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Abraham Obaretin is a student in Basic Education 2 class here at Highbridge. During the summer semester, as part of a class project, he wrote the following about himself

WHO I AM?

I am Abraham Obaretin, born October 7, 1978 in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria. I have been living in New York for one year. When I was three years old, I developed polio. I was rehabilitated in the Salvation Army home from 1981-1989. I went both primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. I joined disabled Sports in power lifting from 1990 to the present.

I have traveled to both national and international competition for disabled sports. I am a Gold medalist in both national and international competitions. I won a silver medal in paraolympic games in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996. I also won a Gold medal in the world championship in London. I have traveled to different countries competing for Sports for the disabled. I was awarded (M.O.N) Member Order of the Niger, by the Nigerian formal Head of State, General Sanni Abacha. I am a member of United Spinal Association here in New York. I am a Christian and a choir leader in my church in New York – Christ All Over Me international Ministries. I also train with Bally Total Fitness on Fordham Road. My goal is to get my GED and go to college for a degree in physical education. I hope to attain this goal by studying hard as a student at Highbridge Community Life Center

BEFORE I WAS THERE WERE

Before I was born, there were my father, Imuentinyan and my mother, Ester Obaretin. They came from Orhionmwon, the local government area of Edo State, Benin City, Nigeria. They were happy married for 30 years. Unfortunately, my father died in 1979. Presently, my mother is a business woman who lives in Nigeria. She is a good Christian woman. A very special person in my life is Nana. I married her in 2001. We have two children, Isaac who is four years old and Naomi, who is two years old. They are good Christians. I very lucky to have the love of Nana and my children. I love them very much too.

SUDDENLY, I BECAME ME.

When I was three years old, my mum took me to the Salvation Army home, where I became rehabilitated. When I completed my education, I engaged myself in Sports.

I traveled to different countries, e.g. London and Australia. In these countries, I made a lot of friends. I participated in power lifting during these events and I was very good at it. Now I can train people in power lifting because of my professional training.

This is what I did before I became a man.

SCHOOL BELLS

When I was three years old, mum took me to the Salvation Army home. In this home, I was taken to the Oza primary school, by a Guardian, a man who was in charge of us.

During the school program, I learned the alphabet. My mum bought me books to learn to read and write. When I left the primary school, I went to secondary school. After the regular school program, I attended an “ after school” program. This program helped me to read and write. I have a very good teacher, Ojo, who was very caring. She made me work very hard. I made a lot of friends in school. My favorite subjects are Math, Biology and Accounting. These subjects will help me in my future career as an accountant.

I GREW UP HERE

I grew up in Benin City, the capital City of Edo State. I spent a few years in the Salvation Army home in the City. During my stay in the home the neighbors were very nice to me. The surrounding of the home center is so beautiful. The home is situated in the City. The City is a beautiful place to stay. There are fine houses and trees there. The people are hospitable and accommodating. I never regret my staying in the City. I learned a great deal and gain knowledge of the neighborhood around me.

A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AGAIN

I have this very special friend named Pastor Harry. In fact he is like a brother to me. He devoted most his time helping me. He is married to Augustine his wife, and they have three children. He is man of faith and vision. I take him to be my role model,.

For example when he was preparing for his wedding, he printed an invitation card, to invite people. These people assisted him in cash and food. According to Harry, he had $100.00 in his account for the wedding. Through the voluntary assistant and contribution towards the wedding by his friends he calculated the amount received from people, and the money spent, it was close to $4,000. When I was preparing for my own wedding, I asked his opinion, he told me to print invitation cards. During this period I had less than $200.00 in my account. I printed out the cards and I gave it to people. Voluntarily Help started coming in, and promises were made in sponsoring one or two things for the marriage. When we calculated things we got from people like money, a cow, bags of rice, cake and other things it was close to $4, 500 dollar. Ever since then, I have learned to have faith for the impossible. I wish to see him, if he ever comes to America.