The problem came in arguing my point of view on any subject as I hadn't a clue regarding polemics, and surely could martial few facts to support my views. The difficulty in that is liberals don't need facts to support views since liberalism in the modern sense requires no foundation.
I suspect that is the biggest problem among college conservatives. It's just common sense that requires one to be liberal. So why would a liberal even engage in conversation with a conservative who obviously has no common sense?
My son went through a liberal high school and college as a conservative. Yet even in high school he took the time to memorize facts, dates and cause vs. effect in political decisions. It also helps that he has a pretty good memory. He discovered in high school that even his most liberal teachers didn't hold his views against him, which I found interesting. In fact in social studies-type classes they would even call on him to get the "conservative take" on this and that. He graduated valedictorian.
I don't know that he had the same experience in college, although I can promise he never tried to hide his views. He was Navy ROTC, so he had the opportunity at least once or twice per week to advertise. His classes were much more science oriented.
I believe you can argue conservatism in school these days, yet you need a sense of humor...no matter what, and it helps to read the conservative pundits, and a good memory is essential.
Very encouraging post. Good for your son, too!