America, astrology and arming the people

How a college student finds solace in cleansing her energy and promoting the conservative message.

At 9 p.m. on Sept. 14, Ciera Kent sat at a table in the front of room 104 in Copeland Hall. Her brown hair, highlighted with streaks of blonde, was pulled up, save for the few strands she had pulled out to frame her face. The strands clung to the edges of the clear, rectangular glasses that sit atop her faintly freckled nose. Over her Ohio University tee and black athletic shorts, she sported an oversized, gray zip-up hoodie to shield her from the autumn bite that had just begun to creep into the air following sunset. Her back was illuminated by the light shade of blue that shone from the projection on the draw-down screen behind her. The presentation slide read “OUCR Meeting, 9/14/22” and was paired with a picture of the Ohio University College Republicans (OUCR) logo: a proud-looking elephant with its front foot and trunk raised high in the air, standing in front of a red, white and blue silhouette of Ohio.

Kent greeted everyone who entered the room with a straight-toothed smile and a pleasant voice that clung to a slight country twang. Each new arrival was met with infectious kindness and immense respect. “I know every single person’s name in the club,” she said. “I met my boyfriend there, I've met my best friends; I meet everyone.” This year marks Kent’s third year of membership and her second year as an executive. She previously served as the communications director and is now the group’s secretary.

Kent’s warm and sunny attitude reflects her spiritual beliefs. She is not religious; instead, she nurtures her physical and mental well-being through the use of meditation, crystals and connecting to her spirit guides. “Everything has an energy, everything has a presence, a vibe–everything,” she said. Her spirituality is something that she holds close to her, as it has gotten her through some of her darkest hours.

“Honestly, Ciara is one of the most patient, kind-hearted, hard-working people I've ever met,” Kaylee Hammel said. Hammel currently serves on the executive board with Kent as the communications director. She met Kent last August through OUCR and the pair instantly hit it off. “She's always been there for me,” Hammel said. “She definitely is somebody who makes time for her friends.”

Ciera Kent (Right) and her best friend, Kaylee Hammel (Left), representing OUCR at the 2022 Ohio University involvement fair. Photo courtesy Ciera Kent.

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kent graduated high school and began her freshman year studying nursing from behind the glow of a computer screen. To fight off the feelings of isolation, she tried out a myriad of student organizations. She joined the astrology club, which she enjoyed, but unfortunately, it conflicted with her schedule the following semester. She also joined Ohio University College Republicans. This club stuck. 

Each year, the OUCRs champion local, state and national conservative candidates on the ballot by knocking on doors, calling up potential voters and walking in parades. “We have been the number one college republican organization in the state for a long time,” Kent said. 

Even Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recognized the club for its accomplishments. “Thanks to the Ohio University College Republicans for all their hard work getting out the vote for me and @JonHusted,” DeWine said in a Tweet. “Ciera has made 18,508 calls on her own. All together @OUCRs have reached 113,526 Ohio voters!” 

Ciera Kent poses with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine at the OUCRs’ call center. Photo courtesy Mike DeWine, Twitter.

The organization prides itself on being what it believes to be “the best party on campus,” plastering the hefty claim all across its flyers, banners and social media accounts. Following the dedicated effort they put in during the school year, OUCR members attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) over the summer. The conference is one of the most influential conservative gatherings in the country, where many of the biggest names in the Republican party can be found. “I got to see (former) President Trump last year,” Kent said with an excited glint in her hazel eyes. 

OUCR is a place where Kent got to meet people who share similar beliefs with her. As a college student who studies nursing and engages in New Age practices, she feels that there is an expectation to lean left when it comes to politics. However, Kent proudly labels herself as conservative. She believes abortion should only be allowed in cases of medical emergencies or cases of sexual assault to prevent people from abusing the procedure. She believes people should have access to guns to protect their personal safety and that the border should be more secure to prevent people from entering the country illegally. She believes that small business owners, like her mom and stepfather, Joanne and John Hagy, should be given more economic support to be able to thrive rather than survive. At OUCR, Kent has found a “family” that accepts her and her beliefs.

After the last few people trickled in, the OUCR meeting was called to order by a stout man wearing a camouflage shirt and matching backward green hat. The image on the screen quickly changed to the pixelated image of an American flag. “Would everyone please stand for the pledge of allegiance?” he asked in an authoritative tone, which suggested his question was more of a polite order rather than a request. The crowd happily obliged. 

Over the course of their gathering, the OUCRs talked business. The organization’s new political director, Cameron Lowery, read off a slew of topics for discussion: 22 GOP members signed a letter asking President Biden to withdraw the student loan forgiveness plan, Biden visited the groundbreaking of the Ohio Intel plant and New York Governor Kathy Hochul ended COVID restrictions were among them.

The OUCRs at their boat party on Burr Oak Lake. Photo courtesy OUCR, Facebook.

Then, there was a change in pace as the group reviewed upcoming events and festivities. The OUCRs strongly believe in “work hard, play hard,” Kent said. They prioritize their professional growth while continuing to strengthen their sense of camaraderie. Kent announced there will be a boat party on Burr Oak Lake that upcoming weekend and urged everyone to join in the fun. Then, the meeting closed with another invitation from the man who led the pledge: “Go to the social!” he said. The group of college republicans, Kent included, burst into chatter and spilled out the door.