By Michelle Nwokedi, Penn Women's Basketball, Class of 2018
One of the first things I tell people when I first meet them is that I am from Houston, Texas. I am a proud Texan and just about everyone knows this. Houston is a part of my identity. It is where my family is. It is where some of my best memories have occurred. It has been my home for 21 years. The history and culture has helped mold me into the person that I am today.
When I first heard that Hurricane Harvey was going to hit Houston, I did not think much of it. I had never experienced a horrible storm in my time in Houston. However, as the storm grew stronger, and the rain continued to fall, seeing the images and videos quickly put things into reality.
To see some of the historic spots, highways, and the whole city of Houston under water was unbelievable. It was so surreal. It didn’t feel right being in Philly. Here I was going on with my everyday life while friends and family were going through a devastating time. Rather than sitting around and doing nothing, many Houstonians of Penn Athletics and Penn as an institution united together to help.
As a member of the Penn Women’s Basketball team, volunteering and helping others has become second nature. The coaches are constantly teaching us that along with being a basketball player, it is also so important to be the best
person that you can be day in and day out. I remember texting Coach McLaughlin one night and asking him if we could do something as a team to help Houston. Within minutes, he responded with a yes and by the next day, the GoFundMe page was created. Seeing my teammates, my coaches, parents, alums, and people who did not even know me selflessly join to help Houston was truly astonishing.
My starting goal was to raise $2500 and within about a week, we were able to surpass that. I will continue to
raise as much money as I can. All of this money will be going to The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund run by Mayor Sylvester Turner. The money will go straight to the victims who were affected by the floods. Thank you to those who have already donated; whatever amount you gave had a positive impact. Thank you for joining me in getting Houston back on its feet. Thank you for your generosity.
Michelle Nwokedi is a senior on the Penn women's basketball team. The reigning Ivy League Player of the Year, she led the Quakers to the 2016-17 Ivy League Championship and Tournament title.
ABOUT AUTHENTIC IVY:
Authentic Ivy is Ivy League student-athletes, in their own words. Stay tuned to IvyLeague.com for more Authentic Ivy features throughout the 2017-18 year.