the Tennessee state capitol, opposing a bill that proposed a state income tax. This tax was supported by a Republican governor who had campaigned against it. I remember standing on the steps of the state capitol, surrounded by people carrying signs, chanting, and honking their horns. The Governor had called all the state troopers to the Capitol, and had blocked off all but one entrance, so we had to wait hours to get inside. As we approached the head of the line, we were told that the galleries were full, because supporters of the bill had been bused in and given first priority. Thankfully, the bill did not have enough support among the legislators to pass.

Luce: Tell us about your experience with hosting a Luce campus lecture

Katelyn: In April 2010, I hosted Nonie Darwish at Converse College. Each year, the Converse chapter of Mortar Board hosts the “Probe Symposium.” The goal of this event is to bring a speaker who can educate the camps and the wider community on a cultural issue. Although I was unaware before the event, it garnered some extreme opposition by members of the faculty. Although turnout was not as high as expected, I received several positive comments from faculty and students. One member of my committee, an Obama supporter, said that she really enjoyed Ms. Darwish’s speech! I hope that this event will encourage other conservatives on campus to speak up.

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

Katelyn: My favorite conservative woman leader is Condoleezza Rice. I am most impressed by her humility. She is highly intelligent and has accomplished so much, yet you rarely hear about her in the news. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that she is always extremely calm and poised. Plus, she and I have something in common – we are both concert pianists!

Luce: What advice would you give other conservative students?

Katelyn: Be respectful! As a debater, I have very little tolerance for emotional responses. When discussing politics, stick to the facts, and do not ever make personal attacks. If you can state what you believe in a respectful manner, people will be much more open to your ideas. No matter what, do not let someone else cause you to react in anger. If you do, they have won.

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

Katelyn: I am headed to law school in the fall. In 10 years, I hope to be either a District Attorney or legal counsel in a conservative non-profit organization or representative’s office.

"No matter what, do not let someone else cause you to react in anger. If you do, they have won."