Vivian Warren's Commonplace Book

Vivian’s entry:

You’ll never believe what picture I saw the other day in the magazine, The Ladies Treasury! I know I am studying mathematics right now, but it seems so discouraging because everyone wants me to be something else because I am a woman. Even my own mother is not supportive of my career. I do not care about meeting a husband and bearing children. I want to work, study, and learn. I want to be on this list of women who do great things. I want to do great things! Pictures like this one are important because how was I supposed to know I was not the only one who is…

Vivian’s entry:

I was able to photograph one of my most beloved possessions earlier: my calculator. This magical piece of machinery is my best friend most times. Without this, working would be much more challenging and time consuming. I prefer to work with it, as it will help through the more basic calculations because I have never been good at arithmetic. Spending most of my time with it in my presence gives the perception that this calculator is my best, and only, companion. Well, I do not aspire to have friends or a husband, but to work, so maybe it is my dearest companion. If I…

Vivian’s entry:

I found this quote upon my leisure reading the other day and I was awestruck by it. I found it to be the most relatable thing. Knowing I can be successful in this field, only my gender holding me back, that I must persist in my endeavors. Speaking of my endeavors, my mother is trying to get me into relations with several suitors. I am still mad at her for trying to force me to marry Reverend Samuel. I do not know where she thought of an idea like that, but it is not a good one. If I were to marry anyone it would be Frank but since I am not to marry, the decision is…