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Vivian Andreani

Biography

Profile: What’s refreshing about Brazilian-born Vivian Andreani is her candor and honesty . . . and her intelligence. “I cannot keep conversations in an elevator from going awkward, but ask me to discuss postmodernism’s effects on feminism and we can talk for hours,” said Vivian of her inadequacy at small talk.  Vivan arrived in the U.S. in 2009 from Brazil and found a home at Cottey College in western Missouri near the state line with Kansas.  She thrived academically at the two-year school and now, thanks in part to earning an Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, will be moving to New England and finishing college at Smith, one of the top women’s colleges in the world.  The move from Brazil to Nevada, Missouri was a culture shock for sure, but it was during those first weeks and months at Cottey at age 16 that Vivian’s horizons broadened as to an eventual course of study.  “Though I have always been fascinated by how the human mind works, I was never introduced to extensive feminist thought or gender studies in Brazil. All I learned on the influences of gender was tangential from my independent studies in psychology and sociology. At Cottey, I learned that a significant pay gap existed between men and women based solely on their sex, and that I could learn more about this issue that affects every member of humanity through gender studies,” said Vivian.

Inspiration:  Vivian said she was fortunate to meet and learn from Dr. Trisha Stubblefield at Cottey.  A professor of English and women’s studies, “she refused to force her students along any opinion, but guided them towards coming to their own conclusions.”  Vivian said that Dr. Stubblefield helped her “to be critical and to think for myself.”  In addition, Vivian said, “she has shown me a patience, intellect, and passion for teaching to a degree which I hadn’t encountered before. Her deep understanding of the world, her acceptance of different views, and her ability to assimilate new information further inspired me to change my area of studies. Her ability to fortify women, to bring them together, is unique.”

Aspiration:  Vivian is interested in continuing her studies in women’s and gender Studies. She desires to work for the Peace Corps in order to both be active in international issues, and understand women’s struggles across the globe. However, she eventually would like to use the knowledge she attained in her studies and in her experience worldwide to teach women’s studies at a College.

Making a Difference:  The fact that Vivian has been able to succeed at such an early age is a difference-maker all in itself.  Vivian is proud that she remained motivated to learn even though she had to deal with financial difficulties, family issues, persecution due to her sexuality and gender, as well as dealing with depression. “However, I have never become less motivated or lost interest in studying. While this is not necessarily a huge honor, my commitment to knowledge is what I can boast of.”

Accolades:  At Cottey College Vivian racked up an impressive list of honors including the Marie K. Busch Award (Freshman achieving highest cumulative GPA); the Alice Barler Bowman Scholarship (Best Writer in English in the 2011 class); and the R.J Martin Memorial Award (Top 5% in the Class).

Interesting Fact:  When she was only ten years old ...she bungee-jumped.  

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