Student Spotlight: Nezira Djour
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Nezira Djour, a 2022 Westfield High School graduate, says her future looks bright, thanks to a full college scholarship she received through George Washington University.
“I started applying to colleges a little later than the average student,” she says. “Anuar Velazquez, a counselor and student mentor at school, helped me so much with the process. I knew that I wanted to major in international affairs, so I looked at colleges that have great programs.”
She decided the best place to study international affairs is in Washington, D.C.
“I was shocked that I got accepted, but I was so beyond happy that this university actually wanted me,” she says. “To get my education paid for is a blessing I never thought to receive. It is a weight lifted off both my shoulders and my family. I am glad to make my mom’s life easier, because she works so hard to provide for me and my seven brothers and sisters. My drive to excel in school is all for my parents, who sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today.”
She was very involved in school activities such as varsity cross-country.
“Many people consider cross-country a cult, and they are correct,” she says. “Once you are in, you don’t get out. The Westfield High School cross-country team has been a huge part of who I am. My strength, confidence and optimism grew while participating in the sport. I definitely did not join for the 3.1-mile races, but rather the people. The practices were worse than the races, but it made me mentally and physically stronger. The team is my second family.”
She achieved many school accomplishments. She also organized a blood drive for the school’s Service Over Self club in December of 2021 and April of 2022.
“It was exciting to be able to bring the blood drive back to Westfield,” she says. “It was an amazing opportunity for students to be able to save lives in Indiana. With a small club like Service Over Self, it was difficult to find where to begin hosting such a huge event. Our December drive saved 342 lives. The April drive saved 294 lives. I was very pleased with all the volunteers and donors for making a huge impact. “
Djour is also a DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) district winner and state qualifier.
“DECA is an organization for students with interest in business,” she says. “I have never taken a business class before, but my brother recommended I join the club because it is more than just business and numbers. I joined to gain more confidence and explore the business field. My first year was during the 2020-2021 school year, when it was all virtual competitions. I was proud I made it to the state competition, but I wanted more. This year I was familiarized with the club and knew what I was doing. I could gladly say that I became the district winner for Business Marketing sales.”
Djour also found time to participate in varsity track and field.
“I have been running track and field since seventh grade,” she says. “I love the atmosphere of the track along with the people. My favorite events are the 800 and the 400. Track and field is the most superior sport. I have also been playing Student Impact basketball since seventh grade, after I got cut from the school team. There wasn’t a position I didn’t play, since it is a recreational league.”
Djour participated in the Black Student Association homecoming party, and was also involved in Westfield High School’s International Night to represent her home country.
“I was born in Chad, Africa, and then immigrated to the USA in 2010,” she says. “The majority of my family lives in Chad. In the summer of 2021 my family was blessed with the opportunity to go back home for almost three months. I embrace my culture and love sharing it with anyone who wants to listen.”
Djour was also a speaker in the school’s American Pie program.
“American Pie is a rock concert event where students have the opportunity to showcase their talent,” she says. “The theme for this year was ‘The R(E)volution of Rock and Roll.’ I thought it would be fun to introduce a few people I knew and share the history ofthe songs.”
She also found time to get involved in the school’s Academic Super Bowl competitions.
“Academic Super Bowl is a new club my cross-country coach, Mrs. Pagington, founded in 2020,” she says. “We competed in person for the first time in April of 2022. My English team placed fourth. In social studies we placed second, and in the interdisciplinary category we placed first.”
*Student Spotlight sponsored by Wittler Orthodontics
