In a mixture of extracurriculars and responsibilities, freshman Renu Vijayaraj found her success as both a dedicated Honor Roll student and an accomplished entrepreneur.
Her marketing journey began with a small business, called “Shop Oleanders” by selling accessories and gifts. These gifts include purses, earrings and jewelry; however, recently it expanded to essentials like soaps and combs.
“We do events around the neighborhood and allow people to have an opportunity to shop at our store like at fall festivals, spring gatherings or picnics,” Vijayaraj said.
Vijayaraj estimates that about 20% of her free time goes into her business, which does not go unnoticed by her peers.
“She’s very hardworking and she has a lot on her plate but she still manages,” freshman Laranya Mohotti said. “She volunteers a lot at Ashburton [Elementary School]. She’s very involved in school but she sets time apart for this business of hers. I can see her as a business owner in the future.”
Beyond her business, Vijayaraj is an active member of numerous clubs at school.
“I am in South Asian Student Union [SASU], DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Model U.N. and Debate. I like DECA better because it talks about lots of aspects that I want to pursue in a future career and it’s pretty helpful to roleplay at the conferences that we have,” Vijayaraj said.
While DECA allows her to focus on commerce, SASU provides a platform to connect with others and embrace her cultural roots, such as by performing a Punjabi dance. After the leaders cancelled a South Indian song she worked hard on, Vijayaraj negotiated with the President to dance to a Tamil song with a partner, to bring back the representation that they need.
“I really like [SASU] community, and it’s like a piece of where I came from and where I want to go back to,” Vijayaraj said.
Vijayaraj also creates change through other ways, especially as an Student Climate Action Council member where she communicates with other schools within MCPS and solves issues regarding school environments.
When she’s not juggling school and business commitments, she volunteers and takes on skillful jobs. Having ice skated since three years old, she now assists in teaching kids of all levels how to skate. When she stays in India, she tutors students ranging from grades six to 12. Along with her business, she hopes to be able to find internships that align with future career aspirations.
“She is a very hard worker,” English teacher Aishley McGinty said. “She’s really kind, she contributes within a group and she can work independently. I’m impressed she can balance all of it. I think whatever she sets her mind to, she will accomplish.”
