Q & A with Ima Abia

Ima was part of Penn's Ivy Championship in the 2000-01 season and now plays an integral role as the Quakers look to return to the top of the Ivy mountaintop.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

I am the product of a Nigerian father and a Black American mother. To add a little more to the mix, my stepfamily is Philipino. My stepmother has raised me from the age of nine. I have three brothers and two sisters. I am second oldest. It was understood between my father and I from a very young age that I would be attending an Ivy League Institution. I was planning on being a doctor, and I was told that the best pre-med programs were in the Ivy League. When I arrived at Penn, my plans changed. I have metamorphed into a math major who will be pursuing a career in the actuarial field.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

As mentioned before, that was always in my mind.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

My father always told me to expect the best of myself, and an Ivy League school was always my destination.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

Very well, I'M HERE! And on my way to graduation.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

Graduating from an Ivy League institution puts you in an elite group. In my experience, if I meet an Ivy Leaguer we immeadiately have that in common. It's something intangible.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

I have enjoyed meeting so many Nigerian students, and comparing our quirky parents' stories. Although it can be a little lonely at times (being one of the only black students in the math program), I think that the experience has been completely worthwhile.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

Winning the Ivy League Championship my sophomore year was the most satisfying experience in my life so far. Any bad feelings I had about the season dissappeared. Even until today, I only remember the positive aspects of that particular season.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My father has shaped who I was, who I am, and I will be. He is the strongest person I know, and I can only hope to one day be like him.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

A college degree is the one thing that can never be taken away from you. Sports builds life experience, but you cannot be an athlete forever. Make sure that you absorb the proper knowledge from your college education.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

Keep your grades up, don't let anybody discourage you.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***