Basketball player Kenneth Farr talks scholarships and life as a student-athlete
Kenneth Farr is one of 10 CSUEB African American Faculty and Staff Association Scholarships. (Photo: Kevin Hill)
- April 18, 2011
Cal State East Bay men's basketball player Kenneth Farr II was named as one of 10 recipients of this year's California State University, East Bay African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA) Scholarship.
Each year the AAFSA awards a number of scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students who are making a difference at East Bay in the classroom, on campus and in the community.
Farr, a rising sophomore guard, spoke with about the scholarship and the benefits and challenges of being a student-athlete at Cal State East Bay.
eastbaypioneers.com: What influenced you to attend Cal State East Bay?
Kenneth Farr: I decided to come to CSUEB because of the location, the education program, and because of my interest in the basketball program.
EBP: How have you enjoyed your time here thus far?
KF: I honestly have no complaints here so far. I enjoy my classes, the dorms, and the people I have met here, and I love my teammates. I can't ask for more.
EBP: What is the best part of being a student-athlete at East Bay?
KF: I get to play in the CCAA, the best Division II conference in the nation. A lot of people can't say that. Also, the team has great team chemistry both on and off the court. Most importantly, however, I love how close the athletes are here. Athletes from all sports often come together to hangout, which I especially enjoy.
EBP: What challenges do you face balancing your class schedule, practice and a healthy social life?
KF: It can get pretty challenging, but then again I love challenges. I organize my time really well, which helps a lot. There will be days when school and workouts can overwhelm my day and I have to give up a social event, but that's all a part of being a student-athlete.
EBP: Congratulations on your AAFSA Scholarship. Tell me a little about the award and who encouraged you to apply.
KF: Thank you. [Pioneer women's volleyball player] Jade Sanford informed me about this scholarship. The African American Faculty and Staff Association puts the award together. They award 10 CSUEB students who they feel represent the university in a positive way, both grade-wise and personality-wise, and have made it through big struggles that slowed them down.
EBP: What are you future goals for your education and how will the scholarship help you achieve those goals.
KF: While continuing to play basketball, I plan to major in liberal studies here and go into teaching. If I enjoy teaching, as I'm sure I will, I plan to advance to becoming a principal somewhere. I'm not sure what grade I want to teach yet. This scholarship will not only help me financially, but is a great motivation to keep going. The AAFSA committee has let me know that there are more people out there that believe in me than I think.
EBP: Part of the goal of this scholarship is to serve underrepresented parts of our community, tell us what role you play in your community and a little about your community involvement.
KF: To me, all communities deserve attention. However, I feel that communities that get no love deserve it the most. I was born and raised in Richmond. Many people judge Richmond because of all of the crimes and homicides that go on, but they do not realize how beautiful the city actually is, and how much potential it has. I plan to teach in Richmond, so when my students become successful, people will know that you can indeed make it out of Richmond.
EBP: Anything else you would like to add?
KF: I'm looking forward to an incredible basketball season this coming November.
Farr and the Pioneer men's basketball team will be back in action in November, when Cal State East Bay is set to enter its first year as a full member of Division II and the CCAA. The Pioneers will be eligible to compete for both conference and national championships during the 2011-12 season.