Vivian Njoroge is the type of girl that you can’t help but be friends with. At first, she’s shy, but you’ll quickly find out that she’s sweet, down to earth, and really easy to talk to. She’s the kind of person who will always lend an ear or a helping hand. She’s always ready to talk to you about SZA, hair, or anything at all. What sets Vivian apart from the rest is that she’s not only nice, but she’s kind. She loves to make jokes, but they’re never at the expense of somebody else. After a conversation with her, you always leave feeling better than when you started.
“She seems to genuinely want to connect with you as a person. Even though I was her teacher, she had the ability to just talk like 2 people.” Said Mr. Shuford, who taught her AP world history in her sophomore year.
Vivian has a kind spirit, which is why she’s the president of the equity club and the equity officer at Stuco. She’s dedicated to providing equal opportunities to people of all backgrounds. This year, equity club focused on bridging the gap to apply for AP and Honors level classes for Hispanic students at Enloe. She spearheaded the club because she recognized a problem that we have here at Enloe. “I think people don’t realize how deeply she is listening, and I really do admire that.” Said Mrs. Brick, the advisor of equity club. Outside of school, Vivian continues to advocate for racial injustice. She’s a part of Justice for Black Girls, which is a nationwide nonprofit that holds open discussions about black girl’s issues and lived experience, and The Beautiful Project, which focuses on mental health and representational justice of black girls.
In conversations with Vivian, we learned that hair has always been an important part of her life. Like many black girls in America, hair is a big part of her identity. She loves wearing her hair out, but she also wears box braids and slicked back hair. When she wears her hair natural, it’s light and cloud-like, and her box braids flow down her back so effortlessly. She loves the versatility of black hair, and she loves trying out new styles. She embraces and takes pride in the beauty of her hair.
Vivian loves to make art, and she uses a multitude of outlets for her creativity. Her graphics for the newspaper are an example of this. Her graphics are always cohesive in their color palettes and theme. Another way she expresses her creativity is through photography, whether she’s snapping photos for The Beautiful Project or just in her spare time, she knows exactly how to capture a moment. On her photography account on instagram, you’ll get a glimpse of her favorite moments with friends, mixed with more serious works. Vivian’s love and appreciation for her friends shine through her photography.
Family is also very important to Vivian, and she acts as a caregiver to her sister and brother. Victoria Njoroge, Vivian’s little sister, describes her as nice, sweet, and energetic. “Vivian loves being really nice. She wants to be really tough, but she’s really sweet.” Said victoria. They love spending time with each other, and they even share the same, immaculate, taste in music. “I usually like getting songs from her, I lie, saying I don’t like them but I do.” Said Victoria.
After highschool, Vivian plans to major in Biological engineering. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but for this eagle scholar, anything is possible. Vivian’s kindness, authenticity, and intelligence will take her anywhere she wants to be.
“I think my wish for her is that she would continue to add and not replace or subtract parts of herself, because she has all of the pieces already I think to be amazing, wonderful, [and] well rounded.” Said Mr. Shuford, “Just keep growing and adding as you move to this next stage.”
To Vivian,
I am beyond glad that we got to know each other well this year. Whether it be skipping a “class” to enjoy a meal together with an overcrowded car or doing odd videos like a Lord Berkeley vs Bertie race, I am glad to have gotten the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the great writer, artist, designer, and creative that is Vivian Njoroge in my career. I will miss her funny reactions to things, her ability to whip up beautiful graphics every day, and her care to each one of her relationships. I don’t need to say it, but her future is bright and creative. While I fully expected to be buying something from Vivian’s designed advertisement on a billboard, I am enthusiastic to see her slay each and every microbe she inspects as a Bio major.
Stay creative, sparkling, and funny,
Sincerely, Akshat
