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Native Dress

Freshman Vikki Muchai wears her native clothing from Kenya. (photo illustration by Sofia Aguayo)

Freshman Vikki Muchai moved from Kenya at age 10 to be reunited with her mother after two years.

BY SOFIA AGUAYO FEATURES EDITOR

Sitting nervously in an airport about to move 8,412 miles away from her birthplace, Freshman Vikki Muchai anxiously awaits reconnecting with her mom after two years of being separated. Now she wakes up every morning to her new life- far different from what she grew up with, and filled with things she has never heard of before. Muchai moved from Nairobi, Kenya in 2017 when she was 10 years old and started a new life here in Kansas City with her mom and sister. Muchai’s mom, Ann Mutura, moved to the United States two years before, in 2015. She initially got an invitation to live in California with someone because of personal reasons. Meanwhile Muchai and her younger sister, Nikki Muchai, stayed in Kenya with their dad and other extended family members. “[My mom] was in California because she came from someone’s invitation,” Muchai said, “and then she moved to Missouri because she had a cousin here.” After making the move, Muchai says she likes it here in the United States even though life here is drastically different than what she was used to before. “I would say that here it’s safer, there’s more opportunities, and it’s more developed.”

Muchai said. Even with these new opportunities, Muchai still sometimes misses how her life was when she still lived in Nairobi. Her dad passed away from diabetes the year after her mom left Nairobi to come live in the United States.

“Before my dad died and my mom left it was a full family so we were happy there,” Muchai said.

The emmigration process can take a long time. Mutura said she was “very happy and relieved” when she knew it was going to work out for her daughters to be with her again. Muchai and Nikki had been living with Mutura’s sister after their dad passed away and they were anxious to see their mom again.

“(The moving process) was scary but exciting because I got to see my mom after two years,” Muchai said.

When she moved, her expectations for what life was like here were a lot different than what she has experienced since. Fortunately, she knew a lot of English before coming because, according to her uncle, it is the language of communication in schools back in Kenya besides Swahili, which she also speaks and writes. Because the United States is more developed, Muchai faced different challenges, despite the many more opportunities waiting for her in the United States.

“I wasn’t expecting everything to be the way it is, it is so much different than I thought it would be,” Muchai said. “School is harder than I thought it would be, it was easier back home. I never even knew basketball was a thing until I moved here.”

One thing Muchai had a hard time adjusting to is the winter. Her uncle, Donald Aduba, who moved to the United States 38 years ago said they adjusted well except for the cold weather.

“Being in a different temperate climate, they had to dress much differently during winter time than the kind of weather they are used to,” Aduba said.

Although she would not want to move back permanently, Muchai said she would definitely want to go back to visit her family and her hometown.

“I miss my family and how our family was before the death and the move and everything. I think we were happier, not that we’re not happy now, but it was much more fuller and happier back then,” Muchai said. “Overall I am happy I moved because I get to stay with my mom.”

Photos submitted by Vikki Muchai

LIFE BEFORE Taking a family picture during an event in Nairobi, Muchai now recalls times spent with her family before they immigrated. “I don’t remember much about before we moved, but we were definitely a fuller family back then,” Muchai said.

REUNITED AGAIN After seeing their mother again after two years, Muchai and her family decided to take a trip to Branson to celebrate their arrival. “I was really happy to see her after so long and it was just a fun vacation,” Muchai said.

quarantine quarantine survival guide

Tips and tricks to thrive as a connected learner.

BY AVERY BRUNDIGE PRINT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

fuel up on probiotics

Blueberries, dark chocolate, broccoli, sweet potatoes and ginger are just a few examples of probiotic rich foods. Probiotics boost your immune system. Your body will be even healthier when it comes time to take on the world again.

switch up your study space

This one is crucial for online school. Throughout the day, try to switch up your study spaces. Rearrange your desk, move to another room, login to Zoom from your backyard! Nothing can make you more stir-crazy than sitting inside all day long.

pick up a new hobby

One way to boost your spirits while in quarantine is to pick up a new hobby. Whether it be jewelry making or puzzle doing, trying something new can give you something to get excited about doing. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your new favorite pastime.

use meditation and yoga to de-stress

Virtual school can be stressful. Yoga and meditation are two ways you can overcome the mental toll. Through apps like Headspace or Calm and YouTube channels like Yoga With Adriene, you can take a mental break from everyday stress and find your zen.

try contactless delivery

Food delivery apps like Doordash and Postmates have “no-contact delivery services”. Delivery workers will ask where to leave your meal to ensure a clean, safe exchange.

ASSISTANTTO THE PRESIDENT TO THE PRESIDENT

1. SNEAK BEAK Waiting to go up and present during the senior class meeting, Senior Mary Hudak looks back to check on her bird, Barley. “The best part of bringing Barley to school was seeing him bond with the teachers, namely Hilg and Kram,” Mary Hudak said. (Photo by Madeline Hammett)

2. CHICK CHAT During the senior class meeting, Senior Mary Hudak announces the 2020 spirit week themes. “I for sure want to bring [Barley] again, hopefully when the pandemicis over and students can handle him!” Mary Hudak said. (Photo by Keely Schieffer)

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3. IM-PECK-ABLE FRIENDSHIP Senior Emily Weians patiently waits in line to get a closer look at Barley after the first senior class meeting. “I’m not really a fan of birds but I love Barley,” said Weians, “my favorite part [of meeting Barley] was watching him fly around the gym.” (Photo by Keely Schieffer)

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