At Penn, I learned that being a politically curious young woman with even mildly conservative leanings meant instant isolation. I joined the College Republicans hoping to engage in open dialogue—but found myself socially exiled by peers who claimed to champion inclusivity. While my male conservative friends flew under the radar, women like me were judged harshly. One friend was ostracized by her entire social circle just for attending a conference. The message was clear: tolerance ends where conservative women begin. And yet, that scrutiny made me stronger.