Student Spotlight - Cecilia Lulli

Cecilia Lulli may only be 17 years old and junior in high school, but she has a grasp on conservative ideas and activism far beyond her years.

Read about how Cecilia developed into the bright conservative young woman she is today, and her plans to carry those principles on to college.

Luce: How did you become a conservative?

Cecilia: There wasn’t a single instant when I became a conservative. Instead, through the guidance of a family and a school that fosters conservative principles and values, I developed into one. From the lively, family dinner table discussions on politics and public policy to the heated classroom debates that somehow always result in ideals that makes sense to me —the principles of limited government, personal liberty, or social accountability, I evolved an instinct and passion for conservative thinking, people, and institutions. Now, as I prepare myself for college, it is natural for me to live and promote the common sense, traditional, moral values that have been instilled in me.

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

Cecilia: I am fortunate enough to attend Oakcrest School, an independent school for girls, grades 6-12. Oakcrest’s mission is to develop its students’ intellect, character, faith, and leadership potential to succeed in college and throughout their lives. As it sounds, Oakcrest is really a great institution. And, because Oakcrest teaches under the influence of Opus Dei, a prelature of the Catholic Church, its values and beliefs fall in line with my own (though this is not always the case at Catholic schools). As a result, I face virtually no challenges as a conservative at Oakcrest School. However, just because I am not confronted with liberal ideologies is not an excuse for me to hide my conservatism at school. As a conservative, there is always an opportunity to fight the leftist lies. And I strive to do so among my peers by example of my dedication to conservative principles in a world that has become increasingly liberal.

Luce: What is your most memorable activist experience?

Cecilia: My favorite activist experience is participating in the annual Pro-Life March. No other word except amazing describes this rally. It is truly miraculous to see thousands upon thousands of people from all over the country gathered in our nation’s capital to fight for the rights of our unborn citizens. And I am so grateful to be able to take part in this.

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

Cecilia: As I prepare to graduate from high school in 2011, I am very excited to bring, when the time comes, a conservative speaker to my college campus.

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

Cecilia: I hesitate at this question, not because I can’t think of a great conservative woman leader, but because there are so many. There are countless strong, conservative women who have stepped up to lead us in the battle to protect the Constitution of America, preserve our values, and promote a return to our rightful heritage of American exceptionalism. Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter; but when I think of on whose shoulders these women stand, I arrive to Phyllis Schlafly. This amazing woman pioneered the pro-family movement (an issue very important to me), continues even at the age of 86 to do what she believes is right for our country, and serves as the symbol of women conservatives today. For these reasons, Phyllis Schlafly is my favorite conservative woman leader.

Luce: What advice would you give other conservative students?

Cecilia: Don’t be silent: be strong and be proud of what you believe in. Liberals are loud, but conservatives are right. Know this. If it means voting, if it means discussing conservative principles and values with your friends, if it means putting a conservative bumper sticker on your car, do it. As Ronald Reagan said, “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

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

Cecilia: In 10 years I hope to have graduated from law school and, eventually, have a career as a lawyer or political analyst at the World Bank or Central Intelligence Agency.

"Don’t be silent: be strong and be proud of what you believe in. Liberals are loud, but conservatives are right. "