full size HIT: Naya Rivera at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards on May 14, 2011
Credit: Drew Altizer/ WENN.com
Photo:
HIT: Naya Rivera at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards on May 14, 2011

While we love us some Santana Lopez ― who else could sing a song called “Trouty Mouth” and make it sound so good?! ― today we’re givin’ it up for the woman behind the Cheerio-turned-glee clubber who’s currently celebrating her 25th birthday: NAYA RIVERA!

In honor of 25, here are FIVE reasons (that’s some square root action for you mathies...) we LOVE Naya!

5. She’s not afraid to take a fashion risk!

Granted, we don’t always love them, but we certainly appreciate her daring efforts!

4. She totally bucks convention!

Seriously, a date with J-Biebs over RPattz?! Gotta love a girl this dedicated to her craft: “He could teach me how to dance!”

3. She’s not above a guest star geek-out... or three!

Take for example last week, when Naya clocked not one, not two, but THREE tweets in excitement over Ricky Martin’s arrival at McKinley High. Girl’s not afraid to let her geek flag fly!

2. She’s one gorgeous buxom brunette... but she hasn’t always been!

Naya isn’t afraid to show off her curves now, but she also has a soft spot for the underdog ― because she’s been one! 

1. She loves Santana just as much as we do!

And she knows that Santana’s struggles this season are important, telling AP recently, “There are a lot of girls out there who are going through the same thing and love to see themselves in this character every single week, so I feel really blessed that I can bring that to the table.”

BONUS:

full size Naya Rivera and Lea Michele Hug During Filming of Glee Season 3, Episode 7: "I Kissed a Girl"
Credit: Glee on Facebook
Photo:
Naya Rivera and Lea Michele Hug During Filming of Glee Season 3, Episode 7: "I Kissed a Girl"

(Duhhh) She has great friends!
… who are busy on Twitter today singing her praises and spreadin’ the love! Who could ask for anything more? Here’s a round-up of their sweet, sweet tweets...

Lea Michele: “Wishing one of my best friends in the world a happy happy birthday today.. Miss @NayaRivera :)”

Kevin McHale: “Wishing my Bee, m'Snixxx, Mah tiny dancer @NayaRivera an incredibly hood and glorious burrffday! #HappyBirthdayNayaRivera”

Dianna Agron: “It's bebe @NayaRivera's birthday today so I have to say....everyone send her your love!! Thankful to have her in my life!! K&M4E  love you”

Harry Shum Jr.: “Hey, @NayaRivera is right next to me. I think I'm going to just say Happy Birthday to her in person. http://pic.twitter.com/eiHgMNB6”

Grant Gustin: “@NayaRivera Happyyy Birfdayyy!!!!”

(Seriously... the girl is well liked!)

Happy Birthday, Naya!!

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