Name: Michael ObachaClass: JuniorMajor: Economics and International Business with a minor in SpanishHometown: Edo State, NigeriaCeleb Status: College athlete and philanthropist
Q: What organizations are you involved with on campus?A: Athlete in Action (AIA), and The Appalachian State basketball team. (To find out more about Athletes in Action check out http://www.athletesinaction.org/).
Q: What is it like to balance the responsibilities of playing a collegiate sport and being student?A: Balancing academics and [a] sport is sometimes hard. It’s exhausting sometimes, but I am getting used to it. God’s grace, and time management is the key.
Q: What motivated you to start your shoe drive for children in Nigeria? (For our readers who don’t know, Obacha collects shoes here on campus and sends them to children in his home town.)A: What motivated me to start my shoe drive was that, I love seeing people happy. I am kind of sensitive to people’s pain and worries. I have been in situations where I needed help, and God sent a helper to me. I want these helpless kids and people in my country to know that they are not alone. Someone still loves them, and cares about their well-being and education, in the midst of the incessant violence that continues to make kids orphans and people homeless. I was born and raised in Kaduna State, the Northern Part of Nigeria where people live in fear every day. My country needs help.
Above Obacha is pictured with recipients of his shoe drive by the Good Works Team.
Q: To our readers who don’t know, what is the Allstate/NABC Good Works Team, and how did you start working with this organization?A: The Allstate/NABC Good Works Team is recognition given to 10 college basketball players for their work and involvement in the community. It’s really an honor to make the Allstate/NABC Good Works Team. Thank God for the Appalachian Community for their support. I sincerely appreciate all the support.
Q: What are your plans for the summer?A: My plan for this summer is to raise money to buy school supplies for kids back in my country. I want them to be encouraged because knowledge is a light.
Q: One fun question! Are you dating anyone?A: Yes, my girlfriend, Katherine Lenhart.
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